Library Technology Guides

Grove announces the release of Aspen Discovery 26.01 with new digital signage, enhanced mobile browsing, and community-driven updates. Grove for Libraries announces the release of Aspen Discovery 26.01, the first Aspen release of 2026. This update introduces new tools for engaging patrons, improvements to the LiDA mobile experience, and quality-of-life enhancements for Aspen administrators, all shaped by collaboration with the Aspen community. [Full Announcement].

Clarivate empowers libraries to unlock the value of their collections with Alma Specto. Clarivate, a leading global provider of transformative intelligence, announced the launch of Alma Specto. The AI-powered digital collection platform is designed to help libraries better manage, enrich and showcase their collections as digital resources continue to grow in scale and complexity. Developed in close partnership with leading libraries including Vienna University Library, Bocconi University Library and University of Maine Libraries, Alma Specto harnesses AI to streamline the management of digital collections, helping to enrich metadata quality of image files and non-textual materials where there is minimal or no information available. It enhances discovery and accessibility of libraries' digital collections, enabling libraries to better engage with their users and patrons, and reach new audiences. [Full Announcement].

Polaris 8.0: A more flexible, web-managed Polaris for your library. Innovative, from Clarivate announced that a new version of Polaris is available. This release completes the initiative to bring all System Administration settings into a secure, web-based interface and adds powerful new features to support administration, technical services, and library workflows. [Full Announcement].

Vega Promote's new release gives libraries cleaner data, and smarter patron segmentation. Innovative introduced new Vega Promote enhancements designed to help libraries better understand their communities, maintain clean and compliant data, and foster meaningful connections with patrons. Whether you want cleaner records, safer targeting, or dynamic segments that are updated automatically, these enhancements are built to support your evolving marketing needs with advanced segmentation, audience, and privacy features. [Full Announcement].

VuFind 11.0 Released. Version 11.0 of the VuFind Open Source discovery software has just been released. This major release includes several significant new features, many smaller improvements and fixes, and important infrastructural improvements to ensure the long-term compatibility and maintainability of the software. [Full Announcement].

Alma customers gain advanced automation and shared intelligence in November 2025 Feature release. With more than 2,400 libraries worldwide relying on Alma, the November 2025 Feature Release continues to advance our shared vision of smarter, more connected library services. Now available to all customers, this release delivers intelligent automation, richer analytics, and new collaborative tools that simplify day-to-day work and empower institutions to make data-driven decisions together. [Full Announcement].

Say hello to smarter event management with Spydus. Civica announced that the latest 2025R3 release of Spydus brings Photo Release Permissions front and center, making compliance and patron trust effortless. Now, you can add photo consent options to walk-in and online registration forms, display permissions in event and session screens, and even configure custom Discovery text in the OPAC HTML Configurator. Protect privacy, streamline workflows, and deliver exceptional experiences, all with Spydus. Spydus now offers an alternative for North American public libraries wanting the benefits of a mature, full-featured system built using modern software architecture. Spydus is a fully integrated, web-based system with no legacy client dependencies. [Full Announcement].

Smarter discovery: Natural language search now available in Primo NDE UI. Clarivate has introduced a powerful enhancement to the Primo NDE UI: Natural Language Search. With this new capability, library users can now type search queries the way they think or speak—without needing advanced Boolean logic—and the system will interpret that language and deliver precise, relevant results. Users can now enter a query phrased in everyday language. The system automatically translates it into a structured Boolean query in the background. [Full Announcement].

NDE UI is now available to All Primo VE customers. Ex Libris announced that the new Next Discovery Experience UI is now available to all Primo VE customers. The Next Discovery Experience UI delivers a modern, accessible, and user-friendly search and discovery environment that elevates the library experience for both patrons and staff. It seamlessly builds on your existing Primo VE data and configurations, ensuring a low-risk, smooth transition to the new interface. With enhanced analytics capabilities powered by tools like Mixpanel and expanded customization options, libraries can gain deeper insights and tailor the experience to their users' needs. Best of all, NDE UI offers complete flexibility and control, allowing institutions to adopt the new interface at their own pace and manage the transition on their schedule. [Full Announcement].

Alma customers gain smarter tools and greater flexibility in August 2025 Feature Release. With 2,425 libraries worldwide relying on Alma, the August 2025 Feature Release continues the tradition of delivering meaningful, community-driven innovation. Now available to all customers, this latest update introduces powerful new capabilities that refine day-to-day workflows, simplify access to information, and reinforce Alma's role as a flexible, forward-thinking library services platform. [Full Announcement].

Grove announces updates to while you wait, patron self registration, LiDA, and more in Aspen 25.08. Grove's latest Aspen release, developed in close collaboration with library partners, brings thoughtful enhancements to both patron-facing features and behind-the-scenes tools. These updates make it easier for libraries to connect readers with the right materials and streamline their workflows. [Full Announcement].

Auto-Graphics, a Soutron Global company, launches SHAREit as a standalone ILL solution. Auto-Graphics, now a Soutron Global company and the largest provider of state-wide resources, announced the availability of SHAREit as a standalone interlibrary loan (ILL) solution for public libraries. The SHAREit system, which has led the industry in online-based resource sharing since 1984, is currently utilized by 16 U.S. states and the Canadian province of British Columbia. This new standalone version of SHAREit addresses the growing demand from libraries seeking cost-effective ILL solutions outside traditional shared resource systems. The solution is specifically designed for libraries facing increasing costs, those excluded from regional or state systems due to technology constraints, and institutions needing enhanced interlibrary loan capabilities. [Full Announcement].

SHAREit, now a Soutron Global product, upgraded with multi-lender list capabilities. Soutron Global, now the largest provider of resource sharing SaaS solutions in North America, announces a powerful new enhancement to Auto-Graphic's SHAREit, improving ILL workflows: the Multi-Lender List feature, helping to further streamline and strengthen interlibrary load fulfillment. Designed to simplify borrowing while dramatically increasing the success rate of loan fulfillment, this new functionality adds a strategic layer of flexibility that empowers libraries to meet user needs faster—with less manual effort. [Full Announcement].

Polaris 7.8 is here: From your Wishlist to your Workflow. Innovative, part of Clarivate announced the general availability of Polaris 7.8. This version supports smarter workflows, greater mobility, and better service delivery. We are grounded in the ideas of the people who know libraries best: you. Innovative continues to partner with our libraries and realize the Member Exclusive Enhancement Program features. [Full Announcement].

VuFind 10.2 released. Version 10.2 of the VuFind Open Source discovery software has just been released. This minor release is designed primarily to help users prepare for upcoming changes in release 11.0, but it also includes several new features, along with expanded translations, updated dependencies, new configuration settings and minor bug fixes. [Full Announcement].

ByWater Solutions' partners sponsor development in Koha 25.05 Release. ByWater Solutions acknowledged its partners who sponsored developments in the Koha Community 25.05 release. [Full Announcement].

Bibliotheca introduces selfCheck 2500, a compact self-service kiosk for libraries. Bibliotheca has launched the selfCheck 2500, a new compact kiosk that streamlines borrowing, account management, and access to library services. Designed for institutions where space is limited and efficiency is paramount, the 2500 offers a full suite of self-service features in a sleek, small-footprint design. [Full Announcement].

Libero 6 Congo Release supporting the modern library like never before. With the new Libero 6 release, Congo, Libero by Knosys goes further than ever before to provide the very best experience for libraries, their members and communities. In addition to what you would expect from a best-in-class library management system, a number of significant new features and modules are now available that will have members connecting with libraries from any location and any device. [Full Announcement].

Grove adds improved user experience and performance for the Aspen LiDA App as part of more than fifty Grove contributions to Aspen 25.05. Responding to one of the most requested features from libraries, Grove has introduced a user-friendly interface in Aspen that allows librarians to easily customize LiDA's loading messages. This enhancement enables libraries to tailor messages to their specific needs or update them regularly, keeping the app fresh and engaging for patrons. In addition to this feature, Grove has implemented several quality-of-life improvements, including enhanced location search and sorting during patron login, along with performance upgrades informed by a recent performance study sponsored by the Minuteman Library Network. [Full Announcement].

Equinox announces major features in Evergreen 3.15. Equinox Open Library Initiative, a trusted leader in open source technology development and support for libraries, is pleased to announce the release of Evergreen 3.15, the latest update to the award-winning library software used by more than 1,800 libraries worldwide. The Equinox team contributed fifty percent of the features appearing in the Evergreen 3.15 release. [Full Announcement].