UCB Libraries

UCB & Flatirons

Luna Insight FAQ for Instruction Librarians

1. What is Luna Insight?
2. How, when, and why did the Libraries acquire Luna Insight?
3. Where can I learn more about using Luna Insight?
4. What is the difference between the Web Browser and JVA client?
5. Where can I download the JVA client?
6. Who should be contacted if there are difficulties installing the software?
7. Is the JVA Client available on the computers in the instruction labs, ITS labs, or library public terminals?
8. How do I learn about our collections in Luna Insight?
9. How will students use Luna Insight?
10. How will faculty use Luna Insight?
11. How can I set up folders to store images for class use or for my own research?
12. When should I include it in my instruction?
13. What elements are most important for an introductory instruction course?
14. What elements are most important for an advanced instruction course?
15. What elements are most important for teaching the creation of presentations?
16. What are some sample searches I can use in my instruction?
17. What are the typical questions students may ask?
18. Are there other resources to help me teach Luna Insight?

 

1. What is Luna Insight?

Luna Insight is the software that powers the University Libraries Digital Asset Library (DIAL) and the University of Colorado Digital Library. The Insight software stores, manages, and displays digital collections of images, audio, video, and QuickTime VR.

2. How, when, and why did the Libraries acquire Luna Insight?

A CU system-wide Digital Asset Management Committee was formed in May 2004 to address the transition from analog to digital materials in the academic environment. After the evaluation of nineteen potential Digital Asset Management Systems (DAMS), the committee recommended Luna Insight as the standard software system for a CU Digital Library in February 2005.

 

For more details visit the Digital Asset Management website.

3. Where can I learn more about using Luna Insight?

For more information and resources on Luna Insight visit the
DIAL Collections homepage. You will find locally developed materials as well as some external links and sources. You may also wish to explore the resources produced by Luna Imaging.

4. What is the difference in the Web Browser and JVA client?

Collections in DIAL can be accessed in two different ways: through the Luna Insight JVA Client or the Luna Insight Web Browser. The web browser enables basic use of the collections, while the JVA Client is necessary for more advanced features. The JVA Client must be installed on the user's computer.

5. Where can I download the Luna Insight JVA client?

The JVA client is available on a number of campus computers (see question 7). However, you may also install the JVA client on your personal computer. (Download JVA client)

6. Who should be contacted if there are difficulties installing the software?

For assistance installing the software, please contact Holley Long (holley.long@colorado.edu).

7. Is the JVA Client available on the computers in the instruction labs, ITS labs, library public terminals?

The JVA Client is available in Norlin Library instruction labs E160 and E303. All the public terminals in the libraries are also equipped with the JVA Client. It is not yet available in the ITS labs, but should be in the near future.

8. How do I learn about our collections in Luna Insight?

The DIAL Collections webpage lists the names and brief descriptions of the collections. Additionally, when you are using the Luna Insight JVA Client you may access both, a brief description of the collections, and links to more extensive information.

9. How will students use Luna Insight?

  • To access digital objects relevant to study and research.
  • To compare and contrast images.
  • To enhance classroom presentations.
  • To incorporate images into research: download, export, or print.

10. How will faculty use Luna Insight?

  • Incorporate digital material into curricula.
  • Access during class discussion for dynamic multimedia enhancement.
  • Select and save groups of images and details.
  • Save and share presentations with students online.
  • Create classroom presentations and lectures with image details, embedded links and annotations.
  • Enhance learning materials and student resources.
  • Create groups for personal research and study.

11. How can I setup folders to store images for class use or for my own research?

Currently, you cannot set up folders that are stored within Luna Insight. You may export images, create groups, and presentations that can be stored on your personal computer or storage devise.

12. When should I include it in my instruction?

Your departments and faculty may request the inclusion of the Digital Library resources or you may recognize a strong visual element in the course syllabus.

13. What elements are most important for an introductory instruction course?

  • What is Luna Insight?
  • What collections do we have access to?
  • Basic Search and Navigation
  • Viewing Image and Image Data
  • Toolbar Overview
  • Sort
  • Print

14. What elements are most important for an advanced instruction course?

  • Choosing Collection(s)
  • Basic Keyword Search
  • Truncation
  • Search using List option for specific fields
  • Searching by Data Fields
    • Data Field options
    • Narrow/ Broaden
    • Keyword: Using “And/Or” function
  • Searching Multiple Collections
  • General limitations/ Tips

15. What elements are most important for teaching the creation of presentations?

  • Saving a set of images- Groups
    • Where to save- local/ shared
    • Adding/ Deleting
  • Creating Annotations and Links
  • Create a Presentation
    • Image Display Options
    • Changing Data Display
    • Annotations and Presentations
    • Exporting

16. What are some sample searches I can use in my instruction?

 

Local Collections

Collection: Aerial Photographs of Colorado
Search: by data fields, search by county: “Boulder”, AND date: fuzzy date “1938”

 

Collection: Aerial Photographs of Colorado
Search: by data fields, search by county: “Boulder” AND landmark: contains “Arapahoe”

 

Collection: Aerial Photographs of Colorado
Search: by landmark: “Badg”, select list, choose “Badger Creek”

Other Interesting Images

Collection: MOAC
Search: by keyword Native American*

 

Collection: Rare Manuscript Collection Cornell
Search: by keyword “Crew”

 

Collection: Claire Holt Collection
Search: by Keyword “Bali”


Collection: Claire Holt Collection
Search: by data fields, place, select “Bali”

 

Collection: MOAC
Search: by data fields, creator name, begins with, “Cameron”

 

Collection: Political Americana
Search: by Political Figure “Nixon”

17. What are the typical questions students may ask?

Many of the questions students may ask are covered in the training materials found on the DIAL homepage. Additionally, an excellent source for potential questions is the California Digital Library document titled Questions Asked during Luna Training Sessions.

18. Are there other resources to help me teach Luna Insight?

The DIAL training task group is working to develop a number of training materials, including: online guides, sample training modules, a glossary of terms, and links to additional resources.