Preparing Data for the Web

The selection of records, fields, and images included on your Public Access site are completely within your control. Many organizations find it helpful to discuss their goals and mission prior to selecting records for the first time.

Consider which fields you want to include on your public site and make sure the records entered in PastPerfect have these fields populated with the appropriate data. Please note that some fields with potentially sensitive information, such as location and value fields, are not available for public view.

Each record image displayed on your public site has two versions: a thumbnail and a large image. You do not need to resize your images prior to selecting them for your public site; they will be resized automatically for thumbnails. You can also apply a text watermark to the large images on your public site, which will not affect the images within PastPerfect. This will be reviewed in Image Options. Not all images attached to a record need to be included online; the steps to select and deselect images will be reviewed in Select Records for Public Site.

Review your data for accuracy, spelling, and the consistent use of names and places. The more consistent and accurate your data is, the more successful your visitors' searches will be. Also consider using a custom field to create an audience appropriate description or interpretation of the artifact.