Customer service

Customer Service at the Circ Desk

As our profession contemplates the future of libraries, a recurring theme surfaces: that the public trust and faith in the institution is not so much about information retrieval or document management as it is about the intangibles—the relationships, the place, the environment for learning. It is top-notch customer service that will sustain and grow libraries. Explore here the resources on communication, creating patron-focused spaces, customer service practices and dealing with difficult patrons.

Self-paced courses and webinar recordings on this topic are freely available in the WebJunction Course Catalog.

Most Recently Added

Cardholder Signup: Collecting and Analyzing How Patrons Get Library Cards

Publish Date: News / 27 November 2023

In May 2023, with funding from the Mellon Foundation, Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) launched an 18-month research project to collect and study cardholder signup policies from public libraries across the nation. The project aims to identify the range ...

Resources for Supporting Veterans and Military-Affiliated Patrons

Publish Date: News / 1 November 2023

Libraries play a vital role in serving the diverse needs of their communities, and one group that often benefits greatly is our nation's Veterans, current military members, and their families. Chances are you’re already doing great work in welcoming ...

New Courses for Library, Archive, and Museum Staff

Publish Date: News / 3 October 2023

Library, archive, and museum staff face similar challenges when it comes to responding to a crisis, de-escalating conflict, and addressing burnout. Four new on-demand courses provide staff in cultural heritage institutions with information and tools ...

A Delicious Library Collaboration

Publish Date: News / 23 May 2023

Running a restaurant is no easy task. And while libraries do a lot of things amazingly well, being a restaurant operator on top of all that is a tricky proposition. But when has a challenge ever stopped a library? This is certainly the case for Toled...

Library Safety and Security: A Holistic Approach

Publish Date: Webinar / 18 May 2023

This session presents a holistic approach for creating safe environments, through strong community relationships, inclusive policies, and empowered staff.

Partner with Indie Authors to Share Diverse Stories

Publish Date: News / 25 April 2023

Despite efforts to increase representation in publishing, the industry remains predominantly white. Authors of color often face a range of challenges, including difficulty finding literary agents, limited access to publishing opportunities, and insuf...