Frequently Asked Questions for Participants
General:
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Is there any documentation on how to use Acquisition Station?
Is there a data dictionary that describes each field in the database?
Is there a list of approved subjects?
How do I upload exhibits and transcripts?
How do I replace the default thumbnails with the NSLS specific ones?
What file formats can Digital Past take?
What is the best way to delete an item?
Searching and Browsing Records:
How do I search?
How do I access only my records?
How do I put a search box on my homepage that only searches my records?
I want to use my thumbnail and web images on another web page. How do I find out the complete URL for these?
Digitizing Items:
In what formats and at what resolutions should I scan?
Are there any large format scanners available for our use?
I don't know how to scan items, can I get training at NSLS?
I have oral histories, can these be included?
I have old movies, can these be included?
Who do I contact if I have questions?
You can always contact Kay Schlumpf at NSLS headquarters. However, we ask that you use our new Digital Past specific e-mail addresses - support@digitalpast.org for current participants and info@digitalpast.org for general inquiries. We also have a Genealogy and Local History Community of Practice where questions can be posted off the main North Suburban Library System site (http://www.nsls.info), click on Online Communities and Start Using the CoPs.
Is there any documentation on how to use Acquisition Station?
Yes, it is available off the OCLC Web site. You will need a specific NSLS code to access it though, which you can get from Kay.
Is there a data dictionary that describes each field in the database?
Yes, a complete glossary of metadata fields is available (PDF format)
Is there a list of subjects?
Yes, there is a list available of subjects in text format. You may also use any Library of Congress Subject Heading.
How do I upload exhibits and transcripts?
Each participating library has a reserved FTP location to house large transcripts and Web-based exhibits. You must store your images in the correct folders in order for the correct images to be accessed by the Digital Past pages. To access these, contact support@digitalpast.org
Exhibits Folder - storage for html documents to be used in special exhibits. Participants will also be able to develop special exhibit web sites within this storage area.
Transcripts Folder - storage for txt files to accompany exceptionally long audio or video records. These files should be plain text with line breaks and saved with a txt extension. CONTENTdm has a 16,000 character limit for their Full Text Field. Transcripts to go with printed works should be placed in the Full Text Field in the Compound Documents.
How do I replace the default thumbnails with the NSLS specific ones?
Please refer to the Replacing the CONTENTdm Default Thumbnail Images with Digital Past Thumbnails handout (available here as a PDF). Thumbnails are available in this zipped file.
What file formats can Digital Past take?
Digital Past accepts just about any web-friendly format. We have jpg, gif, pdf, avi, rm, wav, html, etc.
What is the best way to delete an item?
Please refer to the Deleting Items in a CONTENTdm Collection handout (available here as a PDF).
How do I search ?
Click the Search button above. You can search limited to the collection, the library or all the records in Digital Past. There is also an advanced search available.
How do I access only my records?
Each library has a "short" URL that leads to their own "home" page on Digital Past where their collections are listed. If you do not know this URL, contact Kay at support@digitalpast.org. This URL can be used from your library's Web site to take you directly to your records.
How do I put a search box on my homepage that only searches my records?
The following code can be placed on your webpage (in your HTML code):
<form action="http://cdm.digitalpast.org/cdm4/plugin_search.php?CISOROOT=/username000" method="post">
<p><input name="plugin_CISOBOX1" id="plugin_CISOBOX1" size="20"><br />
<input type="image" src="http://www.digitalpast.org/qbuild/go.gif" border="0"></p></form>
You must put your own username where it says "username", leave the 000 at the end. .
I want to use my thumbnail and web images on another web page. How do I find out the complete URL for these?
The easiest way to find the complete path and filename of your thumbnail and web image files is to view the Digital Past page that has the image you want to use on another page. If you right mouse click on the image (using Microsoft Internet Explorer) and select Properties, you will see the full URL of the image. You can cut and paste this file reference into your own HTML.
In what formats and at what resolutions should I scan?
Digital Past follows the best practices set forth by the Illinois State Library. We suggest 3 image files for each object: Archive, Web, and Thumbnail. The Archive image is your untouched scan of an item and is stored at your institution (often on gold CDs). It is scanned at 300-600 dpi, depending on degree of detail required. For most photo, slides, etc we recommend 600 dpi. For newspapers and text (letter, diary, etc) we usually go with 300 dpi. They can be in black and white or color. They are saved as uncompressed TIF files. After the Archive image is saved, images are then taken down to 100-150 dpi for delivery over the Web. Digital Past tends to go with JPG format for these, but GIF is also acceptable. These items are uploaded to the Digital Past server and served out to the users. Thumbnails are the small images you get in search results and are automatically created by Acquisition Station when uploading to the server.
Are there any large format scanners available for our use?
Yes, NSLS has set up a large format (12 X 17 inches) flat bed scanner for your use in the Digital Past Resource Lab. An oversized format roller scanner (for non-fragile, loose items) is also available. You will need to contact Kay Schlumpf to arrange time to use the scanners at the System.
I don't know how to scan items, can I get training at NSLS?
Yes, you can arrange for one-on-one training with Kay Schlumpf at NSLS in the Digital Past Resource Lab. The lab supports two flatbed scanners, an oversized format roller scanner, audio/video software, Adobe Photoshop software and other resources for your use.
I have oral histories, can these be included?
Yes, audio is welcome! You will have to make arrangements with Kay Schlumpf and bring your tapes to the System to move them to the proper digital format. We can convert either cassettes or CDs, but not reel-to-reel. To add these, you will need to get your reel-to-reels or other format copied to a transferable format, preferably CD.
I have old movies, can these be included?
Yes, video is welcome! You will have to make arrangements with Kay Schlumpf and bring your videos to the System to move them to the proper digtial format. We can convert VHS format tapes or CD-ROMs only. Any other format will need to first be transferred to VHS or CD-ROM.
