Created June 20, 2019
To access Sierra, you can either use the Chrome browser (URL https://galileo.valpo.edu/sierra/sierraweb), or you can download the Sierra Desktop Application software to your computer. For most library staff, the web browser is sufficient, but daily users will likely need to download the software. If you have questions about this, ask the system administrators (Alison or Ruth).
The URL to download the Sierra Desktop Application (SDA) is http://galileo.valpo.edu/sierra/desktop
Your computer is likely a 64-bit Windows system, but if in doubt, follow these steps to verify this:
- Select the Start button, then select Settings > System > About
- At the right, under Device specifications, see System type
Follow the directions on the screen, also listed below:
- If you are using a 32-bit Windows system, select the Windows (SFX) archive file.
- If you are using a 64-bit Windows system, select Windows Pure 64 Bit (SFX) archive file.
- Run sfx_sierra_win.exe (or sfx_sierra_win64.exe).
- On Windows 8 and later, you may see a Windows Defender SmartScreen warning. Click More options and run anyway.
- Allow the application to make settings changes: click Yes.
- In the installer window, select your options and click Done.
During installation, you will be prompted for admin credentials. Please see this page: Local Administrator Rights for information about who has local administrator rights.
The shortcut folder will default to the wrong location (see screenshot). To fix this, when it gives you the option of the location for the shortcut, don't choose the default "desktop"- select choose location and enter your desktop's location (example: C:\Users\rmuszkie\Desktop).
Log in with your initials (e.g., rlm, rsc). If you get an error message that "You must use a Sierra login." contact Ruth or Alison- they'll need to add "Sierra Application" to your Applications within the Admin interface (and likely add the appropriate workflows to your account as well).
If, during installation, you run into any problems, contact Alison Downey or Ruth Connell with questions.