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
Dealing with Difficult Situations
Publish Date: News / 10 December 2024
Public libraries are meant to be safe and welcoming spaces, but sometimes difficult situations arise that can affect both staff and patrons. In the new self-paced course, “Dealing with Difficult Situations,” you’ll explore a range of scenarios, the i...
Crafting and maintaining effective patron policies for community success
Publish Date: Webinar / 18 September 2024
Learn to create policies that will enable safe and effective library operations in your community.
Cultural humility in library work
Publish Date: Webinar / 17 July 2024
Explore the benefits of incorporating cultural humility into library practice, whether through interpersonal interactions or to inform and improve policies and procedures.
Partner with indie authors to share diverse stories
Publish Date: News / 11 June 2024
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...
Supporting domestic and sexual violence survivors at your library
Publish Date: Webinar / 6 June 2024
Learn to recognize signs of domestic/sexual violence and the ways your library can support survivors through referrals and resources.
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 ...