From April 5-8, over 1,700 library professionals attended the 30th annual gathering of the Innovative Users Group. Out of an abundance of caution, this celebration was hosted virtually using X-CD Technologies’ cloud-based conference management platform.

IUG 2022 started with an introduction by Trevor Diamond, 2021-2022 IUG Chair, and featured a keynote presentation by New York Times bestselling author David Epstein, who spoke of the benefits of being a generalist in a sea of specialists. Epstein also addressed at length how libraries can help support community members in their learning.

Innovative executives held presentations on our latest library software solutions, including Vega Guide for Discover, Vega Program, and Vega Promote, and the new Vega LX Starter package—which will be available to all Sierra and Polaris libraries as part of their standard subscription/maintenance packages.

The rest of the week was filled with sessions where librarians shared tips on SQL, DIY DEI, inventory options, sysadmin tips and more.

Archival recordings from IUG 2022 will remain available online to attendees via the conference platform, linked at innovativeusers.org through September 30, 2022.

Recently at IUG 2022, we announced several new patron engagement capabilities, which will launch soon—at no additional cost—for all current Sierra and Polaris ILS customers. These capabilities directly address your requests that we deliver more value as they modernize your approach to handling email circulation notices, patron registration, and patron renewal.

These enhancements will bring you and your library one step closer to a fully integrated ILS-patron engagement environment.

We will share more information about these enhancements shortly.

There is a popular adage that’s often attributed to Benjamin Franklin that suggests, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” While the attribution is specious at best; the sentiment holds true—proper planning is paramount to success.

So, how are you planning for your next library event?

Built from the ground up with librarian input,  Vega Program  helps libraries manage the online aspect of the creation, promotion, registration and execution of events. Vega Program simplifies event and room management, while giving library staff the tools they need to successfully orchestrate and advertise their programs to the community.

Curious about Vega Program?  Request a demo  and enjoy your next coffee on us.

Despite what popular culture might tell you, if you build it, there is no guarantee that they will come. That’s why your library needs the right tools to cultivate community relationships and promote library offerings.

Vega Promote is that tool.

Vega Promote is a digital marketing tool that enables libraries to manage email marketing campaigns, configured for librarians to manage integrated library systems and marketing contacts. The simple, intuitive interface enables library staff to easily design and schedule emails, to communicate at scale with their community and tailor their communications for specific audiences. Promote also includes the ability to insert clickable Vega Discover showcases (book carousels) with book cover images into Promote emails.

To learn more about Vega Promote and its intuitive integration into your ILS, visit iii.com.

The Complete Vega LX Platform at a Glance

Vega LX is the first library experience platform of its kind. Encompassing a complete suite of modules, it empowers staff to effectively communicate and manage a full range of programs and services for the library community. Vega LX integrates seamlessly with your ILS through Vega Connect, and expands your patron reach and engagement through one or more of these solutions:

Available now:

• Discover — A user-friendly discovery experience, rolling all formats into a single display
• Promote — Sends targeted communications to marketing contacts and sub-groups
• Program — Integrates, manages, and creates library events and room bookings

Coming soon:

• Interact — Provides two-way communication with patrons via chatbot or digital assistants
• Analyze — Uses key data to quantify your library’s value and ROI