Sierra Client System Requirements

Owned by Sean Hanson (Deactivated)
Last updated: Jan 03, 2023
3 min read

Sierra Installer

https://sierra.marmot.org/sierra/desktop (MLN1)

https://nell.flatironslibrary.org/sierra/desktop (MLN2)

System Recommendations

The workstation recommendations listed here are neither "optimum" nor "minimum" requirements. These recommendations are intended to guide a typical library in realistic workstation selection, and describe a reasonably modern workstation that libraries using a typical three year or four year replacement cycle will already own.

The recommendations also allow for the continued use of older workstations. Sierra applications can work on slower processors than those listed in the system recommendations section; however, staff can expect reduced performance and may be unable to operate other applications while using Sierra.

Processor

An Intel Pentium 4, Pentium D, Xeon, Core or similar processor running at 3 Ghz or faster (2 Ghz or faster for the Core 2 Duo), or an equivalent processor such as the AMD Athlon 64, Opteron 64, or Turion processors with comparable performance.

Note: Sierra applications can work on slower processors, but performance will be affected.

RAM

4 GB (recommended)

Note: If you plan to run other applications on the workstation in addition to Sierra, you should consider adding additional RAM for optimal performance. Newer operating system versions such as Windows Vista require more memory then earlier versions such as Windows XP, so your library should consider additional memory when using newer operating system versions.

Free disk space

500 MB (recommended)

Sound card

For audible system warnings and notices

Peripherals

A mouse or other pointing device

Resolution

800 x 600 or better (1024 x 768 or better recommended for Sierra Acquisitions displays)

Browsers

Innovative recommends using a modern browser capable of supporting current Web standards.




Supported Operating Systems

Windows

Windows ® 10 (all editions), Windows ® 11 (all editions)

Linux

Linux

Mac

64-bit, Intel-based (Core 2 Duo) with Mac OS X 10.5.2 or later (Leopard), 10.6 (Snow Leopard), or OS X Lion


Workstations on 10.5.2 or later will need to download the Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 1 or higher, as appropriate.



Network Access

Sierra workstations require network access to your Sierra server.

With average sized patron records, one Sierra Circulation requires a minimum of 10 KBPS to process one transaction every second. Thus, a dedicated 56 KBPS line can handle no more than five Sierra Circulation stations. This is a good rule of thumb for the other Sierra applications as well.



Workstation Peripherals

Barcode Reader/Scanner

Sierra can use the input from one of these devices to carry out circulation and other transactions. No setup is required for Sierra but the data sent to identify patron or item for circulation transactions should exactly match the contents of the barcode field in the record. If there are leading or trailing characters in a scanned barcode that are not used in the field data, the device should be set to drop them. If your library has acquired the Item Status API product, you can use RFID technology rather than conventional barcodes.

RFID Pads

As long as an RFID Pad is compatible with the OS and third-party RFID software, and the RFID software is configured to work with Sierra, it should be compatible.

Printers

Sierra can send output to printers setup for the workstation if the User printer settings allow this. 

Receipt Printers

Star printers are known to work well with Sierra. 

Some Epson and Ithaca models are known to have problems working with Sierra.

Camera

If your library has acquired the Internal Patron Images product, you can use an Axis network camera to take patron photographs.You must set up the device for appropriate workstations and then configure your system's camera options before you can take patron photographs.

Signature capture device

If your library has acquired the Digital Signature Support product, you can set up the device for a workstation and then configure the system to save and display signatures in patron records.

Scanner

If your library has acquired the Media Management product, Sierra can communicate with a scanner setup for the workstation.