When patrons visit your library catalog, they are looking for more than just a single title. They want inspiration, easy discovery, and a browsing experience that feels tailored to their needs. Too often, catalogs offer a one-size-fits-all approach, leaving patrons to sift through results without clear direction.
That is why themed catalogs in Vega Discover are crucial yet often overlooked.
Why do themed catalogs matter?
Themed catalogs allow libraries to create custom discovery experiences that highlight collections, spotlight events, and meet patrons where they are. Whether it is a dedicated kids’ catalog, a seasonal collection, or a themed experience around genres like mystery, sci-fi, romance, horror, local history, and so on. Libraries can guide patrons to the materials that resonate the most with their interests.
Instead of overwhelming users with every possible option, themed catalogs make browsing personalized and engaging. The result is increased circulation, more event participation, and deeper community connection.
At Rochester Hills Public Library, themed Kids’ Catalog subjects like Monsters and Dinosaurs generated more clicks in 90 days than the library’s contact page and all departmental pages combined.
For patrons, this means less searching, more discovering, and a stronger sense that the library understands their needs.
“Libraries can design themed catalogs and interactive experiences, customizing them to reflect the distinct needs of their communities. This personalization greatly boosts patron engagement by making collections more relevant and easier to explore.”
Kat Cuff, MLIS, Director of Product Management
Real examples and impact
Libraries using themed catalogs in Vega Discover are already demonstrating the impact on patron engagement, discovery and connection:
- Kids’ catalogs provide a safe, playful, and intuitive space for families to explore. Parents consistently praised the child-focused design, noting how it makes digital discovery as intuitive as walking into the kids’ room at the library.
- Special collections showcase unique materials, from local history archives to rare community treasures.
- Community spotlights showcase local authors, clubs, or resources unique to the library.
One library reported that patrons frequently bookmark their Discover catalog over the main library site, highlighting how themed catalogs become the true gateway for discovery.
For libraries, themed catalogs also serve as a strategic tool to showcase high-value collections and align discovery with institutional priorities.
These experiences do more than organize materials. They tell stories that engage patrons, encourage return visits, and help libraries reinforce their role as trusted community hubs.
“We’ve always known patrons frequently bookmark our Discover portal as their primary library access point.”
– Derek, Director of IT, Rochester Hills Public Library
Unlocking patron engagement
Themed catalogs are easy to set up, flexible to manage, and fully integrated into Vega Discover. Because they are part of the Vega Library Experience (LX) ecosystem, they also work seamlessly with Vega Program to extend outreach and increase engagement.
By shaping discovery around patron interests, libraries can turn browsing into a moment of connection that sparks curiosity and builds long-lasting relationships.
Ready to explore?
Your library already has the collections and programs that matter the most to your community. Themed catalogs help you present them in ways that are engaging, intuitive, and impactful.
With themed catalogs, you can make those collections more visible, more relevant, and more effective, without adding extra work for staff.
👉 Explore themed catalogs in Vega Discover
👉 Contact your account manager to learn more about implementing themed catalogs at your library.