In response to community feedback, we're releasing a modernized look and feel for the Digital Commons administrator tools on October 22, 2026. No action is required. This is the first phase of a larger effort to make managing your repository more intuitive and efficient. This article explains why we're making the change and what it means for you.

You told us. Administrators have consistently asked for a cleaner, easier-to-navigate experience. We heard that the administrator tools felt dated, visually dense, and hard to learn, especially for new or occasional users. This update is a direct response to that feedback.

It's the next step in modernization. We've already refreshed the Dashboards and Journals experiences. The administrator tools are next, so the pieces of Digital Commons look and feel more consistent.

It lays the groundwork for usability updates. Shared layout templates, navigation patterns, and components make it easier for us to deliver future improvements. Those include more accessibility work and usability enhancements to the workflows you rely on most.

This release is primarily a visual refresh of the administrator tools:

• Cleaner layout that's easier to scan.
• Refreshed navigation to help you find what you need.
• Accessibility improvements across the pages you use every day.
• Clearer labeling of pages, menus, and actions.

• Functionality, workflows, and permissions stay the same.
• The public pages of your repository are unaffected.
• Nothing has been removed. Some items have moved or been renamed, so they're easier to find.

The update will be applied automatically to your live and sandbox sites the morning of October 22. No action is required on your part, and we expect little to no service interruption during that rollout.

• Watch the walkthrough video for a short tour of the new look.
• Review the glossary of updated terms to see what items have new names or where there are notable changes.
• Refer to the FAQs included below.

We also suggest letting the other administrators at your institution know, such as editors, conference organizers, and other staff.

This is just the first wave. We’ll continue to roll out design updates to the administrator tools in the coming quarters. Your input helps shape what comes next. Questions or comments? Contact us at dc-support@elsevier.com. 

FAQs

Q: Why is Digital Commons updating the administrator tools?
A: We've heard consistent feedback that the administrator experience feels dated and harder to navigate than it should be. This update is the first step in a phased modernization of the interface — starting with a refreshed design and clearer navigation, with more improvements to follow.

Q: What is changing on October 22?
A: The release updates the design, layout, and naming conventions of the administrator tools for clarity and to modernize the look and feel. There are no changes to functionality in this release.

Q: Which pages are included?
A: The initial release covers a significant portion of the administrator tools, including navigation, site and structure configuration, submission management, batch upload/revise, and submission details pages. Additional pages are planned for future updates throughout Q4 and into 2027.

Q: Will my workflows change?
A: No. This initial release is design-focused — the way things work is not changing, only how they look and how things are labeled and organized.

Q: Will I need to relearn how to use the administrator tools?
A: A little exploration may be required as you get used to the new interface, but the core functionality remains the same. The tools have been reorganized for a more intuitive experience, and some redundant elements have been combined. The video walkthrough and glossary are available to help you get oriented.

Q: Is the updated admin interface accessible?
A: The updated design was built and tested to address a number of accessibility gaps in the admin interface. An updated VPAT is planned for November 2026. See the Accessibility Hub for details on accessibility updates.

Q: Will my custom configurations, permissions, or branding be affected?
A: No. Your configurations, permissions, and design settings are not affected by this update.

Q: Can I switch back to the previous interface if I prefer it?
A: There's no option to keep using the previous version — the update applies to everyone at once, so individual opt-outs aren't available. If you run into any challenges or have suggestions, please reach out to dc-support@elsevier.com. Your feedback helps shape what comes next.

Q: Do I need to do anything to prepare for October 22?
A: Nothing is required on your end. The update will be applied automatically.

Q: Will my bookmarked admin links still work?
A: Yes — URLs are not changing as part of this update.

Q: Is this the only update planned for the admin experience?
A: No — this is the first step in a longer modernization effort. We will continue to bring all pages into consistent design into 2027 and will provide further updates.

Q: Where can I send feedback about the updated admin experience?
A: We'd love to hear from you — reach out to dc-support@elsevier.com.