Scalar: Multimedia Authoring
This document is available at: http://brown.edu/go/scalar
URLS we are going to use:
- Scalar website: http://scalar.usc.edu
Note that the word “scalar” is also a common mathematical concept. When searching on the web for information on the Scalar platform, it’s best to use “scalar anvc” or “scalar platform.” Don’t be surprised if you find yourself looking at sites on linear algebra!
Examples:
- Pathfinders: http://scalar.usc.edu/works/pathfinders/index Lots of structure in the publication, videos.
- Performing Archive: Curtis and the “Vanishing Race:” http://scalar.usc.edu/works/performingarchive/index helpful to use grid view. See paths in it.
- The Nicest Kids in Town: http://nicestkids.com/nehvectors/nicest-kids/index Use of television clips – add on to a book.
- Digital Paxton: http://digitalpaxton.org/works/digital-paxton/index Digital Archive, Critical Edition, exhibit. (uses tags)
- Asia-Pacific in the Making of Americas: http://scalar.usc.edu/works/apma/index
- Beyond the Boundaries of Fantasia: http://scalar.usc.edu/works/sunoikisis-ancient-leadership/index
Documentation
- An overview of features as well as a brief introductory video http://scalar.usc.edu/scalar/
- Users Guide (for version 2): http://scalar.usc.edu/works/guide2/index
- The developers read the forums, where you can post problems you’ve encountered or features you’d like to see: http://scalar.usc.edu/scalar/forums/
- UIUC quick tutorial: http://guides.library.illinois.edu/c.php?g=348220&p=2348687
Getting Started:
- Make an account in Scalar (click Sign In on the Home page, then click the Register an Account link below the white sign in box). You will need a key, which will be distributed at the workshop.
Scalar Features:
- Dashboard and menu bar
- First four tabs manage the book
- The next four tabs are used in editing and manipulating information in the book.
- Menu bar icons
- How Pages work in Scalar
- Make a new page (from dashboard or from menu)
- Editing toolbar
- Add text
- Add Images
- Add links
- Page Formats (bottom of page)
- Importing Media
- Media dashboard
- Types of media/importing
- Annotations
- Structure: Paths, Table of Contents, Tags. In Scalar, everything is a page. Some pages are information bearing, others are more like functions that gather together or interact with other pages.
- Make a table of contents
- Add all our pages to a path.
- Make some tags (if time)
- Galleries, maps, timelines
What we didn’t cover, but you can do with Scalar
- Insert third party maps, d3.js visualizations and timelines
- use hypothes.is for more general, public annotations
- Add css and javascript to your books and page
- visualizations of books and pages
Next Steps
If you plan on working with Scalar, the best way to start is to read through the documentation from start to finish. It isn’t very long, and it will give you a good overview of all Scalar can do.