Library staff and patrons both rely on clear, timely communication about upcoming due dates, items on hold, and events, among other things. The easiest way to send these notifications is by using your library software’s built-in patron notices.
Types of Notices
There are several types of notices sent by libraries. These include:
- Overdue Notices, notifying patrons about overdue materials
- Reminder Notices, for resources that are due soon
- Fines Notices, telling patrons about fines owed to the library
- Hold Pickup Notices, letting users know an item they requested is ready for pickup
- Welcome Notices, welcoming new patrons and giving them library information
- Status Notices, giving users the status of their accounts, such as a list of items checked out
- Custom Notices, notices that can be customized for various uses, such as promoting library programs or announcing a policy change
Sending notices
Most library software gives you multiple options when sending notices, so that you can communicate with patrons using their preferred method. For example, Surpass Cloud offers the option to send email and printed notices, and also SMS text messages with an optional text messaging package.
A way to save the layout and text of different notice types, such as the Notice Sets in Surpass Cloud, ensure that the message is consistent. Having the ability to save multiple Notice Sets also gives users the ability to tailor their messages to different audiences or patron groups.
Options to send notices to more than one email address are also useful. A field in the patron record, such as Surpass’ “Additional Email for Notices” field, enables selected notices to be sent to a second address. Schools use this feature for notices that they would like sent to the parents as well as the students.
Helpful Tips
Crafting effective notices that capture readers’ attention is important to getting your message across. Ensuring that information is delivered in clear, friendly language is important. As mentioned earlier, giving patrons choices in how notices are sent to them helps ensure that they are received. Keeping notices relatively short, especially when sending text messages, makes it more likely that the recipients take time to read them.
Conclusion
Using your ILS’ patron notification features effectively can help make the library experience more enjoyable. Sending timely, clear notices helps patrons return items on time, learn about library events, and keep track of holds and checked out items, among other things. Notices help libraries be more efficient, reliable, and connected to their patrons and communities.
About Surpass
Surpass Cloud is the easy-to-use, cloud-based library management system for libraries of all types and sizes. Whether you’re a school, church, museum, business, or any other organization with resources to lend, Surpass is likely a good fit for you. We pride ourselves on being affordable and flexible, with an expert support team ready to help you at a moment’s notice.
