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What's new in ArchivesSpace v.2.8.1

AS v.2.8.1 was released on 2020 November 11! This article will highlight a few aspects of AS 2.8.1 upon its release. Atlas highly recommends that users always read the official release notes in their entirety, as this article will only highlight specific changes.

Have you already passed the 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.

Improvement Highlights for 2.8.1​

Settable preferences for 14 more record types!​

This is one is really worth exploring! AS 2.8.1 allows staff-side users to set preferences on an additional 14 record types. Navigate to the upper right-hand corner of the staff interface, click the arrow next to your username, select a Preferences page, and check out all the new options!

The spreadsheet importer is better than ever!​

One of the most popular ArchivesSpace features got a refresh! If you use the aspace-import-excel plugin or used the importer in 2.8.0, you'll be happy to know that this feature is now better than ever. Atlas recommends that both experienced and new users of the importer review this separate article on the importer spreadsheet, but all you need to know for the AS 2.8.1 update has been included here.

For AS users moving directly from a version of AS prior to 2.8.0:​

  • The plugin will be removed from your hosted instance upon updating to 2.8.1, but any existing configuration for [:hide_do_load] will be preserved.
  • All spreadsheets remain backwards compatible with this new functionality, but Atlas suggests considering a move to the most recent version hosted by ArchivesSpace (here, and also available from within the staff interface via the gear menu ⚙️ in 3.2.0 and beyond).
  • There are now both Excel and CSV versions
  • New templates allow for the use of resource URI as the linking value in addition to EAD ID.
  • There is now a validator! Look for the "Validate Only" button when starting an import.

For AS users moving from 2.8.0 specifically:​

  • There are no longer row or size limits for spreadsheets! This is because the importer is now a background job. You will feel no substantial differences in using it, only improvements
  • There are now both CSV and Excel versions of the spreadsheets, found here
  • There is now a validator! Look for the "Validate Only" button when starting an import.
  • There were a significant number of bug fixes after 2.8.0, enjoy!
  • All spreadsheets remain backwards compatible, but Atlas suggests considering a move to the most recent version hosted by ArchivesSpace (here, and also available from within the staff interface via the gear menu ⚙️ in 3.2.0 and beyond), since that is the version explicitly supported by the application.

Impacts on Plugins for 2.8.1​

AS 2.8.1 made significant improvements for setting view preferences within the staff interface. If you have pre-existing plugins that alter these same record preferences, they may now be redundant; or, if you wish to develop such a plugin, there are now additional factors to consider. Please review the release notes for relevant information.

Configurations for 2.8.1​

Setting new configurations is not required as part of the update, but here is a summary of the new configuration options in AS 2.8.1. Atlas can adjust these settings at any time, whether while updating to 2.8.1 or afterward:

Configuration SettingExplanation
Depreciated:
AppConfig[:bulk_import_rows] = 1000
AppConfig[:bulk_import_size] = 256		These configurations are being removed! They were briefly part of the config in AS 2.8.0 but are now moot since the spreadsheet importer has become a background job. If you are moving directly from a version prior to 2.8.0, you don't need to care about these at all!
AppConfig[:pui_active_citation_tab_item] = trueA new option for citations in the PUI! Users will now have two tabbed options for how to cite the page they are on. This is on by default.
AppConfig[:pui_branding_img_alt_text] = 'ArchivesSpace logo'An option to add alternative text to logo images in the PUI. The alt text is set to the words "ArchivesSpace logo" by default.

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.

For more information, please review the official release notes for v.2.8.1. 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.