SierraAs a consortium of libraries, we share the cost of software, tools, and support staff to provide excellent library service to our end users. Our current Integrated Library System, Sierra from Innovative, provides automation for daily library operations. Member libraries and PrairieCat support staff work together to deliver an effective, well-maintained catalog that supports member collections.
Sierra and Vega Discover
PrairieCat currently uses Innovative products. Sierra is the ILS for member library staff use and Vega Discover is the public catalog. PrairieCat support staff communicates with Innovative to ensure a secure environment and maintain an updated system.
eCommerce
PrairieCat provides eCommerce integration through the online catalog for patrons to make online payments of fines and fees. This service is provided through PayPal’s PayFlowPro. No service fee is passed to the patron. Once a payment is made, it is immediately credited to the patron’s account and can be seen in Sierra | Fines Paid with a payment type of eCommerce. PrairieCat support staff reconcile the payments monthly and ecommerce checks are sent to member libraries. See the eCommerce page for more information and FAQ.
PrairieCat Mobile App
PrairieCat members may opt-in to the Capira (OCLC) Mobile App. Open enrollment for the mobile app is every fall. Contact Carolyn Coulter carolyn.coulter@prairiecat.org for pricing and contract information. See the Mobile App page for more information and FAQ.
Telephone Notification and Renewal System
PrairieCat provides patron phone notifications through Innovative Phone Alerts (IPA), a cloud-based, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) telephony service that streamlines telephone notification and telephone renewal system offerings. This service offers patrons a personalized library experience through branded, automated phone messaging for hold pick up notifications, due date reminders, and phone renewals. All PrairieCat libraries and their patrons are welcome to use telephone renewal by dialing 1-888-542-7259.
Third-Party Products
PrairieCat members interface with a number of third-party vendors to provide value-added services to their patrons. These services include self-checkout machines, workstation reservation systems, program registration, library security, federated searching and more. It is possible to use the PrairieCat Patron API to interface with other products and authenticate patrons.
If your library would like to add third-party digital services or hardware that requires authentication or other data from the PrairieCat system, please complete the Third-Party Vendor Form before the contract is signed and implementation is set to begin. PrairieCat staff need to check functionality in order to verify that your purchase will work with Sierra and the consortium.
Submit Third-Party Vendor Form here. Submitting this form will create a help desk ticket.