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How can I become involved with the RICHES MI program?
What happens to my files after I upload them to RICHES MI?
Why would an item have multiple locations?
How do we use Omeka? And what plugins do we use?
How does RICHES MI work?
What browsers can I use to see the RICHES Mosaic Interface™?
Why don’t I have any search results?
How do I use the RICHES Mosaic Interface™?
How do I search?
How do I view an item in Omeka?
Why do I need to register?
What is the “Natural Language” search feature?
What is the “Show Connections” feature?
How do I use the “Show Connections” feature?
What are Profiles?
Why are there different profiles to choose from?

Using your Bookbag

What is the bookbag?
Why would I create a bookbag?
How do I use the bookbag?

Contributing to RICHES MI

How can I make an Exhibit for RICHES MI?
How do I share items on RICHES MI?
How do I contribute items?
Is there a video of the contribution process?
Can anyone contribute to RICHES Mosaic Interface™?
We have many items to contribute; can we contribute in batch, instead of one at a time?
Can I avoid filling out a release form for every item I contribute?
How do I classify my item for submission?
How should I upload the file?
What if I have more than one page for an item?
What can I not upload?
What kind of Historical Background Information is wanted?
How do I give information on when the item was created?
How do I give information on location?
How do I give information on the creator of the item?
How do I provide dimensions on the item?
How do I provide the location of the contributed item?
How do I provide where the original item is housed?
What release forms need to be filled out?

Video Tutorials

 

How can I make an Exhibit for RICHES MI RICHES MI?

Please take a look at this excellent blog post about how to make exhibits for RMI.
Post items to Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr, or email interesting items with new social media “share” buttons on the item detail window.

How do I share items on RICHES MI?

Post items to Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr, or email interesting items with new social media “share” buttons on the item detail window.
Try it on this Disney Atlas  – When the map opens, click the pin on the map, and click the title to see the detail window.  The share buttons near the bottom of the window.

How can I become involved with the RICHES MI program?

Please take a look at this blog post about how to become involved with RMI.

What happens to my files after I upload them to RICHES MI?

Our metadata editor will review your submission, and some changes might be added.  One high resolution file is stored on the server as well as a thumbnail and a lower resolution image for viewing on the web. High resolution images are 300 or 600 DPI.  The lower resolution images are 96-300 DPI.
We store the high resolution scans three ways. RICHES stores a DVD for each group of uploaded images in a physical archive. These files are also backed up onto two external hard drive.s The images on the web server are backed up weekly.  Users that need a higher resolution image can contact us by email at riches@ucf.edu.

Why would I create a bookbag?

Create a bookbag to save the primary sources that you have found and would want to see again.  Next time you log in to RMI, you will see the documents in the Bookbag tab next to  the Search Results on the right panel of the screen.
You may want to see you bookbag items in context on a timeline or map.  You can even watch a slideshow of the images in your bookbag.

Why would an item have multiple locations?

Every item in our database has a location and date associated with it.  Some items, like a photograph, have a specific location and date- Where and when was the photograph taken?  Some items, like an oral history, discuss many locations throughout the discussion.  For example, a veteran may discuss his military service in several locations – and each location will have a specific date range associated.  Another example is correspondance that will have a “from” and “to” locations.  Currently we map each relevant location so that the researchers will find the information relevant to their selected date range and location.   In future releases of RICHES MI, we hope to visualize these movements in location over time.

How do we use Omeka? And what plugins do we use?

RICHES MI uses Omeka to add and store data.  The RICHES MI user enters search criteria and we query the Omeka database for the results (See below for more details).  Our Omeka installation uses some basic plugins and some custom plugins.
RICHES created the Category Tree Plugin in order to assign multiple categories to each item.  This plugin is similar to the Collection Tree plugin except that any item can be in multiple categories.  Our metadata editor can add and edit categories when needed.
Since we provide a map and timeline interface to search our archive, we assign one or more locations to each item.  Omeka had a GeoLocation Plugin that allows the users to assign one location per item, but since we needed multiple locations – each associated with a date range – we created a new plugin called the GeoChron.  The GeoChron allows us to assign locations to the items which end up as pins on a Google Map.
We use the CSVImport plugin to import data that our students and faculty create.  Community partners use the Contribution plugin to add items to our database from local museums, or private collections.  We use our modified OaiPmh Harvester plugin in order to selectively harvest from other dublin core repositories.
By using Omeka to capture and store the data, we can concentrate our efforts on useful ways explore, visualize and and analyze to find connections in the historical archive.

How does RICHES MI work?

RICHES MI is a search engine built for searching an Omeka database with 2 key plugins. We use the GeoChron plugin to enable creation of multiple location/date range entries for each item. We also use a Category Tree plugin to help categorize the data for the search interface. Using Omeka makes the repository easy to manage, and allows us to extend capabilities with plugins. Our search interface uses a Google™ Map, and JQuery UI widgets to create a rich interface for searching the historical data.
Our goal is create a search engine that provides the user with insights and connections that the normal digital search does not provide. The first step towards that goal is to provide the search results on the map interface. Seeing the results on the map shows you spatial relationships in the data that you might not realize with a simple results list.

Use of Omeka in RICHES MI

The second step is to provide connections to items for which you did not explicitly search. The third step is to encourage you to explore the connections using insightful visualizations to analyze your connected items.

This diagram outlines our use of Omeka and how the RICHES Mosaic Interface uses the data from the database. We use Omeka as the backend tool for uploading data. We have extended or customized some of the import plugins for our needs.

We currently use two types of text analysis. The text search uses a statistical natural language processing algorithm to search the description and transcript of our items for the results.   Our SNLP search algorithm was implemented as part of an NEH grant.  This search will find items in the database that are related to the words that you enter into the text box without limiting the search to a simple keyword matching search.

We have created a module that we call “connections” that is another key to finding items related to your search.  We use the MALLET Topic Modeling algorithm from UMass as one of our criteria for the connections process.  The four criteria that we use to calculate connections are distances in time and location, and similarity in tags and topics.  For more infomation on the connections algorithm, look here.

What browsers can I use to see the RICHES Mosaic Interface™?

RICHES Mosaic Interface™ is best viewed with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari. Internet Explorer may work depending on your version, but Chrome works best. Thank you!

Why don’t I have any search results?

The search criteria are on the left panel. You must choose a date range, everything else is optional. Your search is only based on the date range, the ACTIVE tab, and the visible area of the Google map. A brown box is drawn around the map for your convenience so you know the map area being searched.

How do I use the RICHES Mosaic Interface™?

RICHES Mosaic Interface™ utilizes a map and a timeline for you to navigate history. Searches are based on the position of the timeline and map and the active search criteria tab. When you click search pins will be placed on the map showing search results in addition to a results list on the right side of the screen. This search capability allows for one-of-the-kind interaction in discovering the depths of the database.
To view the RICHES Mosaic Interface™ Overview, please click here

Search criteria are located on the panel, to the left of the map. Begin by modifying the time line, which allows for the search to be limited to specific years, by sliding the blocks to choose the range of time. To narrow your search, type a keyword, filter by category or item types. On the search panel, choose the document types, and item categories you would like to be included in your results. You can also change your geographic search by zooming in/out and dragging the map to an entirely different location.
To view the Search Overview video, which includes searching, please click here

How do I view an item in Omeka?

Omeka is the name of RICHES Mosaic Interface™ digital repository, where all of the artifacts are stored. On the map, open the item summary bubble by clicking on the map pin or search result. Click on the item title to see more detail and then choose “See item in the archive”. This will take you directly to the item in the archive. Another way to access Omeka is by clicking the “Archive” menu item on the menu bar above the map. This will allow you to access Omeka and explore the different collections, exhibits, and items in the database.
To view the Archive Overview video, which includes Omeka instructions, please click here

Why do I need to register?

Registration helps us understand who our users are
and that helps us make a better search engine for you. The registration also allows you to save your favorite items to a bookbag that you can access again, next time you log in. To register, please click on Login in the upper right corner of the screen. A secondary window will appear. Click on
Register within the window. Proceed with completing the RICHES MI Registration
form.

What is the bookbag?

The bookbag is a way to save your results in one place for later viewing. To use the bookbag, you must first login. Click the Login button next to the bookbag icon, located in the top right corner of the screen. If you have never logged in before, please register first (see instructions on how to register above), and then Login.
To view the bookbag tutorial video, please click here.

How do I use the bookbag?

Once you are logged in, to save an item, click on the item in the Search Results panel, or click the pin on the map.  You will see details on the upper left part of the screen.  Look for a button that says “Save”. When you click that button, your item will show under the bookbag. Your search results are still available – simply click the “Search” button again on the search panel to get your search results back. To access your bookbag at any time, click on the bookbag icon, located in the top right corner. On the bookbag results panel, you can remove items from your bookbag, or look at an item’s detail. To remove an item, click the check box near the item title and then the ‘Remove’ button at the bottom of the bookbag list. To see an item’s detail, click the title of the item in the bookbag list.
To view the bookbag tutorial video, please click here.

Book bag Analysis

The bookbag feature has an Analyze and Annotate button.  From this button, a new screen opens to allow organization and analysis of the items in your book bag.  You will see your items on a map, timeline and you see suggestions for more items in the Connections section.  To see a video about this feature click here.

What is the “Natural Language” search feature?

The natural language search is a broader search ability to find relationships between items based on the text you type in the “Search Text” field. The search engine will normally use the exact keyword to match with a word in the title or description to find search results. For example, if you search for “crops”, then you will only get results with the word “crops” in the title or description. When you check natural language, the search engine will find items similar to your search text in the item description and transcripts. The search engine will ignore the document type and category so that it finds the related items based on only the three criteria (search text, time, and location). For example, if you search “crops” with natural language checked, you will find items related to crops, like citrus and celery.

What is the “Show Connections” feature?

“Show Connections” is a prototype feature the RICHES Mosaic Interface™ is investigating for helping users explore the relationships between different historical objects stored in the repository. It presents a graph in which each node represents an historical object, and each edge between two nodes represents a suggestion that the connected objects are somehow similar. One can then navigate this graph by clicking on the neighboring nodes to explore items in the repository.

How do I use the “Show Connections” feature?

In order to use the “Show Connections” feature, you must select an item on the map to see the description bubble. Then click the “Show Connections button” on the right. A pop-up window with a graph will appear. The nodes of the graph represent historical items and the edges represent a connection to a ‘similar’ historical item in terms of space, time, and tag information. By clicking on the node labels, the user can navigate from item to item. Clicking directly on the node will cause the system to display more detailed information about that item.

What are Profiles?

Currently we use three different measures of distance to determine similarity for the connections graph: spatial distance, how far apart the historical items are in time, and the differences in the tagging information for the items. Different “connection profiles” provide different emphases on these three measures. This feature in its early phases, and we intend to continue to expand and refine it so that it becomes a helpful exploratory tool for researchers and general users of the RICHES MI.

Why are there different profiles to choose from?

The “Tags And Time” profile uses a combination of the difference in time between historical items and the differences between the respective tag sets of historical items to determine similarity. The “Tags” profile primarily uses the differences between the respective tag sets of historical items to determine similarity. The “General” profile attempts to balance similarity computations using all three measures: the geographic spatial distance between historical items, the difference in time historical items, and the differences between the respective tag sets of historical items.

How do I contribute items?

On the menu bar located above the map, click “Add your Story.” Proceed to log in, or register if it is your first time. Then fill out the necessary information and upload the item. Be sure to fill out the appropriate release forms located on the RICHES™ main website under the menu item “forms.” The necessary form for contributing an item to RICHES Mosaic Interface™ is in the Release Forms section and is called “RICHES™ Mosaic Interface Contribution Archive Release.” Your confirmation email will also have a link to this form, which will need to be received before your item is available publicly on the RICHES Mosaic Interface™.

Is there a video of the contribution process?

Click Here to see a video of the contribution process.

Can anyone contribute to RICHES Mosaic Interface™?

Yes! Artifacts can be found everywhere and do not limit themselves to just museums or archives. The only requirements for contribution are on the items themselves, such as formats or providing necessary information.

We have many items to contribute; can we contribute in batch, instead of one at a time?

Yes! If you have many items to contribute, we can work with your organization to find a process that works for you. Please contact us at riches@ucf.edu.

Can I avoid filling out a release form for every item I contribute?

Yes! If you have many items to contribute, we can sign an agreement with you to release all of the items you contribute. Please contact us at riches@ucf.edu.

How do I classify my item for submission?

When selecting the “type of item,” keep in mind the actual item, not the format. A scanned photo would be an image, while a scanned check or letter would be a document. An oral history could be a video, transcript, or audio format, but they will all be of the type oral history. An image, or document can be in a variety of formats. For example, an image can be received as a JPEG or a PDF. If you have questions, please email riches@ucf.edu.

How should I upload the file?

Please format your contributed item in low resolution. Our maximum file size is 32 MB, but your file should be much smaller if scanned between 100-500 DPI.

What if I have more than one page for an item?

Upload the first page normally. For the second page, please title it the same and in the description let us know that the page needs to be combined with the first submission. Another option is to use Adobe suite to create a PDF of your items and submit it combined.

What can I not upload?

Files larger than 32 MB and videos cannot be accepted as an online contribution. Please email us at riches@ucf.edu to make arrangements.

What kind of Historical Background Information is wanted?

Please describe the content and historical background of the item. You can describe what an image is depicting, or what an article is about. Answer the important questions of Who/What/Where/When/Why about the contributed item.

How do I give information on when the item was created?

Please let us know the date when the item was created. If this is not known, use a beginning and ending date to provide a range where the item was created. Use the format yyyy–mm–dd , or yyyy-dd-mm/yyyy-mm-dd for a date range.

How do I give information on location?

Let us know where the item was originated or the location it discusses (ex. a shipping document that addressed activities on Sanford’s Riverfront—the location would be Sanford’s Riverfront).

How do I give information on the creator of the item?

Please provide the name in this format: Last name, first name middle name/initial, suffix.

How do I provide dimensions on the item?

For images specifically, please measure the area scanned in inches.

How do I provide the location of the contributed item?

Here is the format: Street Number Street Name City, State Zip Code
Please use Lat,Lon Coordinates if there is no street address close by (in a field, or lake etc).

How do I provide where the original item is housed?

Let us know what institution the item is being held in (such as a university, museum, etc.)

What release forms need to be filled out?

Please visit our RICHES website and click the Forms tab on the top menu bar. Please fill out the RICHES Mosaic Interface Contribution Archive Release for your contributed items and email it to riches@ucf.edu.