Open Fifth Koha & Aspen Discovery Development Updates – July 2026
Last updated on: 20th July 2026| 20th July 2026 | Open Fifth | Software development
Koha development highlights
1. Restrict the numbering patterns available for a subscription based on its frequency
Allows creation of numbering patterns specific to a frequency to simplify subscription creation. Previously all numbering patterns and frequencies existed independently from each other and the list could get very long if you had many of both. Now you can assign numbering patterns specifically to a frequency so that when creating a subscription, the dropdown of available numbering patterns is filtered accordingly.
Primary developer: Matt Blenkinsop
Sponsoring library: Association KohaLa
Release: Targeting 26.11
2. Long overdue cron configuration page
Administrators will be able to use the circulation triggers staff interface to set up triggers with specific delays to control overdues processing behaviour and timing, without requiring server access. Options will include deciding whether a fine should be issued, whether to forgive a fine, what lost value to set items to, and whether to mark an item as returned. These will be available per library, per patron category, and per item type, with the option to set defaults to save configuration time. Closed days will be accounted for.
Primary developer: Martin Renvoize and Chloé Zermatten
Sponsoring library: Black Hills Library Consortium
Release information: Targeting 26.11
3. Patron importing should be a background job
Importing large patron files (2,000+ records) through the web UI can result in timeouts. Although the import continues running invisibly in the background after a timeout occurs, the visible error screen can confuse staff and may lead to duplicate import attempts. Routing patron batch imports through the background jobs queue will eliminate web server timeouts, handle large files reliably, and provide users with clear visibility into the processing status and final outcome.
Primary developer: Pedro Amorim
Sponsoring library: CLAMS Library Network
Release information: Targeting 26.11
4. Add ability to restrict which libraries can be selected in a report runtime parameter
When creating a report with a library runtime parameter, you will now be able to select which libraries are available to a user running that report.
Primary developer: Matt Blenkinsop
Sponsoring library: CLAMS Library Network
Release information: Targeting 26.11
5. Extend report limitations by library to use library groups
This development add to the ability to limit report visibility based on library groups. Users will only be able to view or run reports based on a library group and their logged in branch. This extends the work done in Bug 16631 to limit reports by library.
Primary developer: Matt Blenkinsop
Sponsoring library: CLAMS Library Network
Release information: Targeting 26.11
Aspen Discovery development highlights
1. Koha Bookings module support
A new dedicated Bookings section under ‘MyAccount’ in Aspen Discovery will allow library users to view, update, or cancel their existing bookings. When viewing items defined as bookable by Koha, library users will have the opportunity to view item availability and place a booking. All this while accounting for Koha configuration options such as buffer times before and after a booking, or maximum loan periods. Administrators will be able to control which actions are made available to library users by configuring booking settings for their library.
Primary developer: Chloé Zermatten
Sponsoring libraries: Westminster Music Library and Orem Public Library
Release: Targeting 26.08.00 (community), Open Fifth customers can expect to see this in their October Aspen update.
2. Custom usage data display period
Usage data for some Aspen Discovery metrics* can now be viewed by day, month, year, or custom period. The ‘custom’ mode enables administrators to pick a start date, set a duration, and view and download usage for that range. Dates shown on the usage graphs and in downloaded CSVs are formatted according to the configured locale.
The available metrics include General Aspen Usage, API Usage, Sideloads Usage, Summon Usage, Materials Request Usage, and Axis360 Usage graphs.
Primary developer: Chloé Zermatten
Sponsoring library: Feature request from East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture. Development sponsored by Open Fifth for the benefit of all Aspen libraries.
Release information: Included in 26.07.00, Open Fifth customers can expect to see this in their July Aspen update.
Previous posts
Open Fifth Koha & Aspen Discovery Development Updates – April 2026
Open Fifth Koha & Aspen Discovery Development Updates – January 2026
Open Fifth Koha & Aspen Discovery Development Updates – November 2025
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