Innovative™, Part of Clarivate™, is thrilled to announce the release of Sierra™ 6.3 with updated SMS integrations, a new Load Table editing platform, and additional enhancements driven by Sierra users. This latest update to the Sierra integrated library system streamlines library operations, adds new permissions for staff, enhances security policy and many more.
Sierra, trusted by some of the world’s largest libraries, such as the New York Public Library and Auckland Council Libraries in New Zealand, continues to set the standard for powerful and flexible library management platforms.
With the release of version 6.3, Sierra builds upon this solid foundation by incorporating user-requested features that were developed collaboratively with the vibrant IUG (Innovative Users Group) community alongside streamlined processes and certified support for RedHat and Oracle Linux 9.
Idea Exchange a tool leveraged by the IUG community for feature voting, continues to play an integral role in shaping Sierra’s ongoing evolution.
Sierra 6.3 introduces several notable updates including:
- Sierra SMS Integration – New integration for Sierra libraries to enable the SMS notification service of Innovative Phone Alerts to send patrons text messages about overdue items, available holds, and cancelled holds. IPA SMS for Sierra is currently in beta testing. To utilize this service, an additional subscription is required. For more information, contact your Account Manager.
- New Load Table Editing Platform – The Sierra staff client now features a new Load Tables function, allowing authorized users to view and edit load tables, export and import files, and modify existing files.
- Support for Home Pickup Logic via Sierra API – The Sierra API now employs the same home pickup rules as Vega Discover, WebPAC and Encore. As a result, patrons are prevented from selecting invalid pickup locations when requesting items from a local library.
- Add Record to List Functionality – Staff users can now add any open record in Sierra to a review file, provided the review file’s status is marked ‘complete’ and the user has access to it.
- Clear JAR Cache Files – Users now have the ability to clear JAR cache files within the Sierra Desktop App (SDA). This ensures new JAR cache files are downloaded upon the next launch.
- Navigate from Create Lists to Global Update/Rapid Update – A new «Send To» option on the Tools menu makes it easier to open the review file in either Global Update or Rapid Update.
- Reduce Time for Patron Record Payment Lock – When attempting to access a patron record locked due to a fine payment process, staff members now have the option to clear the lock or wait for it to expire automatically.
- Certified RedHat and Oracle Linux 9 Support – Sierra 6.3 is certified to run on RedHat and Oracle Linux 9, ensuring robust and reliable performance.
Additionally, Sierra integrates seamlessly with tools such as LX Starter for email notices, Innovative Phone Alerts, Vega™ Discover, Summon, Vega™ Promote, and LibraryIQ.
Sierra APIs are continually developed and extended, supporting additional integrations with many third-party solutions.
For a comprehensive feature list, read the full Sierra 6.3 release notes (login required) on Supportal. If your library uses a hosted Sierra system and is ready to upgrade, complete the Sierra Upgrade Request form on Supportal. Please note that starting from Sierra 6.1, Sierra releases are certified to run on Oracle Linux 8, which may require an operating system upgrade.
Read the full Sierra supported technology matrix on the Supportal.
To explore these updates in greater detail, join our upcoming webinar on Sierra 6.3:
Whats New In Sierra 6.3
February 20 | 1pm ET
Finally, to learn more about Sierra, you can visit the website.
Support Note: Hosted users can find information about their server status by clicking here.