Sierra Library Services Platform Website Audit
Sierra brings all your library’s core workflows-circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, e‑resource management, serials, and more-into one powerful, modern platform.
It’s designed to streamline staff work, deliver a better patron experience, and evolve with your library through community‑driven releases like Sierra 6.4.
It’s designed to streamline staff work, deliver a better patron experience, and evolve with your library through community‑driven releases like Sierra 6.4.
One Unified Platform,
Built for Productivity
Sierra centralizes daily work across departments so staff don’t have to juggle multiple systems.
Circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, and e‑resource management are all available within one interface. Each staff member can customize their workspace by role, ensuring less clutter and more focus.
This unified approach saves time, reduces training needs, and helps staff spend more time serving patrons.
One Unified Platform,
Built for Productivity
Sierra centralizes daily work across departments so staff don’t have to juggle multiple systems.
Circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, and e‑resource management are all available within one interface. Each staff member can customize their workspace by role, ensuring less clutter and more focus.
This unified approach saves time, reduces training needs, and helps staff spend more time serving patrons.
Open Integration with RESTful APIs
Sierra offers a robust suite of RESTful APIs that give libraries real‑time access to data and functionality.
This allows for seamless integration with discovery layers, self‑service kiosks, authentication tools, and more.
By providing open connections, Sierra ensures your library has the flexibility to innovate, adapt, and integrate with the broader technology ecosystem without vendor lock‑in.
Open Integration with RESTful APIs
Sierra offers a robust suite of RESTful APIs that give libraries real‑time access to data and functionality.
This allows for seamless integration with discovery layers, self‑service kiosks, authentication tools, and more.
By providing open connections, Sierra ensures your library has the flexibility to innovate, adapt, and integrate with the broader technology ecosystem without vendor lock‑in.
Sierra on the Go: Web and Mobile Access
With Sierra Web and the Mobile Worklists app, staff can take their work beyond the desk.
Use a browser to access Sierra anywhere, or manage pull lists, inventory, and circulation with just a tablet or phone.
This mobility empowers staff to provide service in the stacks, at community events, or while working remotely.
Sierra on the Go: Web and Mobile Access
With Sierra Web and the Mobile Worklists app, staff can take their work beyond the desk.
Use a browser to access Sierra anywhere, or manage pull lists, inventory, and circulation with just a tablet or phone.
This mobility empowers staff to provide service in the stacks, at community events, or while working remotely.
Modern Patron Communications
Sierra supports modern engagement with LX Starter, a built‑in tool for creating attractive, branded email notices.
Patrons receive timely reminders and updates with a polished look that reflects your library’s identity.
Sierra also supports SMS and phone alerts, giving libraries the flexibility to connect with patrons by their preferred channel.
Modern Patron Communications
Sierra supports modern engagement with LX Starter, a built‑in tool for creating attractive, branded email notices.
Patrons receive timely reminders and updates with a polished look that reflects your library’s identity.
Sierra also supports SMS and phone alerts, giving libraries the flexibility to connect with patrons by their preferred channel.
Cataloging
Manage bibliographic records, track holdings, and load new metadata with ease.
Acquisitions
Streamline ordering, invoicing, and collection development.
Circulation
Handle check‑outs, renewals, returns, and hold requests efficiently.
eResource Management
Oversee electronic journals and databases alongside print collections.
Serials
Track serial subscriptions, standing orders, and bindery management.
Works with:
- Vega Discover
- Encore
- Decision Center
- Vega Promote
- Vega Program
- Vega Mobile
- Mobile Worklists
- Hosting
- INN-Reach
What our
customers say
customers say
“
Sierra puts us in a position to embrace change, add resources, and adapt readily to new technology.
FAQ about Sierra
What is Sierra and how is it different from an ILS?
Sierra is a modern Library Services Platform (LSP) that supports all core library workflows while extending beyond a traditional ILS through an open, API-driven architecture. It enables deeper integrations, greater configurability, and stronger support for electronic resources, allowing libraries to adapt workflows, connect systems, and evolve services more easily.
How does Sierra improve efficiency or save costs for a library?
Sierra streamlines library operations by consolidating core workflows into a single platform and automating routine tasks, which reduces manual effort and staff overhead. Its flexible deployment options, including cloud hosting, help lower infrastructure and maintenance costs while supporting scalable, efficient operations.
Can Sierra integrate with other systems and resources?
Yes. Sierra is built on an open architecture with robust RESTful APIs, enabling seamless integration with discovery platforms, self-service solutions, authentication systems, and other third-party services to support connected, end-to-end library workflows.
How does Sierra support mobile and remote library work?
Sierra supports flexible work through Sierra Web and Mobile Worklists, allowing staff to perform key circulation, inventory, and list-based tasks from browsers, tablets, or mobile devices. These tools enable staff to work efficiently in the stacks, offsite, or remotely, with additional mobile enhancements in development through the Vega platform.
What new features are available in Sierra 6.5?
Sierra 6.5 focuses on simplifying workflows and improving staff efficiency with enhancements like flexible patron checkout limits, direct access to patron records from item records, automatic inventory date updates, expanded hold-pickup visibility, stronger accessibility, and updated branding. It also introduces safeguards for notice delivery via SQS, extended “locations served” capacity, and continued migration of Admin Corner tools into the staff interfaces.
For full details, see the official announcement: https://iii.com/whats-new/announcing-sierra-6-5/
Talk to a sales consultant
To get pricing or answers to your questions about our products, contact us.
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