Thank you for being a part of IUG 2025, our community’s biggest annual event! This year’s conference brought a post-Covid record of 502 library professionals, Clarivate staff and enthusiasts together for three days of learning, collaboration, and forward-thinking discussions. From insightful sessions to developing trusted partnerships, the event showcased the power of collaboration in shaping the future of library technology. We came together as a community to listen, to share ideas and to learn from one another, exploring the future of library innovation.
During the opening keynote, Yariv Kursh, General Manager and Senior Vice President at Clarivate, outlined our strategy for 2025, highlighted new product launches, introduced new partnerships to complement our unique and fully integrated ecosystem of solutions for public libraries and he re-iterated our support of the community to help lobby for Federal funding.
While IUG is an annual event, our collaboration doesn’t stop there. We stay connected and engaged throughout the year!
The keynote was followed by 82 separate sessions during the next three days presented by users and by Clarivate staff covering everything from roadmap updates to “quick hits” to “how to’s” and brainstorming sessions. The level of energy and collaboration was extraordinary.
A highlight of Clarivate announcements was the unveiling of AI-driven innovation, including the Vega Search Assistant and Metadata Assistant, designed to streamline library workflows and enhance discovery. These tools reflect our commitment to responsible AI that supports libraries in adapting to evolving librarian and patron needs.
A Summary of New Products Unveiled at IUG 2025
- Account Portal for Vega Discover, which streamlines account management, enables seamless navigation between linked accounts, and offers guardians control over minors’ library access.
- Vega Donate is a donation and online shop plug-in that empowers libraries to boost fundraising, manage donations, and create branded, user-friendly giving experiences.
- Vega Mobile Worklists, now available for both Polaris and Sierra, bring faster, more efficient workflows to library staff, enabling on-the-go check-ins, holds management, and inventory tasks—all from a mobile device.
- Partnership with Recollect, a powerful digital asset management and storytelling platform that helps libraries, archives, and cultural institutions preserve, organize, and showcase rare materials through interactive and engaging experiences.
- Rapido Consortial Borrowing redefines resource sharing by ensuring equitable access to knowledge while preserving each library’s workflows, reducing costs, and streamlining borrowing across consortia. Launching in 2026!
- Vega Reports provides a modern, interconnected interface for Polaris, Sierra and Vega LX reports.
- Innovative Phone Alerts and SMS are now part of Vega Interact, a cloud-based VoIP patron collaboration solution for Polaris and Sierra libraries, streamlining notifications and renewals, with more communication channels coming soon.
Make sure to sign up for the Early Adopters program here!
Connecting with our Community
Director’s Day Summit An invitation-only meeting of the minds, where Library Directors from across the country gathered to exchange ideas, explore innovation, and brainstorm the future of public libraries and their community impact.
Executive leadership panel The discussion reinforced our commitment to libraries, innovation, and the continuous evolution of both Sierra and Polaris. During the session, an audience member highlighted their appreciation of us joining COSLA in Washington DC to help lobby for library funding, recognizing the courage it takes to advocate for the industry.
Hackathon Congratulations to Jason Bedsaul (Online Dakota Information Network – ODIN-NDUS), Jason Tenter (Saskatchewan Information & Library Services Consortium), Somalia Jamall (Jacksonville Public Library), and Andrew McDonald (Saskatchewan Information & Library Services Consortium) for their winning projects at the IUG 2025 Hackathon & Lightning Round Presentations.
Crystal Awards Yariv Kursh, SVP, GM, Clarivate and Jeff Campbell, Chair of IUG Steering Committee 2025 took the stage at IUG to present the Crystal Awards to attendees who have participated for 15 consecutive years. Congratulations to all the recipients!
John Pierre, author of the book Pillars of Health delivered his most popular class, Pillars of Motion. Grounded in his holistic philosophy, the class emphasized balance, coordination, and skill-building to enhance stability and prevent falls. Participants engaged in mindful movements to strengthen posture, core strength, and agility, key foundations for lifelong wellness.
Dessert Reception The annual dessert reception brought back the dance floor, inviting attendees to let loose with great music, a photo booth, a chocolate fountain, and refreshing drinks. The energy was contagious and the partnership spirit of this community was evident!
Innovative, from Clarivate – it’s worth the trust
Your account manager and customer support teams are always available to assist you with any questions or support you need. Don’t hesitate to reach out! Stay connected and keep an eye out for all the great things we have planned for the rest of 2025 on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
IUG
You can learn more about membership on the Innovative Users Group website.
The IUG is an independent organization, fostering an incredible community connection for thousands of Innovative users around the world. Clarivate is a sponsor of this annual conference and an enthusiastic supporter of the IUG community.