Aspen Discovery announced this week that the 20.16.00 release is available. This major release includes 2 new functionalities and 17 updates to the Aspen Discovery system.
Mark Noble, Aspen Discovery Developer, recently commented on the release: "In this release we're making it easier for libraries to communicate with their patrons for the upcoming holidays. The new messaging functionality allows libraries to post messages to their patrons in a variety of locations with specified starting and ending dates for each message. We're looking forward to seeing how libraries use this functionality to better connect with their patrons."
The new functionalities are Search Functionality and System Messages. The Search functionality adds a new facet to find titles based on the first publication date for a patron. This facet can be used to better find (or omit) titles that are frequently republished. This will be used by default for new installations. The System Messages functionality added the ability to add additional custom System Messages that can be shown on All Pages, All Account Pages, or specific account pages. Custom System Messages can have start and stop dates and can be displayed for specific libraries and locations. System Messages can optionally be dismissed by patrons.
Other minor updates include automatically checking out a hold when the item comes available via Axis360, improved functionality with the Web Builder functionality, and further developments for those who use Aspen with the Koha ILS. For a full list of release notes, please click here: https://bywatersolutions.com/news/aspen-discovery-announces-20-16-00-release-and-notes
