The Power of Partnership: Sierra 6.4 boosts productivity through community collaboration

 

Innovative, from Clarivate, is proud to announce the release of Sierra 6.4, the latest evolution of our robust, field-proven integrated library system (ILS).

This release furthers our commitment to empowering library teams with seamless integrations, enhanced mobility, and stronger support for modern library workflows. 

Following the momentum from Sierra 6.3, which introduced improved SMS capabilities and strengthened web-based workflows, release 6.4 builds on that foundation with new features inspired by community feedback through our MEEP initiative. These updates are designed to support library consortia, enhance staff productivity, and expand services to users – continuing our commitment to delivering real-world solutions shaped by the needs of Sierra libraries.

 

What’s new in Sierra 6.4

 

Integration with Rapido Consortial Borrowing
Sierra 6.4 includes deeper integration with Ex Libris Rapido to streamline resource sharing across consortia. Currently in testing, this enhancement offers libraries a unified experience when managing interlibrary loans across platforms. 

Expanding Patron Services
Sierra 6.4 introduces meaningful enhancements to how libraries serve and engage patrons.
UPCs are now included in notice data, enabling systems to automatically generate cover images for media items, delivering a more visually engaging user experience.
Additionally, return dates now appear in reading history, helping patrons keep better track of their borrowing activity. We’ve also added SMS opt-in status visibility within the WebPAC, giving patrons and staff clearer control over communication preferences. 

Improved Staff Productivity
Sierra 6.4 introduces refinements across the Sierra staff app to help teams work more efficiently. We’ve streamlined system behaviors and updated key UI elements to reduce friction in daily workflows—enabling circulation and technical services staff to complete tasks with greater speed and accuracy.
 

Future-ready with Vega Mobile Worklists

 

As part of our strategic roadmap, Sierra 6.4 further lays the groundwork for integrating with Vega Mobile Worklists, the award-winning mobile solution purpose-built for circulation staff. 

If your library currently uses Mobile Worklists, you’ll automatically gain access to Vega Mobile Worklists – bringing a refreshed, modern user experience to handheld workflows like paging, pull list management, and in-branch item tracking. Built on the latest mobile tech stack, Vega Mobile Worklists enhances staff agility while retaining the familiar power of Sierra.

 

Join our Sierra 6.4 webinar

 

Join us for an upcoming live webinar to explore the highlights of the 6.4 release, see the new features in action, and hear what’s coming next in the Sierra roadmap.

July 9 | 11:00 AM ET

Register Here

Stay tuned for your invitation to learn how Sierra 6.4 can help your library do more – faster, smarter, and with greater ease.

 

Celebrating our community

 

The Sierra community continues to grow and thrive, with libraries worldwide choosing Sierra for its robust functionality and adaptability. Recent additions to the Sierra family include:

Bloomfield Township Public Library launches Sierra SMS notifications – Innovative Interfaces Inc.

Expanding Trust: Northern Waters Library Service builds on Sierra – Innovative Interfaces Inc. 

Lithgow Public Library chooses Vega Mobile to power its digital future – Innovative Interfaces Inc. 

PrairieCat partners with Innovative to launch Vega Mobile – Innovative Interfaces Inc.

Minuteman Library Networks Selects Sierra for its Shared Integrated Library System Based on Functionality and Security – Innovative Interfaces Inc. 

 

Looking Ahead

 

Sierra 6.4 represents another step in our ongoing investment in the Sierra platform — from web-based enhancements to deeper ecosystem integrations with Clarivate and Ex Libris solutions. 

Our roadmap includes continued modernization of the user experience, tighter integration across Vega LX modules, and expanded SMS and staff productivity tools. 

Sierra 6.4 is more than just an update; it’s a testament to our commitment to evolving with the needs of modern libraries. By integrating advanced features and fostering a collaborative community, we aim to empower libraries to serve their communities more effectively. We look forward to continuing this journey together, shaping the future of library services.