Using This Site

The concept of "archival" scanning is a misnomer in most cases.  Digital reproductions are just that – products of a reformatting process that uses state-of-the-art computer technology.  Digital copies are intended to replace the original item only when that item would disintegrate on its own accord.  Many researchers will wish to see the originals and may do so by appointment with the Special Collections librarian of Logan Library.

Accepting these limitations, a high-quality digital reproduction can help preserve the original by removing it from excessive handling or casual use.  In such cases, scanning strives to capture the essence of the item in terms of detail and color fidelity, as well as to provide information about the original and its digital surrogate.

Scanning at a high resolution provides a clear digital copy but also creates a large computer file.  We have tried to provide options that will accommodate a variety of personal connection speeds.  In some cases, as in the “Bylaws of the Castroville Castle,” we provide a digital surrogate of the original document as it currently exists plus smaller files of individual pages to facilitate downloading and printing.

In most cases you will have the option of choosing between two versions of the same image: "Dial-up" and "Cable/DSL". We have made every attempt to keep the dial-up images under 500KB in size to accommodate the slower transfer rate of dial-up users while still retaining a useable image. File size restrictions are not in place for cable or DSL versions and sizes may range from under 1MB to as much as 5MB depending on the physical size of the original item and the amount of visual information contained. Please note that you may download any image you like regardless of which technology you use for your internet connection.

For more information on digital libraries and the digitizing process, please visit our bibliography page. 

Prints and Photographs
Most prints and photographs in the Lanham Digital Library (LDL) are displayed in JPG format and require no special viewer.

Selected files are also available in PDF formats.  To view and print these files, the Adobe Reader is required.  Click here for the free download.

Some files are quite large.  Viewing via slow internet connections is facilitated by selecting the single-page views.  Large file viewing is also assisted by first saving the file to your local computer.

To save images and files

1. Place your mouse over the image.  The arrow will change to a hand.
2. Click the right mouse button (PC) or depress and hold the single button of the mouse (Macintosch)
3. A menu will appear.  Select  SAVE IMAGE AS or SAVE PICTURE AS.
4. A box will appear in which you indicate your desired name of the image file and where you wish it to be saved.  You may want to rename the file at this time to something that is personally meaningful.

Reporting Errors

To report a typographical error, misspelling, non-functioning link or other technical error on this site or to make a general comment or suggestion, please send an e-mail to digitalhistory@schreiner.edu

To ask a reference or research question, please use the Ask a Librarian service within Logan Library's web site.

For additional information about staff and resources, please go to the Contact Us page.