{"id":33925,"date":"2025-02-05T10:59:30","date_gmt":"2025-02-05T15:59:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.iii.com\/?post_type=blog&p=33925"},"modified":"2025-02-07T10:31:04","modified_gmt":"2025-02-07T15:31:04","slug":"sierra-celebrates-a-successful-2024","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.iii.com\/whats-new\/sierra-celebrates-a-successful-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Sierra Celebrates a Successful 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over the past year, Sierra<\/strong>\u00a0has reached major milestones, solidifying its reputation as a trusted and powerful integrated library system.<\/p>\n

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Key Enhancements and Improved Library Operations<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

In 2024, we released Sierra 6.2<\/a> and Sierra 6.3<\/a>. With input from our users, we\u2019ve introduced batch cancelation of order records, placing holds on multiple volumes, and a new Scoping Rules function to simplify catalog management.<\/p>\n

Building on this foundation, Sierra 6.3<\/strong> introduced updated SMS integrations<\/strong>, a new Load Table editing platform<\/strong>, and additional user-requested features. Enhancements also included support for home pickup logic via API, improved tools for managing review files, and certified compatibility with RedHat and Oracle Linux 9.<\/p>\n

These updates streamline library operations, introduce new staff permissions, and enhance security, showing our commitment to continuous improvement. Additionally, Innovative Phone Alerts for SMS<\/a> allow libraries to send text notifications to patrons about overdue items, available holds, and canceled holds, improving communication and engagement.<\/p>\n

To explore these updates in greater detail, join our upcoming webinar on Sierra 6.3<\/a><\/p>\n

In addition, we launched a free, self-paced Sierra Load Profile Training<\/a> on the Innovative Training and Learning Center. This online course includes more than eight hours of video content \u2014 but don\u2019t worry, there\u2019s a checklist to help you keep track of your progress. We know managing your Sierra system well is important to you and this is a great opportunity to improve your knowledge of the system and optimize data workflows.<\/p>\n

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Unlimited number of Sierra Web users<\/strong><\/h4>\n

To expand Sierra Web access for more staff users, we\u2019ve enhanced its scalability by setting up and load-balancing multiple instances.<\/p>\n

So far, we\u2019ve upgraded 15 customers to unlimited Sierra Web capacity<\/strong>, demonstrating our commitment to providing flexible, high-performance solutions that support libraries in maximizing productivity and user accessibility.<\/p>\n

Libraries can now make full use of Sierra Web without restrictions, as there is no longer a limit on the number of users.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019d like to learn more, feel free to reach out<\/a> to us.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Evolving Sierra: Roadmap Shaped by IUG and Idea Exchange<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The Idea Exchange<\/span><\/span> is a <\/span>collaborative space where any and all Innovative customers can share feedback and ideas that inform the development of our solutions.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span>By visiting the <\/span><\/span>Idea Exchange community page<\/span><\/span><\/a> or <\/span>submitting<\/span> ideas directly through<\/span><\/span> Innovative\u2019s<\/span> Idea Portal<\/span><\/span><\/a>, users can comment on and upvote suggestions that matter most to their libraries.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
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<\/span>Join us at the<\/span><\/span> IUG conference<\/span><\/span><\/a> in <\/span><\/span>Denver<\/span><\/span><\/strong> from <\/span><\/span>March 13\u201315<\/span><\/span><\/strong>! <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span>Visit <\/span>Clarivate\u2019s<\/span> booth to explore new features, connect with our team, and get insights into the product roadmap.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Strengthening Our Commitment to Sierra\u2019s Growth<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

Additionally, <\/span>we\u2019ve<\/span> increased our engineering and development resources <\/span>for <\/span>Sierra<\/span> and have <\/span><\/span>additional<\/span> staff<\/span><\/span><\/strong> in our <\/span><\/span>Denver office<\/span><\/span><\/strong>.<\/span><\/span>
\n<\/span><\/span>By doing this, we <\/span>reaffirm our commitment to<\/span> building upon this year’s successes and continuing our partnership with libraries worldwide in the years to come.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dial-a-<\/span>S<\/span>tory<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n


\n<\/span>Celebrating our community<\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h4>\n

It\u2019s<\/span> exciting to see what our Sierra libraries have <\/span>accomplished<\/span> this year! From <\/span><\/span>prestigious recognitions<\/span><\/span><\/strong> to <\/span><\/span>major system upgrades<\/span><\/span><\/strong>, our community continues to innovate and enhance library services. Libraries across the country have embraced <\/span>new technologies<\/span>, improved <\/span>discovery<\/span> and management tools, and strengthened their systems with Sierra\u2019s functionality and security. <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
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<\/span>Here are some of the inspiring stories from our library partners<\/span>:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Libraries can now enhance community engagement with <\/span><\/span>Dial-a-Story<\/span><\/span><\/a>, an easy-to-use service <\/span>powered by <\/span><\/span>Innovative Phone Alerts (IPA)<\/span><\/span><\/a> that <\/span>allows <\/span>patrons to<\/span> access<\/span> library content<\/span> by phone<\/span> anytime, anywhere. <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
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<\/span>Dial-a-Story integrates seamlessly with <\/span><\/span>IPA<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u2019s automated phone messaging, ensuring reliable and personalized access to library content.<\/span><\/span> \u00a0<\/span>
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<\/span>Whether serving <\/span><\/span>young readers, seniors, visually impaired, or homebound patrons<\/span><\/span>, this feature provides a consistent and branded way for libraries to reach their communities. Library staff can easily upload, manage, and refresh content each month, keeping offerings engaging and up to date.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n