Public libraries have always been seen and accustomed as the foundation and strength of knowledge and its enhancement. They offer you vast access to a broad range of resources and materials while serving as hubs for a large community.
Public libraries are the best resources for research, casual reading, and educational reading. Nowadays, in the digital age, everything is progressing, so why leave libraries behind? Easy access to digital resources such as e-books, software, and online databases has changed the world.
However, online e-resources and books cannot carry away the essence the books and libraries give. So, if you are looking for tips and tactics to hold back your patrons, you can use the technology to help you!
It is very important to acknowledge that technology can play a huge role in offering tonnes of opportunities for public libraries so that they can enhance their services, as well as improve the level of patron satisfaction. This blog consists of ten tips to improve your patron customer service using technology to take your library business to the next level.
Ten Tips on Utilizing Technology to Improve Patron Customer Service
Apart from hosting holiday events or harnessing the power of social media, you can use innovative and high-tech ideas for patron customer satisfaction. ThinkSmart experts explain ten ways to leverage technology in public libraries to boost your patron service satisfaction:
- Digital Resources and Online Catalogues
With the help of user-friendly and accessible digital resources and online catalogs, you can offer the public a lot of convenience in browsing, searching, and access to library materials from any place.
By implementing this, your system can provide many features like digital lending, personalized recommendations, audiobooks, and e-books. A seamless and convenient digital experience can enhance your libraries to a better and top-notch user experience of accessing these materials.
- Self-Service Checkouts and Returns
You can integrate self-service checkout kiosks and automated material returning systems in your library, which will ease the process of borrowing and returning the materials because the patrons won’t have to wait in long queues.
By putting this technology into use, you will not only be improving efficiency, but you will also empower patrons to monitor their library transactions so that they can keep a check and record of their transactions.
- Apps for Library Services
Mobile Apps are the best way for library patrons to access the services your library provides them and track their daily reading and studying time, number of materials, and the browsed links and resources.
You can develop library applications according to your patrons’ preferences to provide useful features and services like event notifications, account management, digital resource access, and catalog browsing.
A pro tip: Ensure your mobile app has a user-friendly and convenient interface incorporated with the latest design trends to improve user engagement.
- Virtual Reference Services
Quick assistance has become prominent among the youth and public these days. With AI Chatbots, or live chat platforms, you can make your patrons receive instant assistance from library staff, even if they are not physically present. AI and virtual assistance enhance response times, offer 24/7 support, and ensure your library efficiently addresses all patrons’ inquiries.
- Digital Signage and Interactive Displays
You could install digital signs and interactive displays all over the library so that you can serve many purposes. Your library will become very useful and effective in providing real-time information and notifications about oncoming events, features, resources, and updates regarding the library.
Interactive displays also engage patrons in virtual tours, educational content, and interactive games, creating a mesmerizing experience that encourages a sense of enjoyment and discovery.
- Community Engagement through Social Media
Leverage the power of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to connect with patrons on a wider scale.
You can share updates, launch campaigns, and engage your patrons in conversations with the members of their community. It will foster a notion of belonging among the patrons; your library will reach out to a wider audience and can also receive feedback to improve the services you are providing.
- Digital Skill Development Programs
Hosting training programs and workshops can be an interesting event to interact with patrons and showcase the recent collaboration your library is working on to gain their trust. You could conduct sessions addressing internet safety, computer literacy, coding, and online research. Equipping your patrons with the necessary digital skills can empower individuals to confidently navigate the digital landscape while improving their access to opportunities.
- Technology Labs and Maker Spaces
Public library will motivate patrons to explore their creativity and foster new skills if you create technology labs and dedicated maker spaces within your library. Maker spaces can incorporate many modern tools, such as 3D printers, multimedia editing, and robotics kits.
Libraries become dynamic and skillful when you cultivate modern technologies, hands-on learning, and innovation into them so that you can cater to various interests and publicize life-long learning.
- Webinars and Virtual Programming
You can amplify the reach of the public library programs with the help of webinars and virtual platforms, which allow patrons to participate in workshops and events from a remote location or anywhere.
You can host virtual book clubs, author talks, and other educational webinars. You could embrace virtual programming, which will extend your library’s services beyond physical limitations, gratify a variety of schedules, and connect with patrons who sometimes face hindrances between in-person congregations.
- Data-Driven Decision Making
You can enable data-driven decision-making in libraries so that you can collect insights and make familiar choices for improving patron services. Data analysis can help to draw insights from collected data on patron preferences, resource utilization, and the impact of your library service.
All this information could help your libraries recognize trends, understand user behavior, and adjust the services to meet the requirements of patrons. It will help unveil prominent genres and trendy subjects, allowing your library to curate the collections according to popularity. Libraries can also distinguish peak usage times or areas where supplementary resources or staff assistance might be needed.
Wrapping up,
All these are ways for public libraries to carefully and efficiently utilize the latest technologies with a broad array of tools and opportunities, thus enhancing patron service satisfaction. By incorporating technology, you can reaffirm the role of public libraries as their identity of original vital community resources in the current digital age and ensure that the services are kept engaging, relevant, and satisfying for everybody.
ThinkSmart expert developers can assist you in leveraging the power of advanced technology, like AI and cloud services, in boosting your patron customer satisfaction. Visit our website today to contact us, and we’ll help you from the beginning to the end.
