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Collectus and ImageViewer

UVa Library's Collectus and ImageViewer allows users to view image files that are part of the digital collections and, if desired, to collect references to those images into collections that are stored as XML files on a user's local drive or to a mapped network location. All images and page images retrieved by searching or browsing the digital collections are accompanied by menus that allow users to view and manipulate the image in detail, or add the image into personal collections.

The Object Collection Window in Collectus allows a user to view and organize newly created or previously saved image collections, and to generate slide shows for use in the classroom. Collectus can also be used to create an HTML web page on the user's local drive or a mapped network location for delivery of online image reserves. The ImageViewer provides zooming, panning, brightness and contrast, and rotating functions for images in collections built with Collectus, and is also available when searching or browsing the digital collections online.

Authentication: Many items in the Digital Collections are restricted to the UVa community - users must be on Grounds, or authenticated through UVa Anywhere.

Installing Collectus

The first time you click on the "Add to Collection" button, Collectus will be installed onto your computer, and will be automatically updated upon later uses. For Windows, the application will install automatically. For the Macintosh, users will need to double click on the downloaded file (Collector.jnlp) to complete the installation. You may also install the Collector Tool manually though a link below.

NOTE: The Image Viewer and Collectus require that your computer be configured to use Java 2. The ImageViewer will not work with the online Digital Collections and you cannot add images into personal collections using Collectus without the proper Java and browser configuration.

After you install Java, you can run the Collectus installer. For Windows, the application will install automatically. For the Macintosh, users will need to double click on the downloaded file (Collector.jnlp) to complete the installation. You may also install Collectus manually though a link below.

The first time Collectus is installed you will be prompted with a security warning and asked to allow the installer "unrestricted access" to your machine. As long as the window includes identification that it is installing the "Object Collector" and is "signed and distributed by Virginia.edu," please click "Start" in this window and allow the installer to proceed.

You will also be prompted with the question "Would you like to have Object Collector integrated into your desktop environment?" If you select "Yes," it will add an icon to your desktop and an entry for the Collector to your Start Menu. You can delete the desktop icon later if you choose. If you select "No," no icon will appear on you desktop, and no entry for Collectus will appear in your Start menu. To change the setting after the fact, go to your Start menu and launch Java Web Start. Select "Preferences," go to the "Shortcuts" menu, and then select your choice (always integrate, never integrate, or ask before integrating). If you change the setting to ask or always, the next time you open the Collector it will install a shortcut to the Collector application.

To launch Collectus from your desktop, click on your desktop icon or select the entry from your Start menu. If no icon or Start option is available, go to your Start menu and launch Java Web Start. You can start Collectus through that program.

Launch the Collectus Installer

Troubleshooting Collectus and ImageViewer

Recommended Minimum Browser Versions: (Some features may not work on other browsers or versions)

The first time you click on the "Add to Collection" button, Collectus will be installed onto your computer, and will be automatically updated upon later uses. For Windows, the application will install automatically. For the Macintosh, users will need to double click on the downloaded file (Collector.jnlp) to complete the installation.

You may not have the correct versions of Java or Java Web Start installed on your computer. Collectus requires that your computer be configured to use Java 2, version J2SE 1.4.2 (Java 2 Standard Edition), aka JRE 1.4.2 (Java Runtime Environment), including Java Web Start.

Required Java for use of the ImageViewer and Digital Object Collector Tool:

After you have set up Java, please run the Collectus installer to confirm that the Tool is working on your computer. For Windows, the application will install automatically. For the Macintosh, users will need to double click on the downloaded file (Collector.jnlp) to complete the installation.

The ImageViewer will not work with the online Digital Collections and you cannot add images into personal collections using Collectus without the proper Java and browser configuration.

For Macintosh users, Collectus must be started from the Desktop BEFORE you can begin building or adding to a collection. To launch Collectus from your desktop, click on your desktop icon or select the entry from your Start menu. If no icon or Start option is available, go to your Start menu and launch Java Web Start. You can start Collectus through that program.

Collectus may not work properly if you have a Pop-up Blocker installed. If you encounter any difficulty, try disabling your Blocker.

Authentication: Many items in the Digital Collections are restricted to the UVa community - users must be on Grounds, or authenticated through UVa Anywhere.

Collectus and ImageViewer Help

NEW! Check out the downloadable and printable Quick Start Guide for Collectus and the Quick Start Guide for ImageViewer (PDF)

Help for the use of the Collector Tool and ImageViewer can be found on the Collectus Help page.