Changelog Week 46

This week's updates focus on reference search functionality. The changes address specific challenges in finding and integrating research literature into manuscripts. These improvements make the search process more transparent and the results more useful.

arXiv Integration

Reference search now includes arXiv alongside Crossref. arXiv provides access to preprints across physics, mathematics, computer science, and related fields. This integration means you can find both published papers and recent preprints without switching between different search interfaces.

The combined search queries both databases simultaneously. Results from arXiv and Crossref appear together, maintaining their source attribution. This approach reduces the friction of tracking down recent work that hasn't yet appeared in traditional publication databases.

Search Visualization

The search interface now provides clearer visual feedback about what's happening during a search. Status indicators show which databases are being queried and how results are being processed. Progress updates appear as searches execute, rather than leaving you waiting without context.

Result presentation has been refined to make source attribution more visible. Each reference clearly indicates whether it came from arXiv or Crossref. Metadata displays consistently across both sources, making it easier to evaluate results regardless of origin.

Status Reporting

Search operations now report their status more explicitly. When a query starts, you see which databases are being searched. As results arrive, indicators show which source provided them. If a database doesn't respond or returns no results, that information appears clearly rather than silently failing.

Error states provide actionable information. If arXiv is unavailable, the search continues with Crossref and reports what happened. If network issues interrupt a search, the status explains what went wrong. This transparency helps distinguish between "no results found" and "search couldn't complete."

Source Filtering

A new filter lets you specify which databases to search. You can query arXiv only, Crossref only, or both simultaneously. This control matters when you know which source is most likely to contain relevant results. Searching a single database returns results faster and reduces noise from irrelevant sources.

The filter persists across searches within a session. If you're working primarily with preprints, setting the filter to arXiv means subsequent searches use that preference. The default remains "search both," but the option to narrow focus is available when it helps.

Custom Reference IDs

References can now be assigned custom identifiers that you define. Instead of relying on auto-generated IDs, you can name references with memorable shorthand that matches your mental model. A paper you frequently cite can become @r-hmp1 rather than a generic identifier you need to look up each time.

This naming system speeds up manuscript writing when you know which papers you're citing. Type @r-hmp1 and the reference inserts immediately, with full citation details maintained behind the scenes. The custom ID serves as your personal shorthand while the system handles the bibliographic accuracy. This approach reduces context switching between writing and reference management.

The custom IDs you choose persist across your workspace. If you always think of a particular study as "hmp1," that association stays consistent throughout your manuscript and related documents. This consistency helps when moving between sections or returning to work after time away.

Technical Notes

The arXiv integration uses their standard API with appropriate rate limiting. Searches respect arXiv's usage guidelines and cache results to minimize repeated queries. The implementation maintains the same error handling and timeout behavior as the existing Crossref integration.

Search visualization uses the existing progress indicator system. No new UI components were added—the status reporting works within the current interface patterns. This consistency means the new features feel native to the existing workflow rather than bolted on.

What This Enables

These changes make reference search more reliable and transparent. The arXiv integration expands coverage to preprints. Better visualization and status reporting reduce uncertainty about what's happening during searches. Source filtering provides control over search scope. Custom reference IDs reduce friction when citing frequently used papers.

Further Improvmeents

Improved Onboarding

Lab PIs can now generate invitation links that automatically grant VIP access to new members. These VIP invitations allow invitees—such as PhD students or postdocs—to immediately see all manuscripts in the lab space upon joining, bypassing the need for manual workspace-by-workspace access grants.