2010-08-08

New Database Search and Sort Features

Today, the AaI&A website takes another important step forward. We now have powerful database search and sort features that will allow members and visitors to find results much more easily. This functionality will become increasingly more useful as the database continues to grow.

To navigate to the new database click on "test results" in the main menu and then, on the next page, click on "Light Fade Test Results". If you then click on the [Collapse Columns] box an index (as shown in this figure) will appear.

At the top of the database page are direct links to some new PDF documents that will teach you about the new features. One links to a "Quick Reference Guide" about using the database features. Another links to a glossary of terms that will help you to understand the data listed in various columns. The third links to a detailed explanation of AaI&A's Conservation Display Rating. These Adobe PDF files are also located on the documents page of the AaI&A website.

If you have any experience with managing a list in Microsoft Excel, the new AaI&A database search and sort tools will seem very familiar. But the good news is you won't have to download a spreadsheet or have a copy of Excel on your computer. It all works seamlessly on the AaI&A website. If you have never used a spreadsheet program like Excel, not to worry. Searching and sorting the records in the Test Results database is pretty intuitive in how it all works, but the "Quick Reference" guide will quickly teach you what you need to know. The bigger challenge for many printmakers and photographers will be to learn what some of the new colorimetric data and other information means. However, if you take the time to study the new information, you will be rewarded with a much better understanding of digital print media, especially inkjet papers. To help you along, we have added a direct link on the Test Results page to the "description of terms" document as well.


Enjoy

Mark McCormick-Goodhart
Director, Aardenburg Imaging & Archives