Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Why won't the database open on LUNA Browser?
The most common problem we have found is that researchers are using a secured wireless connection to the internet. If you can access the Browser with an ethernet connection, you should have no problems. The security built into many academic wireless systems will not allow the Browser to work.

2. Why can't I find an image that I know is in the JCB?
We have made an effort to include only American images, leaving out a wealth of great images. If the image is about the East Indies or Africa, for example, or is on navigation, it will not be included. Maps have been included in the Map Collection. We aim to include all the maps, whether of the Americas or not, in the John Carter Brown Library, although we are still adding maps.

3. Why can't I find images on a specific topic?
We have tried to be consistant in describing images and we have tried to use as many words that can be searched. We would suggest thinking of as many words as possible in looking for a subject. Every word of the extensive bibliographical and descriptive information provided with each image is searchable. Using a word in the plural would limit your search to only plural results. Using "cradleboard," for example, instead of "cradle board" would also yield different results.

4. If I find an image I would like to order, what do I do?
Please see the Imaging Services and Permissions page. There you will find the pricing and order forms to request an image. If you use the record number supplied with each image, you will be assured of receiving that particular image.

5. If I wish to publish an image in a book or article, what do I do?
Permission to publish an image obtained from the John Carter Brown Library should be requested from theImaging Department. If the image is to be publicly distributed in any form or medium—print, photocopy, digital, video, etc.—special permission fees may apply and the John Carter Brown Library must be formally and prominently credited.

6. If I wish to use an image in a classroom setting, as a powerpoint presentation, for example, what do I do?
LUNA Insight (not the Luna Browser) provides the software to assemble groups of images from the Archive of Early American Images to migrate into a Powerpoint presentation. Other images, not from the JCB, may then be added to the presentation. If you wish to convert a collection of images into a powerpoint presentation, you will need to download the LUNA Java Client.

Download & Install Insight® Java Client

This client software installs on a user's computer. It provides a full tool set for the Archive of Early American Images. Users working with high-resolution images can perform searches, organize and group content, create presentations, and view related text data.

Go to the LUNA Imaging Download site for links to download MAC or PC Insight® Java Client

After installation, at the log on screen, type the username and password:

Click on “John Carter Brown Library.”
Click on “select.”

7. How are images scanned and what quality can I expect from the purchased scan?
Our images are scanned on a a Cruse Synchron (CS 130/220SL) large-format table scanner with cold-cathode illumination. Depending on the size of the original image, resolutions up to 818 dpi are possible (lower resolutions are obtained if the image is large).

8. How can I speak to a person who could possibly help me?
If you encounter difficulties, please do not hesitate to send an e-mail query to the Library's Imaging Department.