Q. How do I use Vega?

We are excited to announce the Vega Discover catalog, a new discovery experience for print and electronic resources, which replaced the current catalog on Tuesday, September 26, 2023.

A few things to look for in our new catalog

• User-Friendly Design – The interface is intentionally clean and simple so that you can easily find what you need.
• Combined Formats and Editions – Print, large print, eBook, and eAudiobook formats will be displayed together when you search for a title of the same work, making it easy to select the desired format. 
• Display Resources, Authors, and Topics – The new catalog allows you to browse for books, video games, movies, etc., on the same topic you just searched for or related topics that might also interest you.
• Manage your Account and Create Custom Lists – Sign in to view your account, check due dates, renew online, or manage your physical and ebook holds.  In Vega, you can bookmark items and use them as a reading list, book club possibilities, and things your family might like—for any reason. 
• Website Accessibility – Whether you use a screen reader or other assistive technology, our new catalog is designed to meet accessibility guidelines.
• Smart Search – Use the Topics to find pertinent or connected topics to narrow or expand your subjects.
• Check out the videos below on how to use these new features.

Learn About the New Catalog Basic Functions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the library switching to a new catalog?

The vendor that provides our current catalog, Encore, is no longer adding features to Encore and will be phasing out support of Encore in the future. Vega Discover is built on newer web technologies that improve website accessibility and allow more frequent feature updates.

How do I search in the new catalog?

Type your search next to the orange square, where you see the word “Search.”  Type words from the title, author or concept you are looking for. Vega is not case-sensitive, so it makes no difference whether you capitalize search terms or not.

To limit your search to Author, Concept or Title, click on “All” on the right and click on the menu for the type of search you want.  

How do I pay my fees?

The fine payments in Vega Discover is not available until further notices. Please continue to pay fines in person at the circulation desk or call us at (805) 449-2660 if you have any questions.

How do I save my Reading History?

Once you sign in to "My Account" look under My Bookshelf to see your bookmarked lists, view your Checkout history, and see saved searches. To keep a reading history, users must opt-in for this feature. Go to My Bookshelf, select Profile, and Edit Profile to check the option Keep Reading History.  

How do I refine my search result?

Use the “Refine Results” column on the left to narrow down your search results. Select Availability, Date, Format, Persons, Concepts, Language, or New materials to narrow your search. Use the tabs and links in the title records to get information about formats (Book, Spoken CD, etc.)

How do I login to my account in the new catalog?

Click , then enter your library card number and PIN.  If you have forgotten your PIN, use the Forgot Your PIN?  link to reset it.  You must have an existing email in your library account to reset PIN.

Please contact the Library if you need further assistance.

What will happen to the holds I placed in the previous catalog?

Both the current catalog, Encore and Vega Discover catalogs should show the same hold requests, checked-out items, and fees in My Account. Click on My Bookshelf at the bottom of Vega Discover to view the details after a successful sign-in.

How do I place holds?

1. Log in to your Library account.
2. Search for the title.
3. Select the desired format tab.
4. Click the Edition information link. Select the edition you wish to request a hold.

Freeze / Unfreeze Holds

Log in to your account and navigate to the “holds” page.  You will see an option at the right margin to Cancel hold, with a “v” at the end indicating menu options.  Click the “v” and you will see the option to “freeze” pop up. 

When you click Freeze, you will see a notification that this change has been successful.

Will My Lists from the previous catalog transfer to the new catalog?

This feature is currently under development. Please check this FAQ later.

How do I save titles?

To save a title from your search result, click on the  icon. Log into your Library account to create a list of titles.  To retrieve a previously saved list, click on the blue “Bookmarks” tab  at the bottom of the screen.

How can I get help?

There are plenty of help resources to guide you through Vega Discover. Simply click the Help icon in the upper right corner of the Vega Discover screen.

• Live Chat - Click on the left slide-out tab to start chatting. Available Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5 p.m.
• Ask us via SMS - Text your question to (805) 253-2906. Text the word HOURS to get the Library's hours of operation.
• Ask us by phone - Call us at (805) 449-2660 option 4. We will answer your question Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Ask us by email- Submit your questions using a question form or email us at ask@tolibrary.libanswers.com

• Book a Librarian - Get help with more in-depth tutoring. Appointments for Book a Librarian are available: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with 30-45 minutes each session. Book a Librarian sessions are a great way to get answers to specific questions about Microsoft Office, apps, email, ebooks, social media, and library eResources. Learn More