Innovative Interfaces, Inc.

Innovative Interfaces, Inc. is a major global provider of automation systems and services for libraries. Founded in 1978, the company pioneered the development of integrated library system technology and has been a dominant force in the library software market for decades. Its platforms are used by thousands of academic, public, and special libraries worldwide to manage collections, streamline workflows, and enhance user discovery.

History

The company was established in 1978 by University of California, Berkeley graduates Jerry Kline and Steve Silberstein. Its first major product was an online public access catalog module for the CLSI library system, which helped establish its reputation. A significant breakthrough came with the 1982 launch of the INNOPAC system, one of the first truly integrated library system platforms to run on Digital Equipment Corporation minicomputer hardware. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the company expanded globally, opening offices in the United Kingdom, Australia, and South America. In 2020, the company was acquired by the private equity firm One Equity Partners.

Products and services

The company's flagship product suite is the Sierra Services Platform, a comprehensive library services platform that manages core operations like acquisitions, cataloging, and circulation. Its primary discovery layer is the Encore Discovery product, which provides a unified search interface for library patrons. Other key offerings include the Millennium integrated library system, the SkyRiver cataloging service, and the Vital Source e-book acquisition platform. The company also provides extensive consulting services, data analytics tools, and hosted services through its data centers.

Company operations

The company is headquartered in Emeryville, California, with its main research and development facilities located there. It maintains significant operational and support offices in Birmingham, United Kingdom and Melbourne, Australia to serve its EMEA and Asia-Pacific markets. The organization employs hundreds of librarians, software engineers, and support staff. Its client base includes prestigious institutions like the British Library, the University of Oxford, the National Library of Australia, and the Los Angeles Public Library.

Acquisitions and partnerships

A key strategic acquisition was the 2011 purchase of Antiquarian book service LibraryThing for Libraries, which enhanced its social discovery features. In 2013, the company acquired the MARC record service SkyRiver from The Library Corporation, a move that challenged the dominance of the OCLC WorldCat database. It has formed significant technology partnerships with major content providers like ProQuest, EBSCO Information Services, and OverDrive to facilitate seamless integration of electronic resources. The company has also collaborated with the Museums Association and various consortia like the Greater Western Library Alliance.

Recognition and awards

The company has received numerous industry accolades, including multiple Library Journal Paraprofessional of the Year awards for its staff. Its products have been recognized with the American Library Association Cutting-Edge Technology Service Award and the Information Today Product of the Year Award. The Sierra platform was a finalist for the CODiE Awards presented by the Software & Information Industry Association. The company's leadership, including former CEO Kim Massana, has been honored by the Urban Libraries Council for contributions to library innovation.

Category:American companies established in 1978 Category:Library technology companies Category:Companies based in Alameda County, California