Customer service
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
Creating a person-centered library: Supporting patrons while avoiding burnout
Publish Date: Webinar / 13 March 2024
This webinar reviews ideas and approaches for how libraries can support both high-needs patrons and staff.
Libraries Foster Social Connection: Responding to the Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation
Publish Date: Webinar / 4 January 2024
Explore ways to intentionally design for social connection in library services and programs.
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 ...
Designing for Diversity in Your Library’s Communications
Publish Date: Webinar / 13 July 2023
Motivations, ideas, and inspiration for supporting diverse populations and creating community with care.
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...
Hunger-Free Libraries: Food Pantries and Fridges
Publish Date: News / 4 April 2023
Food insecurity is a problem that has drawn increasing attention in recent years. Libraries have a long, rich history of partnering with government and nonprofit agencies to help improve food access, and lately they have been helping in new and creat...