> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.oskaros.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Public & Citizen Services

> Blueprint for libraries, citizen service centres, government offices, and testing centres.

### Who It’s For

Libraries, citizen service centres, municipal departments, testing centres, and public-facing offices that rely on structured appointments.

***

### Key Challenges & Needs

* High appointment volume with limited staff and rooms.
* Keeping calendars clear, coordinated, and free of double bookings.
* Ensuring citizens book the right service with the right staff member.
* Reducing no-shows and last-minute cancellations.
* Collecting information securely before the appointment.

***

### Recommended Oskar Setup

#### 1. Add counters, rooms, and staff

Create all workstations, rooms, or service desks as **resources** in\
**[Resources](/documentation/core-modules/resources)**.\
For identical counters, use **[Sub-Resources](/documentation/faq/sub-resources)** to automatically allocate the next available desk.

Add employees in **[Staff](/documentation/core-modules/staff)**, assigning roles and access permissions.

#### 2. Define appointment types

In **[Services](/documentation/core-modules/services)**, create bookable services such as:

* “Passport Application – 30 min”
* “Driver’s Licence Renewal – 20 min”
* “Library Equipment Pickup – 10 min”
* “Document Certification – 15 min”

Set duration, pricing (if any), and add optional extras where relevant.\
Assign each service to the relevant staff or room to keep schedules accurate.

#### 3. Collect required information

Use **[Intake Forms](/guides/smart-tips-and-growth/intake-forms)** or **Custom Fields** to gather:

* ID numbers
* Reason for visit
* Documents needed
* Accessibility requirements

Forms appear during booking and are saved under the citizen’s profile in\
**[Customers](/documentation/core-modules/customers)**.

#### 4. Enable confirmations and reminders

To reduce missed appointments:

* Toggle reminders **per service** under\
  **Left Menu → MANAGE → Services → \[Service Name] → Notifications**
* Require deposits (if applicable) in **Payment & Checkout**, or keep services free
* Add instructions to confirmation emails (location details, documents to bring)

To learn more strategies, see **[Reduce No-Shows](/guides/smart-tips-and-growth/reduce-no-shows)**.

#### 5. Manage the daily schedule

Use the **[Calendar](/documentation/core-modules/calendar)** to:

* View appointments by day, week, month, timeline, or list
* Filter by resource (desk, room), staff member, service, or status
* Add manual bookings for phone requests or walk-ins
* Adjust availability instantly if offices need to change hours

All updates sync across the team in real time.

#### 6. Support multi-counter operations

For departments with multiple identical desks:

* Create a main resource (e.g., “Service Counter”)
* Add units like “Counter 1,” “Counter 2,” … using tracked sub-resources
* Let Oskar auto-assign the next available unit during booking
* Use **Timeline View** to see counters vertically for an instant overview

This prevents overlaps and keeps operations orderly.

***

### Key Oskar Features

* Clean public booking page for appointment scheduling.
* Real-time calendar with multiple views and filters.
* Sub-resources to manage identical counters or rooms.
* Intake forms to collect required details up front.
* Integrated online or offline payments when needed.
* Automated confirmations and optional reminders.
* Customer profiles with booking history and notes.

***

### Wow Features

*(All real and available today)*

* **Sub-resource automation** for multi-counter environments.
* **QR-based check-in** for workshops, trainings, or group sessions.
* **Multi-booking cart** for multi-step visits (e.g., “Application + Pickup”).
* **Service-first, resource-first, or event-first** booking flows.
* **Timeline view** that visualises parallel counters instantly.

***

### Core Messages

* Offer clear, organised appointment scheduling for citizens.
* Keep staff calendars coordinated and free from double bookings.
* Collect necessary information securely before appointments.
* Reduce no-shows with reminders and clear communication.
* Manage all appointments, rooms, and staff in one calm system.

***

### Learn More

For public organisations, Oskar helps simplify bookings and reduce administrative overhead.\
Explore our **[government scheduling software](https://www.oskaros.com/use-cases/government-scheduling-software)** to see examples of citizen-facing appointment flows.\
Libraries and community programmes can also benefit from features in our\
**[childcare booking software](https://www.oskaros.com/use-cases/childcare-booking-software)** and\
**[class scheduling tools](https://www.oskaros.com/use-cases/course-scheduling-and-class-booking-software)**.