Times are tough but we can't help but feel a little optimistic with the new year finally (finally!) around the corner. And while the next few months remain difficult and unclear, there is good news on the horizon.
We've learned the hard way that yearly trend predictions may be tossed in the trash by March, but there are a few that feel like safe bets. :knocks on wood:
Here are service trends we've identified that are here to stay, along with how you can use your Springy tools to accomplish them!
The way we talk to and connect with one another suddenly changed this year. And while there is no complete substitute for in-person interactions, for some, there have been benefits to this forced shift to remote communication and reference services. You've also hopefully found tools that have allowed you to improve, and continue to improve upon, your inter- and intra-personal communication.
For LibAnswers and LibWizard users looking to make your workflows even simpler, we have a few tips for you!
It's safe to say that dual in-person and online offerings will last through the rest of the pandemic and even beyond. Zoom fatigue aside, we've found there are a few advantages to the flexibility of online programs, provided we have the equipment and internet connection to access them.
With LibCal, you can benefit from its many in-person and online features. Here are a few things you can do with either formats, plus ways you can quickly shift from one to the other.
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Seat Reservations |
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One-on-One Appointments |
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Program & Event Calendars |
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[No audio] See how easy it is
to communicate via Pickup Manager!
We still have a few months or longer before we can linger over library shelves and in our favorite indoor spaces.
And post-pandemic, pickup options will still be around for books, printed materials, and the like - whether it's at a parking space, table, or dedicated desk.
In case you haven't heard, our newly released Pickup Manager cuts down on the back and forth of arranging item pickups.
With flexible scheduling, streamlined mobile chat and SMS/text options, plus ILS integration, it cuts down on the double work required in many pickup workflows.
We have more features in the works, like automatic checkout functionality, LibCal Equipment checkouts, and ILL integration. Plus, it's affordable!
Site security is incredibly important to us, which is why all Springshare tools are required to load securely over HTTPS. This is great for your staff and end-users because it helps to thwart intruders from tampering with the communications between your websites and your users’ browsers.
If you have a custom site domain (such as https://guides.mylibrary.edu), don't forget you can take advantage of a Springshare managed Let's Encrypt certificate instead of purchasing and uploading your own! And all Springshare domain sites (libguides.com, libcal.com, e.g.) are automatically secured with Let's Encrypt certificates.
Since 2018, we've been offering this free service to all customers with Springshare and custom domains, and we take care of its install and renewal. It's a hands-off process, saving you time and money!