Creating a seamless, patron-centered library experience
Rochester Hills Public Library (RHPL) has been a cornerstone of the Rochester, Michigan community since its establishment in 1924. Serving over 110,000 patrons across Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Oakland Township, RHPL offers a wide array of services, including physical materials, eBooks, digital resources, and diverse programs that cater to all age groups. As RHPL approached its centennial anniversary in 2024, the library recognized the need to modernize their digital presence to provide a seamless and personalized experience for its patrons.
The Challenge: A fragmented patron experience
Before implementing Vega LX, RHPL relied on multiple isolated systems to manage website interactions, catalog searches, and patron communications, resulting in a disconnected user experience. The lack of cohesion made it difficult for RHPL to present a unified digital presence, causing frustration for both patrons and staff.
Another major challenge was integrating RHPL’s user-tested menu across all platforms, ensuring easy navigation and accessibility. The library also sought a solution that would allow for personalized experiences, connecting patrons with content and services relevant to their interests.
The Solution: Implementing Vega LX for a cohesive approach
RHPL turned to Vega LX, an intuitive and comprehensive engagement platform, to address these challenges. Vega LX enabled RHPL to unify their website, catalog, and patron communications under a single, connected system. This allowed the library to:
- Ensure a consistent look and feel across the website, catalog, email, and SMS communications.
- Deliver personalized experiences based on patron preferences, interests, and borrowing history.
- Streamline patron communications by automating relevant notices and recommendations.
“When we heard about Vega and talked about our vision for a beautiful, new, active catalog experience that would match the notification experience and eventually match the website experience, that was a big drawing point for us,” says Derek Brown, IT Director at Rochester Hills Public Library.
The Results: A unified and engaging patron journey
Since adopting Vega LX, RHPL has seen a transformation in the way patrons interact with the library. The new system has improved accessibility, making it easier for users to find and engage with library resources. The seamless integration of the website, catalog, and communications has eliminated inconsistencies, leading to a more intuitive and enjoyable patron experience.
Additionally, RHPL staff can now efficiently manage patron interactions without juggling multiple systems. The ability to personalize patron engagement has strengthened connections between the library and its community, fostering greater interaction and satisfaction.
Looking ahead…
With Vega LX, Rochester Hills Public Library has successfully modernized its patron engagement strategy, creating a more unified, user-friendly experience. As libraries continue to evolve in the digital age, RHPL’s approach serves as a model for how technology can enhance community engagement while preserving the personal touch that makes libraries essential. RHPL has not only improved their digital presence but also reinforced their mission of delivering a patron-centered library experience. The future of library engagement is here, and RHPL is leading the way.
Want to know how they did it? Download the free case study to learn more details!