Library discovery is about helping people find what they need. Yet for many children, traditional library catalogs feel like tools built for adults. Young readers rarely begin with an author, title or subject heading. Instead, they follow curiosity. They look for dinosaurs, princesses, favorite characters and topics that capture their imagination.
When discovery experiences don’t reflect how children naturally explore, libraries create barriers before a child even reaches their first book.
Recognizing this challenge, Rochester Hills Public Library (RHPL) reimagined discovery from the perspective of its youngest patrons. Using Vega Discover, part of the Vega LX suite, the library created a visual, child-friendly catalog experience designed around exploration, engagement and independent discovery. Their work offers valuable lessons for any library seeking to improve accessibility, strengthen community connections and create more intuitive digital experiences.
The library started by asking a simple but powerful question:
What would discovery look like if it were designed around how children actually choose books?
That question became the foundation for a transformed discovery experience built with Vega Discover.
Designing discovery through a child’s eyes
Rather than starting with technology, RHPL started with a user problem. Staff knew many young patrons were expected to navigate systems originally designed for adults. Through user testing, library expertise and insights from childhood literacy practices, they developed a discovery experience tailored to the way children naturally browse.
The resulting children’s catalog supports different stages of reading development. Younger children can explore visually, while older readers can browse through favorite series, characters and themes. Instead of forcing every user down the same path, the experience accommodates multiple ways to discover materials.
By aligning discovery with kids’ natural discovery behaviors, RHPL made it easier for children to explore independently, building confidence and encouraging deeper engagement with the library and its collections.
Discovery is the beginning of the patron journey
While the project focused on children’s discovery, RHPL’s experience highlights a broader truth: every library service begins with discovery.
Before a patron attends a program, registers for an event or engages with a library service, they first need to find it.
A child who discovers a favorite book may attend a related program. A parent exploring collections may uncover additional learning resources. A first-time visitor who easily finds what they need is more likely to return and engage with more library services over time.
When pathways are intuitive, participation grows. When barriers exist, engagement declines. RHPL demonstrated that improving discovery is about far more than search. It is about creating clearer pathways into all library services.
Recognition for user-centered innovation
RHPL’s work was recognized through the Clarivate Library Innovation Awards, which highlighted the project’s creative use of technology and commitment to user-centered design. Judges cited meaningful discovery experiences for children and families, stronger engagement both in the library and at home, and increased opportunities for shared exploration between parents and children.
The recognition reinforces an important lesson for libraries everywhere: when discovery aligns with user behavior instead of system limitations, participation and engagement can flourish.
How Vega Discover supports modern library experiences
The RHPL story also showcases the broader value of Vega Discover within the Vega LX ecosystem.
Vega Discover helps libraries create intuitive, interest-driven discovery experiences that reflect how their patrons naturally explore collections.
As part of Vega LX, discovery can also connect with websites, programming and communications, helping libraries create seamless experiences across multiple touchpoints. This connected approach reduces friction, supports engagement and helps patrons move more easily from discovery to participation.
What libraries can learn from Rochester Hills Public Library
The success of RHPL is ultimately not about technology. It is about perspective.
By viewing discovery through the eyes of young readers, the library uncovered obstacles that many organizations overlook. Rather than expecting children to adapt to traditional systems, they designed around curiosity, exploration and user behavior.
The result was a more engaging, accessible and inclusive experience for children and families.
Libraries everywhere face similar opportunities. Whether improving discovery, increasing program participation or strengthening digital engagement, the principle remains the same: start with the user and build experiences that reflect how people naturally learn, explore and connect.
Read the full story
Want to see how Rochester Hills Public Library transformed discovery for young readers and strengthened engagement across the patron journey?
This whitepaper explores the strategy, design decisions and outcomes behind this award-winning initiative, along with lessons that other libraries can apply to improve discovery, participation, and community engagement.