What's new in ArchivesSpace v.2.8.0
Please note that Atlas recommends updating to ASpace v.2.8.1 over 2.8.0 and that some information in this article is no longer relevant.
AS 2.8.0 brings some exciting new features to the ArchivesSpace community! Please read the official release notes for a complete list of changes in this version.
This article will highlight a few aspects of AS 2.8.0. They are listed in the order of importance for updating to 2.8.0 and beyond, not necessarily the order of importance for future use of AS 2.8.0. In terms of using AS 2.8.0, the biggest changes will be the inclusion of the ASpace Spreadsheet Import functionality and the ability to merge containers.
Have you already passed the AS 2.7.0 barrier?
If you are transitioning from any version of ArchivesSpace that is v.2.6.0 or prior into any version of ArchivesSpace that is v.2.7.0 or after, then you still need to consider the factors listed in our 2.7+ FAQ. If you've already passed the 2.7.0 barrier then you can ignore this message. Please read on.
Known Bugs
As of mid-August 2020 the following bugs are known in AS 2.8.0, slated to be corrected in future versions:
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Generating PDFs on the staff side isn't working as intended if sites are either a) Using a repository image in the PDF or b) Using their own stylesheet. There is a workaround if this applies to you, please let Atlas know and we will implement the necessary changes.
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The new spreadsheet importer is not behaving as expected if creating new Agents with relators. There is no workaround for this, but this issue only applies to this very specific situation, so in general the spreadsheet is functioning as intended except when creating Agents with relators (the relators are dropped).
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Users of the AS 2.7.0 plugins will need to keep those plugins installed when moving into AS 2.8.0. Atlas customers will receive more information about this when making the transition.
Impacts on Plugins
AS 2.8.0 changes the following files in the ArchivesSpace application:
frontend/app/views/shared/_header_global.html.erbfrontend/app/views/shared/_header_user.html.erbfrontend/app/views/shared/_login.html.erbfrontend/app/views/welcome/index.html.erbpublic/app/views/containers/show.html.erbpublic/app/views/objects/show.html.erbpublic/app/views/resources/infinite.html.erb
If your site uses plugins that reference these files, whether developed locally or as part of a community development, those plugins may be affected in 2.8.0. Atlas suggests immediately testing all existing plugin functionality upon updating, including any custom branding. Atlas will be happy to install updated versions of any plugins that are developed or released as a consequence of these changes.
New Configurations
Setting new configurations is not required as part of the update, but here is a summary of the new configuration options in AS 2.8.0 should you want to use any. Atlas can adjust these settings at any time, whether while updating to 2.8.x or afterward:
| Configuration Setting | Explanation |
|---|---|
[:pui_search_collection_from_archival_objects][:pui_search_collection_from_collection_organization] | These configurations only apply to the Public User Interface. See screenshot below: |
For the Load Spreadsheet functionality in Resource records:[:hide_do_load] = false[:bulk_import_rows] = 1000[:bulk_import_size] = 256 | Specifies whether the "Load Digital Objects" button is available at the Resource Level; it is on by default. This setting was present in the original aspace-import-excel plugin. Sets the upper row limit for an excel spreadsheet with 1,000 rows as the default. This configuration is new, even for users of the plugin. Sets the maximum size (in kilobytes) for an Excel spreadsheet with 256 KB (.256 MB) as the default. This configuration is new, even for users of the plugin. |
AppConfig[:sort_accession_date_filter_asc] = false | For browsing accessions in the Staff interface you can now pick whether dates are sorted descending (default) or ascending (by modifying this configuration to TRUE). |
AppConfig[:max_search_columns] = 7 | You can now set how many columns display when searching or browsing in the staff interface. |
Please let Atlas know if you would like to modify any of the above configurations as part of your update to 2.8.0. All values listed above are the defaults.
The Import Spreadsheet
One of the most popular ArchivesSpace plugins is now part of the core code! If you use the aspace-import-excel plugin, you'll be happy to know that this feature is now included! For completely new users, we have another article for you to review.
In terms of updating to 2.8.0 and beyond, please review the Import Spreadsheet configurations listed in the table above. There are now three configurations relevant to the import functionality where before there was only one.
For those AS users that already use the aspace-import-excel plugin:
- There is one known bug related to using the spreadsheet to create Agent records with relators; the relators get dropped. A fix is coming in future versions of AS.
- The plugin will be removed from your hosted instance upon updating to 2.8.0., but any existing configuration for
[:hide_do_load]will be preserved. - However, there are two new configurations to consider, either now or in the future:
[:bulk_import_rows]and[:bulk_import_size], seen above. - All spreadsheets are backwards compatible with this new functionality.
- But there is a new spreadsheet template that allows for the use of resource URI as the linking value in addition to EAD ID.
- Existing users should not detect any significant changes while transitioning from the plugin to the same functionality in 2.8.0.
- However, there are now row and file size limits when there were none before. Those can be configured, see the table above.
There is a separate help article on the use of the import spreadsheet. Atlas recommends that both experienced and new users of the plugin review that article, but all you need to know for the AS 2.8.0 update has been included here.
If you have any questions about preparing for the update or new features, please contact Atlas Support staff at 800-567-7401 x1 or email us at support@atlas-sys.com.