Sierra Direct SQL Access

Innovative does not provide end-user support for creating SQL queries. Sierra Direct SQL Access users assume responsibility for the effects of custom SQL. Poorly constructed queries can compromise system performance.

The Sierra Services Platform incorporates a PostgreSQL relational database that captures the library's material, circulation, patron, financial, and operational data. A collection of database views provides direct access to the library's bibliographic and transactional data. Each view is constructed from one or more tables and can be queried as a single table. Views are read-only.

Note that Sierra updates most of the database views storing the parameters which are accessed in Sierra via one of the Admin | Parameters menus nightly. Edits to these parameters may not show up immediately in SQL query results.

With Sierra Direct SQL Access, you can create custom reports on any configuration of data, integrate with other systems, and create custom applications.

The SierraDNA provides documentation of all views and their constituent columns.

The following resources can help you take advantage of Sierra Direct SQL Access:

Getting Started

SierraDNA

Query Examples

Troubleshooting