This dashboard brings together data, trends, news, and other resources from Library Technology Guides describing the organization, its executive leadership, personnel employed, business history, as well as related features and news articles.
3133 W. Frye Road; Suite 400
Chandler, Arizona 85226
United States
Phone: 510-655-6200
Web: https://www.iii.com/
Email: info@iii.com
Innovative Interface is a wholly owned business of Clarivate
[Data source: statistics supplied for the annual Library Systems Report or from public information]
Company | Year | Development | Support | Sales | Admin | Other | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Innovative Interfaces, Inc. | 2024 | 170 | 107 | 31 | 11 | 2 | 321 |
Innovative Interfaces, Inc. | 2023 | 110 | 100 | 34 | 25 | 269 | |
Innovative Interfaces, Inc. | 2022 | 92 | 86 | 36 | 34 | 248 | |
Innovative Interfaces, Inc. | 2021 | 60 | 88 | 36 | 42 | 44 | 270 |
Innovative Interfaces, Inc. | 2020 | 48 | 86 | 36 | 42 | 42 | 254 |
Innovative Interfaces, Inc. | 2017 | 115 | 147 | 49 | 31 | 7 | 349 |
Innovative Interfaces, Inc. | 2016 | 98 | 171 | 52 | 40 | 361 | |
Innovative Interfaces, Inc. | 2015 | 102 | 143 | 48 | 36 | 329 | |
Innovative Interfaces, Inc. | 2014 | 130 | 193 | 42 | 39 | 12 | 416 |
Innovative Interfaces, Inc. | 2013 | 103 | 184 | 61 | 55 | 7 | 410 |
Innovative Interfaces, Inc. | 2012 | 89 | 161 | 53 | 31 | 7 | 341 |
Innovative Interfaces, Inc. | 2011 | 83 | 158 | 43 | 24 | 3 | 311 |
Innovative Interfaces, Inc. | 2010 | 76 | 174 | 30 | 27 | 307 | |
Innovative Interfaces, Inc. | 2009 | 92 | 164 | 24 | 29 | 6 | 315 |
Innovative Interfaces, Inc. | 2008 | 88 | 176 | 21 | 28 | 13 | 326 |
Innovative Interfaces, Inc. | 2007 | 73 | 181 | 27 | 29 | 310 | |
Innovative Interfaces, Inc. | 2006 | 70 | 174 | 27 | 24 | 295 | |
Innovative Interfaces, Inc. | 2005 | 66 | 171 | 32 | 26 | 295 | |
Innovative Interfaces, Inc. | 2004 | 71 | 161 | 28 | 25 | 285 | |
Innovative Interfaces, Inc. | 2003 | 78 | 150 | 26 | 31 | 285 | |
Innovative Interfaces, Inc. | 2002 | 79 | 145 | 25 | 17 | 2 | 268 |
Breeding, Marshall. ProQuest Acquisition of Innovative Proceeds. December 2020. Smart Libraries Newsletter. ProQuest announced that it has received notification from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that the review of its acquisition of Innovative Interfaces has been completed. According to ProQuest Chief Executive Officer Matti Shem Tov, the acquisition of Innovative was accepted in its entirety and without further stipulations. ProQuest announced in December 2019 that it had acquired Innovative Interfaces from its previous owners, investment firms HGGC (formerly Huntsman Gay Global Capital) and JMI Equity in a transaction that closed on January 16, 2020. The FTC review commenced in February 2020, with ProQuest making a public statement acknowledging it on March 13, 2020. No specific information is available on what triggered this acquisition for review by the FTC, nor why it took place after the transaction had closed.
Breeding, Marshall. FTC Reviews ProQuest Acquisition of Innovative Interfaces. May 2020. Smart Libraries Newsletter. The acquisition of Innovative Interfaces by ProQuest, announced in December 2019, is one of the major events in the history of the library technology industry. The deal in which ProQuest purchased Innovative from its previous investors, HCCG and JMI Equity, closed on January 16, 2020. Innovative has become a wholly owned subsidiary of ProQuest, with Yariv Kursh in place as general manager. This transaction has attracted the attention of the Federal Trade Commission, which has initiated a review of the impact of the acquisition on the competitive environment. No specific timeframe has been given on the review, nor can any outcomes be predicted until it is concluded.
Breeding, Marshall. Update on the Acquisition of Innovative by ProQuest. March 2020. Smart Libraries Newsletter. The acquisition of Innovative Interfaces by ProQuest featured in the last issue of Smart Libraries Newsletter closed on January 15, 2020 and is now finalized. Closing the acquisition begins the business and product integration process, which will play out over the next couple of years. Innovative ultimately will be incorporated into the Ex Libris subsidiary of ProQuest.
Breeding, Marshall. ProQuest to acquire Innovative Interfaces. January 2020. Smart Libraries Newsletter. In a move that further consolidates the library technology industry, Ex Libris has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Innovative Interfaces, Inc. from its private equity investors. Since December 2015, Ex Libris has been owned by ProQuest. In addition to its role as a major content provider to libraries, ProQuest is now responsible for a growing portfolio of library technology products, including major systems for resource management, content discovery, materials acquisition, reading list integration, and research services. While ProQuest faces major competition for each of its product categories, this move substantially strengthens its position in the sector and broadens its scope to include public libraries.
Breeding, Marshall. Innovative’s New Business Strategy and Management Team. March 2017. Smart Libraries Newsletter. Innovative Interfaces, under the leadership of its new Chief Executive Officer James Tallman, has begun to execute major changes to strengthen its position in the library technology industry. Innovative has expanded its management team to include a new set of executives with proven abilities in other sectors to take the company forward. In its next phase, Innovative intends to make major investments to transform itself into an “enterprise class library solutions company,” adopting practices and methodologies that have proven successful in other technology-oriented business sectors. These investments will also support new product development initiatives.
Breeding, Marshall. Innovative Interfaces acquires VTLS. July 2014. Smart Libraries Newsletter. Innovative Interfaces has acquired Blacksburg, VA-based VTLS as part of its strategic expansion strategy. This move follows the acquisition of Polaris, announced in April 2014. Both acquisitions were conducted in parallel, with each transition closing on a different schedule. The acquisition of VTLS significantly expands Innovative's international reach and brings a number of new technology products under its corporate umbrella. VTLS had been the longest standing company remaining under the ownership and management of its founder in the library technology industry. VTLS has been active since 1974, first as a department of the Newman Library of Virginia Tech University and since 1985, as an independent company.
Breeding, Marshall. Innovative Interfaces acquires Polaris Library Systems. May 2014. Smart Libraries Newsletter. In a move that further consolidates the library automation industry, Innovative Interfaces, Inc. has purchased Polaris Library Systems. Innovative is one of the largest companies in the industry, with an international presence and customers from all types of libraries. The acquisition significantly strengthens its presence in the US public library arena because of Polaris’s success in winning the majority of municipal library procurements in recent years.
Breeding, Marshall. Innovative Interfaces Absorbs SkyRiver and Withdraws Lawsuit Against OCLC. April 2013. Smart Libraries Newsletter. In a major shift in strategy reflecting a more collaborative style of its new ownership and management, Innovative interfaces has withdrawn the lawsuit it filed against OCLC in July 2010. SkyRiver Technologies, the sister company and lead plaintiff of the suit, has been absorbed into Innovative Interfaces, which will integrate the SkyRiver cataloging service into its product offerings.
Breeding, Marshall. VTLS Moves to Open Skies. March 2013. Smart Libraries Newsletter. VTLS launched a new product suite, called VTLS Open Skies, positioned as a library services platform. A major step for VTLS, this new strategy takes the most successful components in the current arsenal of technologies and products and rebuilds them into a comprehensive platform for the management and access to library resources.
Breeding, Marshall. Innovative Interfaces Ownership Update. March 2013. Smart Libraries Newsletter. Smart Libraries Newsletter has previously reported on the majority acquisition of Innovative Interfaces, Inc. and SkyRiver Technologies by a pair of private equity firms, Huntsman Gay Global Capital and JMI Equity. In the initial transaction, company cofounder Jerry Kline sold the majority of the company, but retained a stake and served as the chairman of a newly constituted Board of Directors. In a subsequent transaction that closed the end of January 2013, Kline divested his remaining shares to the investment firms. Huntsman Gay and JI Equity now own 100 percent of Innovative Interfaces and SkyRiver. No information is publicly available regarding financial details such as the valuation of the company or the portion of shares retained by Kline following the initial transaction. Kline also has resigned from the company's board of directors, having divested his ownership and concluding his strategic and operational involvement.
Breeding, Marshall. New Executive Leadership at Innovative Interfaces. October 2012. Smart Libraries Newsletter. Innovative Interfaces, Inc. has appointed Kim Massana as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective upon the announcement on August 27, 2012. Jerry Kline continues as Chairman and Neil Block as President.
Breeding, Marshall. Innovative Interfaces Joins the Private Equity Club. April 2012. Smart Libraries Newsletter. Innovative Interfaces, one of the veteran companies of the library automation industry, has been one of the major holdouts in the wave of private equity investments that has reshaped the library automation industry over the last six years. The company has remained under the sole ownership of its co-founder Jerry Kline. That position now changes as a pair of private equity firms, Huntsman Gay Global Capital and JMI Equity have made strategic investments in Innovative Interfaces, Inc. and its sister company SkyRiver Technology Solutions. Following the transaction Kline retains partial equity in the company and will serve as the Chairman of the company's reconstituted Board of Directors and will continue involvement in the leadership of the company. Rich Lawson, co-founder and Managing Partner of Huntsman Gay serves as Vice Chairman and JMI Equity will hold a seat on the new Board. No changes in the executive management of Innovative or SkyRiver are planned.
March 14, 2025. Innovative unveils plan for AI strategy in product development. On the IUG 2025 opening day, Yariv Kursh, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Innovative, from Clarivate, announced a strategy for responsibly harnessing artificial intelligence to enhance engagement, streamline workflows, and drive innovation for public and academic libraries. Product announcements included the upcoming Vega Discover update, set to launch later this year as part of Vega Search Assistant—at no extra cost for customers using Vega Discover Premium and consortia libraries. This new tool will recommend similar titles based on what patrons are exploring and generate interactive quizzes to help readers engage with their selections on a deeper level. Vega Promote is equipped with an AI assistant that helps generate compelling newsletter copy for community outreach. Kursh introduced plans for an AI-powered Metadata Assistant
March 14, 2025. Innovative extends investment in Sierra with Modern Library Award winning solution: Vega Mobile Worklists. Innovative, from Clarivate, showcased Mobile Worklists, the next-generation solution for library staff, at IUG 2025 in Denver, CO. Mobile Worklists is natively integrated with Sierra ensuring real-time data accuracy and eliminating the risk of outdated records. Mobile Worklists will also integrate with Polaris in 2025. This Integration with both systems will offer extraordinary accuracy and flexibility, enhancing library operations across the board.
March 14, 2025. Innovative partners with Recollect to transform digital collections for public libraries. Innovative, from Clarivate, announced a strategic partnership with Recollect, a powerful digital asset management and storytelling platform designed to help libraries, archives, and cultural institutions preserve, organize, and showcase rare and non-published materials in dynamic, engaging ways.
March 14, 2025. Account Portal: A unified experience for patrons. Innovative, from Clarivate, unveiled an exciting new feature for Vega Discover called Account Portal, designed to streamline how patrons manage their library accounts. Whether you're a parent overseeing checkouts for your children or a partner sharing materials, Account Portal makes library interactions easier, more intuitive, and more efficient. With Vega Discover continuously evolving, libraries can offer patrons greater control, flexibility, and convenience, strengthening their role as a trusted community resource.
March 14, 2025. A new chapter for Sierra and Polaris: web-based upgrades & enhanced SMS alerts. Innovative, from Clarivate, is dedicated to ongoing innovation and investment in Sierra and Polaris platforms. Over the past year, Innovative has implemented significant enhancements aimed at modernizing library workflows, improving accessibility, and introducing advanced tools designed to empower both library staff and patrons.
March 14, 2025. Introducing Vega Donate: Empowering libraries to fundraise and grow. Innovative, from Clarivate, introduced Vega Donate, a new donation and eCommerce platform designed exclusively for libraries. Announced at the IUG 2025 Conference, Vega Donate empowers libraries to expand their funding opportunities through seamless online donations and branded merchandise sales—all without the hassle of third-party tools, complex integrations, managing inventory or worrying about logistics.
March 4, 2025. Allen County Public Library Enhances Patron Experience with Polaris, Vega Discover, and Mobile Worklists. Innovative, part of Clarivate, welcomed Allen County Public Library to the Polaris and Vega family. After careful evaluation, ACPL selected Polaris ILS, Vega Discover Premium, and Innovative Mobile Worklists, ensuring a cohesive and engaging library experience for patrons and staff alike. By integrating these solutions, ACPL will benefit from:
February 24, 2025. Transforming your library notices with LX Starter for consortia. In this webinar, our Senior Product Manager Taylor Fisher delves into the transformative potential of LX Starter for consortia, showcasing how it can be a game-changer for your library's communication strategy. It redefines patron communication by delivering modern, visually captivating experiences that strengthen the bond between libraries and their communities. It enables library staff to effortlessly create polished, professional emails that reflect their mission, all while saving valuable time with automation.
February 21, 2025. Nogales Santa Cruz County Public Library embraces innovation and selects Polaris. Innovative, part of Clarivate, announced that the Nogales Santa Cruz County Public Library in Southern Arizona has decided to extend their more than 20-year relationship with Innovative to implement Polaris and Vega Discover as their next library software solution.
February 21, 2025. Ypsilanti District Library makes the most of Polaris Integrated Library System. Innovative, part of Clarivate, announced that the Ypsilanti District Library has completed a successful six months of using the Polaris Integrated Library System to manage library operations.
Dec 04, 2019 ProQuest Acquires Innovative Interfaces
In a move that further consolidates the library technology industry, Ex Libris has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Innovative Interfaces, Inc. from its private equity investors. Since December 2015, Ex Libris has been owned by ProQuest. In addition to its role as a major content provider to libraries, ProQuest is now responsible for a growing portfolio of library technology products, including major systems for resource management, content discovery, materials acquisition, reading list integration, and research services. While ProQuest faces major competition for each of its product categories, this move substantially strengthens its position in the sector and broadens its scope to include public libraries.
Jun 01, 2014 Innovative Interfaces acquires VTLS
Innovative Interfaces has acquired Blacksburg, VA-based VTLS as part of its strategic expansion strategy. This move follows the acquisition of Polaris, announced in April 2014. Both acquisitions were conducted in parallel, with each transition closing on a different schedule. The acquisition of VTLS significantly expands Innovative's international reach and brings a number of new technology products under its corporate umbrella. VTLS had been the longest standing company remaining under the ownership and management of its founder in the library technology industry. VTLS has been active since 1974, first as a department of the Newman Library of Virginia Tech University and since 1985, as an independent company.
Mar 31, 2014 Innovative Interfaces acquires Polaris Library Systems
Through a transaction that closed on March 31, 2014, ownership of Polaris changed hands from its Syracuse-based private investors to Innovative Interfaces, which is in turn owned by private equity investors, HGGC (formerly Huntsman Gay Global Capital) and JMI Equity.
Feb 01, 2013 Huntsman Gay Global Capital and JMI Equity purchase remaining shares of Innovative Interfaces
Huntsman Gay Global Capital and JMI Equity now fully own the Innovative Interfaces, Inc., having purchased the remaining shares from Innovative's founder, Jerry Kline. Kline also has resigned from Innovative's Board of Directors.
Aug 27, 2012 Kim Massana named as Chief Executive Officer
Innovative Interfaces announced that Mr. Kim Massana will join the executive ranks as Chief Executive Officer. In this role, Massana will be charged with expanding the Company's product and business development. The Lancer Group served as the executive search firm that recruited Massana to Innovative.
Aug 09, 2010 Neil Block becomes president of Innovative Interfaces, Inc.
The company today announced the promotion of Neil Block to the position of President of Innovative Interfaces. In his new role, Block will lead the day-to-day operations of the company including sales, marketing, product development, and customer service. As President, Block will report directly to Jerry Kline, Founder and Chairman of Innovative Interfaces. He began his new duties effective August 9th.
Oct 16, 2001 Jerry Kline purchases the outstanding shares of the company from co-founder Steve Silberstein
Innovative Interfaces announced that Jerry Kline, co-founder and CEO, has reached an agreement to purchase the outstanding shares of the company from co-founder Steve Silberstein. Upon closing of the transaction, which is expected by the end of the year, Kline will assume full ownership of the company.
Apr 30, 1997 Innovative acquires SLS
From Library Systems Newsletter: Innovative Interfaces, Inc., has purchased SLS Information Systems of Great Britain. SLS has over 700 installations in Europe, including more than 50 in academic libraries. Its primary product, known as "Libertas," runs on Digital AXP computers using OpenVMS as the operating system and FORTRAN and "C" as the programming languages. The DBMS is proprietary. SLS was owned by 16 UK universities. Innovative purchased all of the outstanding stock for cash. The deal includes subsidiaries in Scandinavia (Stockholm) and Spain (Madrid). SLS currently has a staff of 46 people.
Oct 15, 1992 Bob Walton Joins Innovative Interfaces Inc. as Executive Vice President
From Library Systems Newsletter: Bob Walton will join the management team of Innovative as Executive Vice President. As Executive Vice President, Walton will serve as Innovative's Chief Financial Officer, including responsibility for Marketing, Sales and Administration.
1978 Innovative Interfaces, Inc. founded by Jerry Kline and Steve Silberstein
[Data source: text supplied for the annual Library Systems Report]
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Innovative, part of Clarivate, remains steadfast in its mission to empower libraries as they serve the diverse and dynamic needs of their communities. As a trusted partner to libraries around the globe, we understand that innovation is not just about developing new technology—it’s about advancing libraries together to create a meaningful impact for staff and patrons alike.
Building on the strong foundation of our integrated library systems, we continue to expand our offerings with groundbreaking solutions that enhance communication, engagement, and the overall library experience. From leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to improving workflows and personalization, to delivering tools that enable libraries to reach new audiences and amplify their mission, our focus is on providing innovative, practical solutions that address today’s challenges and anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities.
At Innovative, we pride ourselves on the strength of our partnerships. By listening closely to the needs of our library partners, we design solutions that align with their goals and vision for the future. Together, we are redefining the library experience—ensuring it remains modern, accessible, and inspiring for all.
Our commitment to library success starts with our dedication to listening and collaborating with libraries. Innovative proactively solicits library feedback on product development through a wide variety of channels such as the development partner program, beta testers, the Idea Exchange, and regular customer meetings. Our product management team spends a combined total of about 2,000 hours each year meeting with and listening to libraries for feedback on our products.
In addition, we introduced a new agreement with the Innovative Users Group (IUG) for a Member-Exclusive Enhancements Process (MEEP).
Ideas for new features will originate in Idea Exchange, where all Innovative users—not just members of the IUG—can submit, comment on, and vote on ideas for Innovative solutions. The MEEP process then starts when IUG Working Groups look at the ideas on Idea Exchange that got the most votes, and works with Innovative to estimate the amount of time and effort needed to implement each feature. The IUG member institutions then get to vote on the ideas they would most like to see.
Library software and solutions aren’t meaningful without the libraries who use them. With each library we work with, it’s important to us to understand their mission and vision and what success looks like for them. Understanding libraries and helping them succeed is what makes our solutions so impactful. Here are a few of the libraries that we’ve welcomed into the Innovative portfolio this year.
The District of Columbia Public Library has been looking for a new library solution for a numbers but didn’t think there was anything new or forward-thinking on the market until they saw what Innovative was developing. Convinced that was excitement movement in the library industry, they decided to release an RFP for a new ILS. DC Public Library wanted to work with a vendor that was continuously developing products based on libraries’ real needs. Through the RFP, they selected Polaris, Vega Discover, Vega Program, Vega Promote, and Innovative Mobile.
Jacksonville Public Library is a very large urban library that was looking to upgrade their library software to modern technology that would offer a better experience to both staff and patrons. Most important to them was having a full web-based ILS and Polaris delivered everything they were looking for. Jacksonville selected Polaris and Vega Discover.
The Department of Education of the Catalan local government is comprised of a network of 2,245 school libraries across all the schools in Catalunya, Spain. The school libraries are recognized as a fundamental resource to student education and the school library program aims to promote the school library as a space where both students and teachers can find information and new skills. The Catalan government selected Polaris and Vega Discover for their school libraries.
Shellharbour City Libraries is a service provided by Shellharbour City Council, which serves over 78,000 residents. Shellharbour is located on the east coast of Australia in the state of New South Wales. In 2024, the library was seeking to update their systems to a sophisticated, cloud-based library management solution with contemporary responsive design, high-level integration and increased user-friendliness with a visually engaging interface. They selected Polaris as their next library system and joined a growing group of libraries in the Asia-Pacific region to select Polaris including Newcastle City Public Library (Aus), Central Coast Council (Aus), Clutha District Council (NZ), and the National Library of Malaysia.
Overall, our notable new partnerships in 2024 include: Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (NC); Schaumburg Township District Library (IL); the Arizona State Library, Archives & Public Records; Tipton County Public Library (IN); San Marcos Public Library (TX); Alexandria Library (VA); Avon Lake Public Library (OH); Bartholomew County Public Library (IN); Cass District Library (MI); Clutha District Council (New Zealand) as well as the aforementioned District of Columbia Public Library; Jacksonville Public Library (FL); the Department of Education in Catalunya, Spain; and City of Shellharbour Library Service (Australia).
Our implementation teams supported 100% on-time go lives for all new Polaris and Vega Discover libraries, and provided premium services across our customer base including Managed Services of INN-Reach networks, Polaris system optimizations, custom training programs, and many other services. We also launched several e-learning kits, free and open to the public for self-service learning, including Vega Discover Configuration and Administration, Polaris Administration, Polaris Core Training, Polaris Additional Training, and Sierra Load Profile Training. Our services teams also helped us expand our translation and localization of Polaris and Vega Discover interfaces to support additional global markets.
We are continuously innovating new ideas for our library software solutions based on our decades of experience within the library industry and fresh input from our library partners. We focus on helping libraries overcome the challenges they face today and prepare for the unique challenges of the future.
In 2024, Polaris development cycles focused on the continued expansion of capabilities within a web-browser, incorporated library-requested enhancements and adding new and improved integrations. Polaris introduced an advanced MARC editor (7.6) which updated the existing web-based MARC editor to an in-line editing approach, then added a split screen editor (7.7) which gives catalogers the ability to compare and edit multiple bibliographic records on a single screen.
This coincided with the 10-year anniversary of Polaris Leap. When first launched, Leap was a web-based add-on to the existing desktop client. Today, it is an integral part of the Polaris solution, and the majority of new Polaris customers train on and use Polaris only in the web browser. We also updated the web-based interface branding to Polaris, phasing out the name Leap.
Innovative also announce a deeper collaboration with Baker & Taylor, releasing an enhanced integration between Polaris and the Title Source 360 ordering system, further streamlining the materials ordering process for libraries. Lastly, Polaris completed an integration with Innovative Phone Alerts, giving libraries and patrons a more modern and secure option for telephony and SMS notices.
We continue develop and enhance Sierra for all libraries and published Sierra 6.2 and Sierra 6.3 in 2024. With input from our users, we’ve introduced batch cancelation of order records, placing holds on multiple volumes, and a new Scoping Rules function to simplify catalog management. Building on this foundation, Sierra 6.3 brought advanced features like SMS integration through Innovative Phone Alerts for patron notices and a new Load Table Editing Platform for greater control. Enhancements also included support for home pickup logic via API, improved tools for managing review files, and certified compatibility with RedHat and Oracle Linux 9.
Mobile Worklists enables libraries to pack up the Sierra integrated library systems and take it with them on the go, through their phone. It’s beloved by the libraries who use it and it has been awarded eight platinum distinctions and two gold distinctions by the Modern Library Awards over 10 years of voting. Our users say:
LX Starter as of the end of 2024 is being used by 174 customers, and has sent over 25.2 million emails to patrons during the year. We introduced significant accessibility enhancements in 2024, fostering a more inclusive and user-friendly experience for library administrators. Libraries can now create up to five templates per notice type, enabling multilingual email notices to better serve diverse communities.
Vega Discover introduced 21 7 new features and enhancements in 2024, delivering significant improvements for both patrons and library staff. Vega Discover achieved full Section 508 compliance for accessibility, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity. Our new Kids Catalog and Themed Catalogs allow libraries to create unique search experiences for specific audiences and showcase only the relevant resources scoped to those users or collections. Other notable new features include:
Beta testing began at the end of 2024 for a new Bookmarks availability feature, which provides patrons with an aggregated view of available items saved to their personal lists, enhancing convenience and usability.
Innovative Mobile introduced 48 enhancements and new features in 2024, focusing on increased flexibility and ease of use. Patrons can now add their library cards to Apple or Google Wallet for convenient access. They can also customize their home screen highlights and opt to display only available copies by default, simplifying the search for accessible items. Additionally, libraries can send ad-hoc push notifications directly to the app, keeping patrons informed and engaged with critical updates and announcements. Language support was added for Hebrew, Pashto, Urdu, and Persian languages.
Vega Promote helps libraries connect with their communities by simplifying and modernizing email outreach. In 2024, Promote released a large set of new pre-built templates that help libraries get started quickly with email design. Vega Discover Showcases embedded in emails now automatically refresh before the email is sent, helping libraries ensure fresh, engaging content with minimal staff effort. Lastly, the new segment creation option allows libraries to create dynamic segments using tags and automate audience updates.
Vega WebBuilder, formerly known as Vega Promote Web, focused on developing and refining multiple integrations in 2024 with the goal of giving library patrons a seamless experience when visiting the library website. The new Vega Discover integration, allows libraries to effortlessly display updated Showcases throughout their website. In addition, WebBuilder offers drag-and-drop functionality for adding Discover search forms to library websites, including both the Catalog Search widget and the Catalog and Site Search widget. The new Vega Program integration enables libraries to embed and promote upcoming events across their website. Libraries can also generate a dedicated page displaying all future events, complete with search capabilities, location filtering, category selection, and date browsing. In addition, we introduced new streamlined implementation services packages and templates to easily and smoothly launch your library’s dream website.
Vega Program, our room bookings and event management tool, released close to 100 new features and improvements in 2024. Patrons can now easily navigate room and equipment bookings thanks to updated booking notices, with improved multi-lingual support. In addition to that, libraries can now seamlessly showcase upcoming events on their websites, no coding required, with the Website Events Widget. Monarch Public Library has contributed to developing Vega Program consortia features such as the Shared Roll-up Calendar where you can see a comprehensive list of events across the consortium, filtering results by location. Vega Program also allows guest bookings from anyone, regardless of their library membership status.
INN-Reach is relied on by hundreds of library systems for easy resource sharing. In 2024, Innovative focused on three key milestones for keeping INN-Reach robust, modern, and stable. We completed milestone one by upgrading all INN-Reach networks running on legacy systems and moving them to Sierra-supported systems. Development work began for milestone #2 to integrated Vega Discover with the INN-Reach union catalog. Development is complete and is currently in beta testing. Milestone #3 was a significant step in creating a vision for the future of resource sharing. We’ve partnered with OhioLINK and SearcOhio to create a consortial experience for resource sharing.
In 2024, we also announced a new partnership with LibraryIQ, to include their analytics offering within the Innovative portfolio. This gives libraries a complete suite of tools for library operations, library marketing and engagement, and thoughtful, actionable insights all served by one vendor.
Our innovative solutions and dedicated staff consistently receive global recognition.
We’d like to highlight Abigail Morales, one of our implementation project managers, who received the 2024 Dr. Arnulfo D. Trejo Librarian of the Year Award from REFORMA. She is one example of hundreds of dedicated staff and professionals within Innovative and Clarivate who are committed to libraries. Congratulations, Abigail!
Three of our solutions – Vega Discover, Polaris, and INN-Reach – secured platinum awards in the 2025 Modern Library Awards. Mobile Worklists also received a gold award in its 10th year of recognition.
Vega Discover received its fourth consecutive platinum award. It scored a 9.04/10. One MLA judge shared with us: “Leveraging Vega Discover Premium has led to dramatic improvements in our public-facing interfaces. One key aspect we appreciate is the platform’s rapid development cycle, which consistently brings valuable enhancements that we can customize to meet the evolving needs of our patrons. We believe that the Vega Discover platform is well-positioned to remain the best patron-facing web experience available for the foreseeable future, thanks to its strong development roadmap and strategic partnerships with library systems like ours.”
The Polaris ILS received Platinum and scored 9.11/10. One MLA judge wrote: “We switched from (competitive product) to Polaris over 6 years ago and have been happy with the switch, including adding on complementary services. We just executed another 6-year contract because we’re so happy with our experience with Polaris and working with, now, Clarivate. I trust them in their forward-thinking development of services.”
INN-Reach won its seventh Platinum recognition. One MLA judge wrote: “Our library system has been a long-time and satisfied user of Innovative Interfaces’ INN-Reach product, which has become an essential tool for us. The platform seamlessly integrates our shared resources, allowing us to provide expanded access to materials across the network, greatly enhancing our patrons’ experience. The ease of use, stability, and consistent performance of INN-Reach make it a key element of our library operations. One feature we particularly appreciate is the robust circulation and borrowing functionality, which helps streamline workflows for both staff and patrons.”
Mobile Worklists has received MLA honors for 10 years in a row, scoring a Gold distinction this year. One MLA judge said: “This app has saved us a lot of time and effort with circulation and technical services projects.”
2024 was a transformative year for Innovative, part of Clarivate. Our dedication to innovation and collaboration has enabled libraries to thrive in an ever-changing world, and we look forward to continuing this journey of progress and trusted partnership in 2025.
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