Innovative, Part of Clarivate™ delivers new releases to the Vega Discover discovery interface every two weeks including new functionality, user-suggested enhancements, and bug fixes. These releases are automatically deployed at every Vega Discover library giving libraries immediate access to new features.
Highlights from the Vega Discover releases so far this year include:
Vega Discover is 100% Compatible with Section 508 for Accessibility
The most recent accessibility review for Vega Discover, managed by a 3rd party accessibility auditor in May of 2024, found that Discover is 100% compliant with Section 508 Accessibility Standards required by the United States Access Board. The review also included the recently published WCAG 2.2 standard and we continue to work on the small amount of updates required to meet this new standard for accessibility.
Home Page UX Improvements
With accessibility and user experience a top priority, user interface improvements have been made for both desktop and mobile users. These improvements include bolder and larger text that is easier to read, larger book covers, and better spacing and breakpoints for mobile users.
Table of Contents Added to Edition Info Popup
Formatted Table of Contents data has been added to the Editions information popup when available in the source record. To view all metadata details for data displayed in Vega Discover, check out this Supportal article (log in required).
Location Facet Experience Improvements
The Vega Discover location facet function has been expanded to help users better view and find materials at the locations that are relevant to them. Changes include showing all locations as the default view, floating preferred locations to the top of the facet, and sort options by hit count and A-Z listings. This feature is especially popular with large multi-branch and consortia members who have many locations to manage.
Home Page Collection Sites in Alphabetical Order
When a user has permission to view more than one collection site, they will see all the site names in alphabetical order from the drop-down menu on the homepage settings. Collection sites enable single library systems and consortia to host multiple catalogs with unique URLs, branding, and resources filtered for a specific location, audience, or collection. This feature is especially popular with large multi-branch and consortia members who have many locations to manage.
Updated Staff User Permissions for Showcases
Vega Discover Admin users can turn custom lists and saved searches into Showcases without needing a related patron account. This is the beginning of expanded staff user roles and permissions in Vega Discover; additional features are already in beta testing.
Generate Syndetics Cover Images
If you would like to use a Syndetics cover image in a social media post, blog post, or on a website, we now have documentation on how to generate a unique URL for a cover image from your collection based on your library code.
Holds Settings Updates
An optional Hold Activation Date field is now included for Requests and integrates with the Polaris ILS. A default Hold Expiration Date setting has been added for Sierra libraries. Hold Expiration Dates for Polaris libraries are set in the Polaris ILS and no longer appears as a field for patrons.
New Cookie Banner
A new cookie banner now displays at the beginning of each session when using Vega Discover, Vega Promote, and LX Starter. This banner will request user consent to use cookies in the products. Patron and staff users will see an option to select Strictly Necessary Cookies after they click on Manage cookie preferences.
We prioritize user privacy and aim to provide a secure and transparent user experience. By implementing this change, we align our products with company-wide policies and comply with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and regional requirements. This ensures that personal information is handled carefully and respectfully.
Other new features include a new fiction/non-fiction facet, translation enhancements, access to Discover training resources straight from Discover help, and more.
The Innovative product team also regularly works with libraries to beta test new features. We are currently running a beta program for Discover Admin roles and permissions settings for homepage access (as requested in Idea Exchange) and an Active Directory integration for Polaris. You can view more upcoming features on the Vega Discover roadmap or read more about our developments for consortia and the Vega Library Experience on our website.
If you’d like to receive regular updates on what’s new in Vega Discover, you can subscribe to release notes emails in the Supportal (log in required).
You may also be interested in these recent Vega Discover announcements:
- Showcasing your digital repository in Vega Discover
- Vega Discover Themed Catalogs available now
- Four Innovative solutions, including Vega Discover, awarded recognition in 2024 Modern Library Awards
- Watch now: How to Connect with Your Community using the Vega LX Suite
We’d also like to welcome new libraries to the Vega Discover family:
- Schaumburg Township District Library (Illinois) joins the Innovative family
- Navajo County Library District chooses the Polaris ILS and Vega Discover
- Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium join the Innovative Family
- Malmö Public Libraries in Sweden selects Vega Discover
Vega Discover helps patrons search, find, and browse resources through more relevant search results, related resources, and recommended items. Discover provides the modern online experience patrons have come to expect, using an intuitive interface and enrichment content to create an immersive library experience. Built on BIBFRAME formatting and linked data connections, it provides a user-friendly and search-engine-like experience. To learn more, download the Discover fact sheet or contact us today.