DSpace 7, the next major version of the DSpace platform, is currently in development and aims to introduce a unified user interface built with Angular 2, along with an extended REST API for better interoperability. The new user interface will enhance user experience, optimize search engine results, and maintain existing functionalities found in previous versions. Development focuses on various components including browse/search, authentication, submission workflows, and is guided by dedicated outreach and working groups meeting regularly to track progress.

1. www.atmire.com
DSpace UK User Group Meeting 2017
Update on DSpace 7

2. Introduction
DSpace 7 is the next major version of the DSpace platform. It is currently
under development by the community.
• Main feature of the new version will be the new, unified user interface
and extended REST API
• Is currently planned to be ready in the course of 2018 (still subject to
change)

3. New User Interface
Update on DSpace 7

4. Goals and approach
The goals of the new user interface will be as follows.
• Provide a unified user interface technology
• Offer a fluent user experience by avoiding page loads
• Offer a solution which is search engine optimised
• To retain the current functionality offered in both JSPUI and XMLUI
• Improve the interoperability between DSpace and other applications
To achieve this, the new user interface will build with Angular 2. The XMLUI
and JSPUI user interfaces are decommissioned.

5. DSpace
Architecture
Solr
Database
Storage
Web Server
REST API
Browser
Dependencies Web Apps
Initial page request
Returns HTML, Javascript and
initial state
1
2
Request data3
Return JSON4
Other Web
Apps

6. Extending the REST API
In order to support the new architecture, DSpace 6’s REST API needs to be
extended.
• The new REST API needs to support all operations which can be
performed through the user interface
• Can also be used by other applications to integrate with DSpace
The development of the new REST API is led by Andrea Bollini.

7. Planning and status
The development of the new user interface will sequentially focus on the
following areas.
1. Browse & search
2. Authentication and Authorisation
3. Submission
4. Workflows
5. Administration
6. Statistics
The development of Browse & Search is currently ongoing. Early prototype to
be expected by the Open Repositories conference.

8. Early prototype of the new
simple item pages
• First (and very early) visual of the
new user interface
• Shows the simple item page
• Still subject to change
• Implemented by Lotte Hofstede
(Atmire)

9. Community Effort
Update on DSpace 7

10. DSpace 7 UI Outreach Group
The DSpace 7 UI Outreach Group is responsible for
• DSpace 7 functional test plan, comparable to the DSpace 6 test plans
• Identification of those use cases that will be implemented in DSpace 7
• Communication/Outreach to the wider community at specific times
Meets every other week on Wednesday through conference call. Led by
Carol Minton Morris (Duraspace).

11. DSpace 7 UI Working Group
The DSpace 7 UI Working Group is responsible for
• Design of the new architecture and technology stack
• Development of the new user interface and REST API
• Design of the base theme and look-and-feel of the new user interface
The group meets on a weekly basis. The group is led by Art Lowel (Atmire).

12. www.atmire.com
Wouter Janssens
Bram Luyten
Update on DSpace 7