Category Archives: Customer Service

Find Your Own Way

Posted on July 19, 2017 by cbecker53

Some things that many people say libraries/librarians “should” do may be hold-overs from an earlier time. Others may be things that work in one library/community, but not in another. So you don’t always need to listen when someone tells you … Continue reading →

Posted in Customer Service, Management, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment

Helping Hands

Posted on May 22, 2017 by cbecker53

Libraries are here to do so many things. One of them, as I’ve told you before, is to help, not only those looking for information, but those in need.

Posted in Customer Service, Homeless, Information Services, Library in Community, Library Partnerships, Library Services, Public Libraries | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Good Idea!

Posted on February 22, 2017 by cbecker53

This story comes from my “what a great idea!” file. The Chicago Public Library is partnering with CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) to offer free content to CTA train and bus riders. (The CTA offers free 4G wireless connectivity.) What a … Continue reading →

Posted in Collaboration, Customer Service, Library in Community, Library Partnerships, Library Services, Public Libraries, Services, Technology | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

High Expectations in 2016

Posted on December 6, 2016 by cbecker53

What do Americans expect from their public libraries? The short answer is “a lot.”

Posted in Customer Service, Information Services, Library Building, Library in Community, Library Partnerships, Library Programs, Library Services, Library spaces, Public Libraries | Leave a comment

Add Value

Posted on November 18, 2016 by cbecker53

We talk and hear a lot about how libraries provide value to their communities. But what does that really mean?    

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“This Won’t Hurt a Bit!”

Posted on September 6, 2016 by cbecker53

As a (mostly retired) librarian, it troubles me that an article about library anxiety among college students has been getting quite a bit of play lately (at least in the library-related blogs and sites I follow).

Posted in Academic Libraries, Customer Service, Information Services, Library Building, Library Services, Library spaces, Public Libraries, Reference service, Services, Signage | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Library of the Year: Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

Posted on August 18, 2016 by cbecker53

Congratulations to Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library (KS), 2016 Gale/LJ Library of the Year. “The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library (TSCPL), KS, is engaged in every discussion in its community. In fact, it is usually leading them. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Collections, Customer Service, Library Building, Library in Community, Library Partnerships, Public Libraries, Services, Signage, Technology | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Lifelong Learners

Posted on August 9, 2016 by cbecker53

According to an April report from the Pew Research Center: “Most Americans believe libraries do a decent job of serving the education and learning needs of their communities and their own families.”

Posted in Collections, Customer Service, Information Services, Library in Community, Library Programs, Library Services, Literacy, Marketing, Promotion, Public Libraries, Reference service | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Boy, Can She Think on Her Feet!

Posted on May 26, 2016 by cbecker53

Librarians are really smart people, and reference librarians are some of the smartest. đŸ™‚ But sometimes, they have to be not only smart, but quick. As in witty. As you’ll see in this chat reference transcript of a question asked … Continue reading →

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Why not?

Posted on April 26, 2016 by cbecker53

“Search, click and you have your book in hand in a day or two.”

Posted in Collections, Customer Service, Library in Community, Library Services, Public Libraries, Services | Leave a comment