A digital asset may have a file attached to it, or it may contain a URL. An attached file can be almost any type of multimedia, such as a video clip, an image, or an audio recording. In digital asset management, media types are used to do the following:
| • | Define common types of multimedia file types that may be attached to a digital asset. |
| • | Assign an icon to help the patron easily identify each media type when browsing assets in a search results list. |
| • | Specify the action to take when the patron selects a specific asset from a search results list. |
A number of defined media types are delivered with Portfolio; users may create and manage additional media types for their library’s use with the Media Types page. (For a list of media types delivered with Portfolio, see Delivered media types.)
When an asset with an attached file is added to the digital asset hierarchy, the file’s extension is checked to determine which defined media type, if any, matches the file extension. If the file extension matches that of a defined media type, the asset will display the assigned media type icon with the asset in a search results list. If the patron views the asset in detail, the attached file is displayed, downloaded, or played, as determined by the media type definition.
If an asset has an attached file that does not match any of the defined media types, or the asset does not have an attached file or a URL, the Unknown media type is assigned to the asset. Portfolio will display the Unknown media type icon with the asset in the search results list. If the patron views the asset in detail, the attached file (if any) is downloaded to the local computer. The patron can then decide if he or she can find the appropriate application for the file.
When an asset that contains a URL is added to the digital asset hierarchy, the External media type is assigned to the asset. This media type is delivered with Portfolio, but it does not display in the Manage Media Type page, and it cannot be modified. Assets that contain a URL will have an external link icon next to them in a search results list.
The Media Types page lets you manage the media types that are defined for digital assets. You can add new media types, or edit or delete existing media types.
This section includes the following topics:
| • | Adding a media type |
| • | Editing a media type |
| • | Deleting a media type |
| • | Delivered media types |
Related topics
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