A new era begins on E-Pics: curating, auto-tagging and georeferencing
Today, 1 June 2021, the Image Archive is launching its E-Pics catalogue as part of the new front end. The new front end features an intuitive, modern and responsive design for a simple, fast and particularly “fresh” new version of E-Pics catalogues.
The Image Archive’s long-standing dream is now finally a reality! We are pleased to present the most important new features on E-Pics Image Archive.
Curating and storytelling
A topic that has long been relevant for GLAM institutions, the new front end allows to curate images on the welcome page by using the highlights function. Not only can we present highlights from every category for you, such as holdings or genres, but you can also discover additional information such as the history of a certain collection.
Searching and finding
In addition to the general search bar, you now also have access to a category search bar. Furthermore, the advanced search function has been reintroduced – a development that is sure to please professional researchers. Consistent linking of individual images to our Crowdsourcing blog, Wikimedia Commons, Twitter and other platforms is another valuable feature. Now, georeferenced images can also be displayed on a map, and you can search for them using geographical coordinates.
Collecting and sharing
You now have the option to create a user account, which makes collecting and sharing images easier and more convenient. Your account lets you create and share permanent collections.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has arrived at the Image Archive
Another important new feature, which is not directly connected to the new front end but will be displayed for the first time with this launch, is the use of Clarifai – an AI-based image recognition software. The goal is to run auto-tagging on all images in addition to intellectual keywording. At the time of launch, 45 percent of the approximately 600 000 uploaded records with images have already been tagged. This new feature will make your image searches even more accurate.
A small name change
The “Image Archive Online” is now just the “Image Archive”, as is practically standard for all other E-Pics catalogues. The old name was introduced 15 years ago to differentiate the online archive from the physical Image Archive that was being established at the same time. Today, we feel that this difference is obsolete.
Good to know: Between 1 and 11 June 2021, you have the opportunity to get an insight into the new features of E-Pics Image Archive in 15-minute online introductions and also to ask questions.
What’s next for E-Pics?
Additional E-Pics catalogues will replace the previous website front end Cumulus Sites with the new portal solution Attention Web Platform (AWP).
Questions or feedback?
The Image Archive team looks forward to receiving your feedback and is happy to answer any questions via email at .