The attachments dialog allows the user to attach a number of different types of associated media to another record - most notably, Items and Readers.

The left hand side of the dialog displays a list of attachment types, along with any attachments that may already be in place. The right hand side of the dialog displays editing fields allowing the user to modify attachments when they are selected.

Note that in all cases, changes to the attachments are not recorded in the database until the underlying record is saved in the database (e.g. the underlying Item or Reader).

In order to create a new attachment, select the media type in the list that is required then select [Create Attachment] from the menu. A new attachment is created in the list of the current type.

In order to edit an attachment, select it from the left-hand list to display its details on the right hand side of the dialog.

The fields that are made available for editing will vary dpending upon the nature of the attachment created. In all cases, at least the Title field should be completed immediate so that the attachment can be recognised when saved.

An attachment may be made the 'default' of that attachment type for the current record by selecting the row containing the attachment description then selecting [Make Default Attachment] from the menu.

Making an attachment the default for that attachment type will result in any call for a single attachment having the default entry returned. The most common use for the default attachment is as the standard image representing the Item (such as a book cover) or Reader (such as an identity photograph).

Default Items are display in the list in Bold

To remove an attachment from the record, select the required attachment and then select [Remove Attachment] from the menu.

Some attachments can be viewed directly within Pergamon itself, while others simply provide a mechanism for making a recorded reference between the record and an external file.

• Abstracts - Abstracts can be viewed directly within Pergamon and represent large amounts of text. In addition to the Title, each abstract record provides a large text field for recording the bulk text.

• Audio - Audio can be played directly within Pergamon. As well as the attachment title, a text field and command button are provided to select the filename of the audio-file on disk. Once selected, the audio file can be played using the [Play] command button.

• Documents - Documents can not currently be viewed within Pergamon due to the huge number of varied types that can be selected. The Document attachment type is therefore provided for indexing purposes, and not for internal viewing. As well as the Title field, a second text field and command button are provided for the selection of the document filename on disk.

• Image - Most common image formats can be viewed directly within Pergamon. As well as the attachment title, a text field and command button are provided to select the filename of the image file on disk. Once selected, the image is automatically displayed as long as that record is selected.

• Video - Most common video formats can be played directly within Pergamon. As well as the attachment title, a text field and command button are provided to select the filename of the video-file on disk. Once selected, the video file can be played using the [Play] command button.

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