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New catalog features for staff are being added thanks to a new way of managing staff users in Vega (both Discover and LX Starter). We are currently early adopters/beta testers for consortia using this feature. If you want to volunteer to create your own custom catalog(s), homepages, and showcases, learn more here:
Available for viewing:
- Recording of introductory webinar from November 27, 2023
- Recording of introductory webinar from September 20, 2023
- Comprehensive on-demand training with certification (Niche Academy login required)
Past in-person trainings:
- Town of Esopus Library – November 16, 2023
- Sierra Users Group at Mid-Hudson Auditorium – October 25, 2023
- East Fishkill Community Library – October 5, 2023
- Mid-Hudson Auditorium – October 4, 2023
- Claverack Free Library – October 3, 2023
(Subject to change depending on feature releases)
- Phase 2: additional customization options for individual libraries – Fall 2024
- Showcase creation accounts
- Collection or kiosk sites
- Individual homepages
- See here for more information
- Full launch / go live – 2024
- Encore will have an established end date after which it will no longer be available or supported, and we will consider ourselves live on Discover as our catalog of choice. At this point, we sign off on our implementation with Innovative as complete.
- Soft launch / full pilot, with Encore available – December 6, 2023 has been set by the System Services Advisory Committee. This will be confirmed no later than November 8th (4 weeks prior).
- Announced in Notices listserv 4 weeks prior
- Announced via a banner in Encore 4 weeks prior
- Migration of patron lists and saved searches announced 3 weeks prior
- Within 30 days of a successful launch, Encore will be a full redirect with no public access and we move to full launch/live status.
- Soft launch preparation – Fall 2023
- Catalog available for public use
- Staff training
- Domain changes implemented, with Encore still available
- Discover.midhudsonlibraries.org = Vega
- Search.midhudsonlibraries.org = Encore
- Tips posted to the notices listserv weekly
Our public access catalog has been specifically designed with public library patron experience in mind. Its advantages include consolidated format and edition displays, greater eContent integration, more tools for patrons to manager their wish lists and library accounts, linked data via BIBFRAME, and publishable showcases.
Since the soft launch in December of 2023, we have worked with the vendor and other development partners to enhance the experience and recommend changes that reflect the feedback from patrons and staff.
Keep an eye out in the MHLS Bulletin and Notices list for more information and find resources below.
How records relate in Discover and Sierra
Here is a simple example of how “rollups” are created in Discover. A work is a singular artistic or creative expression, and the level at which the catalog is arranged. A work can be manifested in various distinct ways such as different editions, formats, and translations.*
The BIBFRAME data model uses various match points in our MARC data to attempt to group bib records (editions) together into formats and works. We can’t edit the “Discover records” directly, but we control most of the data that goes into them via our bibliographic records. Some eContent metadata is automatically imported from OverDrive. If you think you see an error caused by this rollup logic, email cataloging@midhudson.org.
There is also now a new holds option: patrons can choose to request any copy across multiple editions (this is the new default) as well as still being able to request any copy of a specific edition (as in the old catalog Encore and the Sierra ILS).
*In Discover, all editions must be in the same language to rollup together. The catalog treats translations as different works for the sake of user friendliness.
Hold/request specificity options (for physical items only):
- Format: the broadest level request. Patrons can place their own holds through the new catalog interface to receive the soonest available copy in their format of choice.
- Edition: patrons can place their own holds or staff can place holds through Sierra for a specific edition. In Discover, open the “locations drawer” to select the edition. In Sierra, click ‘hold copy returned soonest’ on the bib record.
- Item: patrons can place their own holds at this level for serials and books with volumes only. Staff can place item holds through Sierra using ‘hold selected item.’
New Catalog Launch Kit
Take a video tour of the catalog and its features.
Printable guide
Social media images to help advertise the switch.
Codes and instructions for embedding the Discover search box and links to patron profile.
About the Vega suite
“Vega” is the name for a collection of new products currently being developed by Innovative Interfaces (our Sierra vendor) to help libraries display their collections, promote the library, manage events, and communicate with patrons in a interconnected and attractive way — the “library experience” or LX. The advantages of Vega include that it is more modern, intuitive, patron-focused, and user-friendly. It brings in new features while integrating seamlessly with the catalog and the ILS.
The first element of Vega is Discover, a platform for the online public access catalog that Mid-Hudson will be adopting to replace Encore (the current catalog). Mid-Hudson has been a development partner with Innovative to help shape the platform, especially in regard to consortia. Our thanks to the libraries who have signed on to be pilot sites and provided us with essential feedback. Find more information about the pilot project here and view our list of known issues and requested features here.
Next is LX Starter, a foundational element of the Vega platform that will modernize and simplify notices and email communication with patrons. Stay tuned for more information about LX Starter in 2024.
The other Vega elements currently in early release are Promote and Program. Innovative is still developing Interact and Analyze.