Library Technology Guides

Unique excited to collaborate with Evergreen ILS Community at Evergreen International Conference 2026. Unique is excited to announce that we will be represented at the 2026 Evergreen International Conference in Renton, Washington. This year's conference theme, “Evergreen Forward: Anticipate. Innovate. Elevate.”, brings together members of the Evergreen open-source ILS community to discuss development, infrastructure, and the evolving needs of libraries using the platform. [Full Announcement].

Six more libraries expand patron services with new Unique and MessageBee launches in Second Half of Q1. Six more libraries expand patron services with new Unique and MessageBee launches in Second Half of Q1, including Ames Public Library in Iowa, Elk Grove Village Public Library in Illinois, Fairfax County Public Library in Virginia, Old Bridge Public Library New Jersey, Pikes Peak Library District Colorado, and Valley Automated Library Network in North Central Idaho and Southeastern Washington. [Full Announcement].

Unique to exhibit, connect with public library leaders at PLA 2026 Conference. Unique will be represented at this year's Public Library Association Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The PLA Conference brings together public library leaders from across the country to share ideas, discuss emerging challenges, and explore new ways to serve their communities. Unique looks forward to joining these conversations and connecting with the professionals shaping the future of public libraries. [Full Announcement].

Unique to Showcase Library Tech at Computers in Libraries Conference. Unique announced that it will be represented at this years' Computers in Library conference in Arlington, Virginia. In step with the theme of ‘Purposeful Acceleration,' Unique brings several different solutions to libraries looking to the future of patron communication. Attendees will have the opportunity to chat with President Rob Klaus and learn about Unique's solutions like MessageBee, our Automated Borrower Tools, and Gentle Nudge Material Recovery. [Full Announcement].

Ten Libraries expand patron communications with MessageBee from Unique. Libraries across ten states have launched new MessageBee services, enhancing patron communication through SMS and email channels. [Full Announcement].

Equinox Partners with Unique Management Services to launch MessageBee SMS for Homer Public Library. Equinox Open Library Initiative, a trusted leader in open source technology development and support for libraries, is pleased to announce that the Homer Public Library is live on MessageBee SMS through a partnership between Equinox and Unique Management Services. [Full Announcement].

Seven libraries launch MessageBee from Unique in Q4 '25. Institutions from Alaska to Maryland have launched new MessageBee services this quarter, expanding their patron communication capabilities and strengthening engagement across multiple channels. [Full Announcement].

Six Libraries launch MessageBee from Unique in September. Arapahoe Library District (CO), Augusta County Library (VA), Bedford Public Library System (VA), Blackwater Regional Library (VA), Richland Library (SC), and Waynesboro Public Library (VA) have all implemented new MessageBee services this month, expanding their communication channels and enhancing patron engagement. [Full Announcement].

Unique to present at BiblioCon in Toronto, with upcoming appearances at LMCC. Unique Management Services is proud to announce its attendance as a co-presenter at BiblioCon in Toronto next month. Together with senior technology staff members at BiblioCommons, Unique's Director of Library Communication Melissa Fenton will present on the integration of BiblioCommons and Unique's MessageBee technology. The session will demonstrate how this integration increases functionality and usability for customers of both companies, providing libraries with a seamless, more powerful way to engage patrons and strengthen community connections. [Full Announcement].

Seven more libraries launch MessageBee from Unique in August. Allegany County Library System (MD), Greater Manchester Inter Library Consortial System (NH), Mohawk Valley Public Library (NY), San Juan Island Public Library (WA), Southern Adirondack Public Library (NY) and, Staunton Public Library (VA), and Yakima Valley Libraries (WA) have launched MessageBee this week, adding more communication channels for their patrons. [Full Announcement].

Unique reports strong first half of 2025 with growth across key services. Unique announced several highlights from the first half of 2025, showcasing continued growth and innovation across its suite of library services. From the successful launch of a new Address Verification Service to major milestones for MessageBee, Unique remains committed to helping libraries strengthen patron communication, simplify operations, and advocate for public support. [Full Announcement].

Four library systems expand patron communication with launch of MessageBee. Four systems across the United States launch MessageBee, expanding patron communication tools and upgrading deliverability across email, SMS, and phone notices, including Alameda Free Library, Calcasieu Parish Public Library, SELCO – Southeastern Libraries Cooperating, and Scott County Library System. [Full Announcement].

Mid-Continent Public Library (MO) launches MessageBee from Unique. Unique Management Services announced the launch of MessageBee for Mid-Continent Public Library in Missouri. The Kansas City-area Library and Unique Management Services have maintained a strong partnership spanning nearly two decades, working together to safeguard patron access via Material Recovery efforts. The new MessageBee service underscores the library's commitment to patron access and equity. [Full Announcement].

Farmington Community Library (MI) launches MessageBee from Unique. Unique Management Services is proud to announce the launch of MessageBee for Farmington Community Library in Michigan. The Farmington Community Library and Unique Management Services have maintained a strong partnership over the last decade, working together to safeguard patron access via Material Recovery efforts. The new MessageBee service underscores the library's commitment to patron access and equity. [Full Announcement].

Onondaga County Public Library (NY) launches MessageBee from Unique. Unique Management Services is proud to announce the launch of MessageBee for Onondaga County Public Library. The western New York system makes up more than 30 branches and serves nearly half a million people, making it one of the largest library systems in the Empire State. [Full Announcement].

Strathcona County Library (AB) Launches MessageBee from Unique. Unique Management Services announced the launch of MessageBee for Strathcona County Library in Alberta. The Strathcona County Library and Unique Management Services have maintained a strong partnership over the last decade, working together to safeguard patron access via Material Recovery efforts. The new MessageBee service underscores the library's commitment to patron access and equity. [Full Announcement].

Manhattan Public Library (KS) launches MessageBee. Unique Management Services is proud to announce the launch of MessageBee for Manhattan Public Library this week. Subscribed patrons will now begin receiving SMS notifications for their library transactions. [Full Announcement].

Wichita Public Library (KS) launches Call Handling from Unique. The Wichita Public Library has partnered with Unique Library to enhance its patron communication with professional call-handling services. As the largest city in Kansas, Wichita Public Library serves over 397,000 residents through its seven library locations and Friends bookstore, providing access to books, digital resources, community programs, and more. [Full Announcement].

Unique announces four Libraries add MessageBee service in February. Unique Management Services is excited to announce the addition of MessageBee service for the following the Aurora Public Library (IL), Palos Verdes Library District (CA), Riverside County Library System (CA), and Washington County Cooperative Library Services (OR). [Full Announcement].

Unique launches MessageBee RenewIQ, a new patron address verification service. Unique Management Services announced the launch of RenewIQ, an innovative solution designed to streamline library patron account renewals. RenewIQ automates the renewal process by verifying patron addresses through a combination of verified data sources, ensuring uninterrupted access to library services. [Full Announcement].