Smarter workflows, greater control, and what’s coming next
A recap of the latest Sierra 6.5 release and a summary of enhancements highlighted during our recent library webinar.
Sierra continues to evolve in ways that make library operations faster, more intuitive, and more accessible. The release of Sierra, combined with recent updates shared during our customer webinar, introduces new efficiencies for circulation workflows, improvements for multi-branch systems, and strengthened accessibility features. Below is a consolidated overview of what’s new and what’s ahead.
What’s new in this Sierra release
Enhanced Patron Checkout Limits
Libraries can now set checkout limits by item type, item location, and library location served, enabling more flexible lending policies across varied collections.
Open Patron Records Directly from Item Records
Staff can now open or edit a patron record by double-clicking or right-clicking the patron number displayed in an item record, reducing navigation steps and saving time at the desk.
Automatic Inventory Date Updates
When items are checked in using the Sierra Desktop App or Sierra Web, the Inventory Date field automatically updates, supporting efficient inventory workflows.
Accessibility Improvements
Sierra delivers improved screen-reader support, clearer focus indicators, updated color contrast, and additional enhancements aligned with accessibility guidelines.
Updated Branding and Theme Refresh
Sierra interfaces now include updated product branding, refreshed login screens, and revised color palettes for both the Glacier Point and Half Dome themes.
Additional enhancements
- Pickup-location visibility and exhibition support enhancements for libraries using Lyngsoe’s IMMS
- Expanded “locations served” limit (from 1,000 to 2,000) for complex multi-branch networks
- New SQS-queue check before sending notices via SMS (for Vega Interact / LX Starter), reducing risk of lost/misfired notices
- Ability to assign penalty points for unclaimed holds
- Improved navigation from Create Lists to Delete Records to make it easier for staff to delete records from a file
- Migration of Admin Corner features into the Sierra client and the Admin App for easier access by library staff
Watch the webinar recording
During the live session, libraries raised thoughtful and practical questions such as:
- “Is there a limit to how many patron checkout limits we can configure?”
- “Should we continue using max item limits, or switch entirely to the new patron checkout limits?”
- “How do penalty points stack when multiple unclaimed holds expire at different times?”
- “Will inventory dates update even if the item isn’t checked out?”
- “How does the new SQS connectivity check work with auto-generated notices?”
The recording dives into each of these questions in detail, with clear explanations and real examples from the product team. It’s a great way to see not just what’s new, but how to use it in everyday library workflows.
You’ll also get a feel for how these enhancements can make a difference for your staff and patrons – whether it’s simplifying circulation, improving notice reliability, or giving you more confidence in your system settings.
You can watch the complete Sierra Webinar recording here
Next steps for Sierra: What’s coming in 2026
Looking ahead, Sierra’s 2026 roadmap continues the momentum of modernization and customer-driven enhancements. Planned areas of development include improvements to acquisitions & serials status, catalog database status, circulation status, and expanded record-link maintenance workflows. Work is also underway on viewing history of item and volume records, setting call number groups for statistical reporting, scoping authority records, and strengthening integrations across the Vega product ecosystem-including Vega Discover, Vega Interact, and future reporting capabilities in Vega Reports.
These initiatives reflect our commitment to simplifying operations, improving system performance, and ensuring Sierra libraries have the tools they need to manage collections, notices, and metadata with greater precision and ease.
Looking ahead
Sierra brings meaningful enhancements designed to streamline circulation, improve accessibility, and modernize the staff experience-and we’re excited to build on this foundation in 2026. If you have questions about these updates or would like support planning your next steps, please reach out to your account manager.
We look forward to partnering with you as Sierra continues to evolve.