Click here to use the Vega Discover catalog
The catalog is live and can be used today!
Patrons will soon discover Mid-Hudson libraries in a whole new way using our new discovery layer/platform/OPAC, Vega Discover. The platform 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.
The site is live and can be accessed by the link above. It soft launched alongside Encore in late 2023 and the official roll out and switch to Vega Discover as our only catalog will be happening in 2024.
Keep an eye out in the MHLS Bulletin and Notices list for more information and find resources below.
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)
- 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
- Soft launch / full pilot, with Encore available – December 6th 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.
- 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.
- Phase 2: additional customization options for individual libraries
- Showcase creation accounts
- Collection or kiosk sites
- Individual homepages
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.
Below are two examples of embedded showcases from Vega Discover — a curated list and an auto-updating list of new items!
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.