Top Rated Sierra ILS Alternatives
I have used Sierra for multiple years at two different libraries, beginning when I was a student worker. The basic circulation functions in Sierra have an easy learning curve, and I felt competent quickly. Student workers at my current institution have a similarly easy time learning to use Sierra. Several years after my student worker postion, when I began a new job at a different institution as permanent staff, I could easily pick up where I left off and added new skills across functions in Sierra. "Create Lists" proves to be absolutely crucial and very helpful in our efforts to inventory our collection through shelf reading. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
I don't have any particular qualms with Sierra. Some of the more complicated functions do take some time, but once you learn the shortcuts and understand the process, it's no issue! We have experts on our team who provide training in the more involved functions of Sierra, and with their help, this software is smooth running machine keeping us organized, providing data, and centralizing our services. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Video Reviews
A logical and clean piece of library software
24 out of 25 Total Reviews for Sierra ILS
It takes less than a couple days to get used to the system. Learning the different functions is very intuitive and I love that once you feel comfortable, you can start using hot keys and get real fast tabbing between different functions Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Sometimes it is difficult to tell item records with multiple types apart. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
I like some of the flexibility of the Sierra system. I really like being able to search for library patrons through the barcode on their card, via their name, and via their address. I like being able to help them search for books through the system and place a book on hold for them. The syetem allows me to check out a book to a patron via the books barcode by scanning it or by typing it in manually. I am also able to update their library card info in the system by accessing their record and editing it. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
I dislike the fact that the system hasn't had a software update in ages. It is a sound system, but it would be infinitely better if there were some software enhancements. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Sierra ILS is a very intuitive ILS. With one software there are many functions. You can also have separate logins for separate tasks. I like the Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
If an item is available in multiple formats it is hard to differentiate the separate records. The limiters for limiting results are not to the most helpful. You also cannot use multiple functions at once or have separate tabs for separate functions. For example, if you want to check out and also have a tab/window for discharging items, there is no way to do that. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Sierra ILS has provided my library a simple, yet precise program that is extremely efficient. We use it for checking books in and out, checking the records of patrons, making modifications to records, among others uses. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
While I do like the Sierra ILS program very much, I do think that it could use a more modern interface. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
I like how easy it is to lookup people’s student is number using their name. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
I dislike the pop ups other employees put in that say things like “valid I’d required” or “check for two dvds”. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Sierra is a very easy program to use. There are also macros that can be made to make it even simpler and quicker. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
Sometimes Sierra tends to freeze and shut down on its own. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
I like that is is very easy to use and intuitive to learn. The public side is also easy to navigate, actually I use this more often then the other interface. Paying fines and dealing with customer's records is simple. It is easy to make library cards. I like the demographic information you can choose to provide. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
When finding items, it is a little difficult to tell if the item is available at a specific location. I also dislike the way the records appear. You have to press a + sign to make them visible and often times the records are duplicated. The various search functions are not broad enough, there should be more keyword search options. Making library cards is a little tricky. If you mess up information you have to start over. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
