November is library communications month at Innovative

All month long, Innovative, part of Clarivate, will be sharing insights, tips, tricks, and expertise around the important topic of library communications on our social media channels.

Topics will include:

• Event and program promotion
• Building a social media strategy
• Content development
• Email marketing
• Accessibility and adaptive technology

If you don’t already, you can follow Innovative online on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter!

If you're ready to upgrade your library communications now, Vega Promote helps you easily create visually rich, engaging emails to stay engaged with patrons; learn more here: Fact Sheet: Vega Promote.

Webinar: Level Up Your Library’s Marketing and Communications

RSVP today for our November 17 webinar as we host library marketing expert Cordelia Anderson as she discusses ways to “level up” your library’s marketing and communications efforts.

Innovative Research Report: Library use rises, changes during the pandemic

In late 2021, Witt Associates, LLC, a leading research firm focused on public safety and crisis management, conducted a public study to explore how library usage continued to evolve during the second year of the global COVID-19 pandemic. This research, conducted on behalf of Innovative, part of Clarivate, found that:

• Library usage increased during the pandemic. The frequency of library usage went up in 2021 and 32% of adults say they have used or visited the library at least once a month during the year, compared to 27% reporting the same in 2020.
• Libraries can attract new users by promoting digital content downloads. 63% of non-patrons said that offering e-books or audiobooks would make them more likely to use a library. Most libraries already do! This suggests that libraries could reach non-patrons by advertising services they already offer.
• Library users want personalized services like those offered by online platforms. 59% of library users would like their library to provide personalized lists of books to read. 66% would like their public library to send them personalized lists of resources, events, and services that might interest them.

This research paints an interesting perspective. While usage is up, library-goers are still unaware of the full breadth of resources offered by their public library. Community members and patrons are also looking for the Netflix experience (tailored content) when it comes to browsing and finding content.

Visit our Resource Center to download the full research report today.

Sierra 5.5 brings FTP and fund improvements, new Mark Damaged workflow, SDA installer updates

Attention Sierra users! Sierra 5.5 is now available. This release includes over 15 highly requested updates, including improvements for FTP, working with funds, improved display, and better communications with BookNet Canada, OCLC ILL, and OverDrive services.

Visit our site to read the full announcement.

On-demand Sierra 5.5 webinar:
Click here to watch our recent what’s new in Sierra 5.5 webinar, recorded live on October 20, 2022.

Polaris 7.3 introduces visiting patron functionality with INN-Reach, manual acquisitions in Leap, and hold cancellations

We are pleased to announce the launch of Polaris 7.3! This release introduces new INN-Reach visiting patron functionality, additional technical services in Leap, and the launch of several highly requested customer enhancements. Enhancements include:

Visiting patron functionality with Polaris:
When enabled, this feature allows patrons who have access to library resources as part of an INN-Reach system to borrow materials directly from the circulation desk at a partner library, instead of creating an INN-Reach request.

Manual acquisitions and additional cataloging functions in Leap:
For technical services in Leap, this release introduces workflows to support manual acquisitions processing (i.e., with non-automated vendors) and expands functionality for managing MARC records. In acquisitions, users with permission can now manually create purchase orders, line items, and segments.

Customer enhancements:
In Polaris 7.3, it is now possible to enable the cancellation of hold requests in a held status (for patrons and staff). This development adds a new view to the picklist so staff can easily identify items to pull from the hold shelf when the hold request is canceled.

Visit our site to read the full announcement.

On-demand Polaris 7.3 webinar:
Click here to watch our recent what’s new in Polaris 7.3 webinar, recorded live on October 5, 2022.

PLEASE NOTE: Innovative’s new mailing address

Please note our new mailing address. This new address replaces the former Emeryville, CA corporate address and will appear as the new remittance address on your invoices. This information has been added to  iii.com and clarivate.com. This change is effective September 1, 2022. Please note that telephone numbers will remain the same.

Innovative Interfaces Inc.
3133 W. Frye Road, Suite 400
Chandler, AZ 85226 U.S.A

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 — Send targeted communications to marketing contacts and segments
• Program — Create, approve, and manage 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

What People Are Saying

“It’s a big deal for 17 independent libraries to all agree to implement and pay for something new. I think that speaks to the product that Innovative provides. We are all excited about Vega, both on the staff end and the patron end.”

Kelli Knapp, Executive Director/District Administrator for the Warren Library Association.