Overview
In May we wrote to let you know that Harvard is transitioning away from the OpenScholar web platform, and that all Harvard OpenScholar websites will need to move to a new platform by November 2025.
We’re pleased to confirm that most Harvard OpenScholar sites can be automatically migrated to our new HarvardSites Drupal platform. For most website owners, this means your content and information architecture will be automatically transferred to this new Drupal 10-based platform, which adheres to University standards on security and accessibility, offers modern, accessible design templates based on School and Unit brand guidelines, and comes with support and hosting from HUIT:
- HUIT will work with Schools and Units to review websites and begin automatic migrations in waves between March 2024 and August 2025
- Schools and Units will also contact owners of websites that require additional planning due to unique requirements
You don’t need to do anything now, and you will be contacted in advance with details on timing and what to expect.
- Platform Update: 0.8.4 ReleaseReleased 3/20/2024. Significant functionality for this release includes the following:…
OpenScholar Sites
What can I do to prepare?
Here are some things you can do to prepare your OpenScholar site for a smooth migration.
Remove old or unnecessary content
This is a good time to create a site inventory and audit to identify content that can be deleted or archived elsewhere.
- Create an inventory of your website and delete any old content you no longer need (old events, press releases, announcements, files, etc.)
- Content Inventory and Auditing 101 (Nielsen/Norman Group) – Great article, includes a content inventory template
- If you’ve created several sites, delete any sites that are no longer needed
Review your Site Owners and Members
It’s important to make sure your site owner and site members are up-to-date. Site owners are usually the first point of contact if there is an issue with a site.
Read the knowledge base article about transferring ownership. If the owner of the site has left Harvard and you need more help, please contact the HUIT Service Desk.
Make sure your content is accessible
Check for broken links and any quality issues
SiteImprove is a tool available to Harvard that scans your website for typos, broken links, accessibility, and other content quality issues
Where can I get help with my OpenScholar site?
Support for all existing Harvard OpenScholar websites is now provided by HUIT. If you need help, please contact the HUIT Service Desk.
You can also review these OpenScholar help resources:
- Support requests for OpenScholar sites
- Help articles for OpenScholar sites at Harvard
- OpenScholar documentation
- On-demand OpenScholar training video (YouTube)
How will OpenScholar site moves be managed?
- Sites moving to HarvardSites Drupal will be migrated through coordinated bulk migrations with Schools and Units
- Initial migrations will begin in April 2024 with biweekly migration sprints
- Timing and inclusion within sprints will be coordinated with Schools and Units and communicated to site owners
HarvardSites
How do I know which HarvardSites platform I need for my site?
Your HarvardSite will be provided on the platform that best meets the needs for your site, or based on School requirements. See the Platforms page for more information.
Will my site still look the same?
HarvardSites provides a selection of Harvard-branded, modern design templates that meet web accessibility requirements.
When can I deploy a new site on HarvardSites Drupal?
HarvardSites Drupal is targeted for limited availability April March 2024 for sites with initial design capabilities. General availability for all School / Unit-based designs is targeted for December 2024.
What training and documentation will be available? When?
- HarvardSites Drupal User Guide – Learn the basics of the platform, how to use it, and guidance for OpenScholar migrated sites
Additional training resources including training sessions, and workshops will be provided for site owners and administrators. We will provide an update to site owners as training resources become available.