When library staff hear “personalization,” they often think of reading recommendations. Vega Discover delivers personalized recommendations as well as many additional personalization options patrons can use in everyday account management and discovery workflows.
With the rollout of the new Account Portal, libraries have an opportunity to revisit these features and consider how they can simplify common patron tasks, particularly for frequent users, families, and patrons in multi-branch systems.
Personalized recommendations start with patron activity
Patron-created lists do more than help users keep track of books they want to read. When a patron bookmarks titles in Vega Discover, those selections help power the Your Next Read recommendation showcase displayed on the landing page of the Account Portal. Rather than displaying a generic recommendation list, Vega Discover uses the patron’s saved titles to surface materials they chose to save for later that are now available in the library’s collection.
Libraries can also configure recommendation showcases for patrons who have not created lists. These displays can highlight new titles, popular materials, staff picks, or other collections the library wants to promote. A second showcase can be displayed alongside the patron-driven recommendations, giving libraries a way to balance personalized suggestions with curated content.
Reducing repeat tasks through account preferences
Many patron interactions involve making the same selections over and over again. Account preferences help remove that repetition. Patrons can choose a preferred pickup location that will automatically be applied when placing holds. For users who regularly collect materials from the same branch, window, or locker, this saves a step every time a request is submitted. Patrons can also select a preferred contact method for notices and reminders, ensuring communications are delivered through the channel they are most likely to monitor.
Another useful setting is the Home Library. This preference determines which location’s availability information and call numbers are displayed in search results. For patrons who primarily use a single branch, it helps them identify materials available at their preferred location without adjusting search settings each time they visit the catalog.
Giving patrons more control over search results
Not every patron searches the catalog in the same way. Some focus primarily on eBooks. Others are interested in materials currently available on the shelf. In large systems, many patrons regularly search only a specific collection. Content Preferences allow patrons to set default search filters that are automatically applied whenever they use the catalog. Instead of selecting the same filters during every search session, patrons can establish preferences once and have them applied automatically.
Patrons in multi-branch systems and consortia can also select a default catalog. Once signed in, they will be directed to the collection they have chosen, regardless of which library website or link they followed to get there. For libraries serving complex systems with multiple collections, this can create a more consistent experience for patrons who routinely interact with a particular library or catalog.
Supporting families through linked accounts
Personalization is not limited to individual users. Account Linking allows parents and guardians to manage family library accounts from a single login. Instead of switching between multiple accounts, caregivers can perform common tasks for connected family members in one place.
This includes:
- Viewing checked out and requested items
- Renewing materials
- Placing holds
- Updating contact information
- Managing pickup locations
- Paying Fines
For families managing several library accounts, these features can significantly simplify routine account maintenance.
Personalization beyond recommendations
Recommendations often get the most attention when discussing personalization, but they are only one part of the picture.
Features such as saved preferences, customized search behavior, preferred locations, linked accounts, and personalized recommendation showcases all contribute to making the catalog adapt to the patron rather than requiring the patron to adapt to the catalog.
As more libraries adopt the Account Portal, these tools provide another way to help patrons work more efficiently while giving them greater control over their library experience.
Contact us for more information here – we’d love to show you all this in action.