Grove for Libraries announces the release of Aspen 26.02, delivering new tools that enhance patron discovery, improve mobile engagement, and expand visibility of open-access content. This release continues Grove’s focus on community-driven development and practical improvements for both patrons and library staff.
Enhanced Lists with Faceted Filtering
Aspen 26.02 introduces faceted filtering for lists, giving patrons and librarians new ways to explore and manage curated content. Libraries can now create more usable, dynamic lists that allow users to filter by format, availability, subject, and other criteria.
“This is great for libraries that create lists like 1000 Books to Read Before Kindergarten; parents can now easily find a book on that list to meet their child’s current needs and interests. It’s also great for individual patrons like me who have 200 things on their TBR list and just want to see the titles available right now.”
— Jordan Fields, Grove Co-founder
Customizable LiDA Home Screen
Creating a customizable home screen is the top LiDA feature in the 26.02 release. Libraries can now add titles and icons to the LiDA home screen that link to any screen in the app or to external URLs. This gives libraries greater flexibility to highlight featured collections, services, programs, and digital resources beyond standard Browse Categories.
CloudSource OA Integration
Aspen 26.02 also introduces integration with CloudSource OA from SirsiDynix, providing access to global open-access articles, eBooks, eTextbooks, and open educational resources (OER). Libraries using CloudSource OA can now surface relevant open-access materials directly within Aspen search results, expanding discovery and access to high-quality free content.
Additional Enhancements
Aspen 26.02 also includes a variety of additional updates and refinements across the platform, including:
- Searchable administration settings
- Updates to LiDA self-checkout
- Accessibility updates
- Updated sharing options
- Additional enhancements and refinements throughout Aspen
Aspen 26.02 reflects the ongoing collaboration between Grove and libraries across the Aspen community, bringing forward thoughtfully designed enhancements that strengthen discovery, access, and usability for patrons and staff alike.
Learn More
You can see demonstrations of all of the key 26.02 features in the Aspen Inside Scoop Video on Grove's YouTube Channel.
Full 26.02 release notes are available at https://demo.groveforlibraries.com/Admin/ReleaseNotes?release=26.02.00
We’d like to thank the following libraries for sponsoring development from Grove for Aspen 26.02:
CLEVNET Library Cooperation
Gail Borden Public Library
Hoopla
Milwaukee County Federated Library System (MCFLS)
Nashville Public Library
North Olympic Library System
Orange County Library System
SHARE
SirsiDynix
SWAN Library Network
Wyoming State Library (WYLD)
