User Guide

Get access

Access to the system is available for all BBC Media Action staff, provided they have an approved email address (either **@bbc.co.uk or **@**.bbcmediaaction.org).

Select the "Register" link at the top of the page, enter your email address and then create your own password (which you have to enter twice) and that's it.

You will receive an email notification to inform you that access has been granted.

View the video tutorial...

Simple search

Searching for an item is simple and can be done from the homepage.

In the searchbar, just type in keywords for records you would like to see and press search.

Alternatively, if you would like to see everything in the system and don't feel the need to narrow it down by keyword, just enter an asterisk (*) and then press search.

View the video tutorial...

Advanced search

If you have tried a simple search as outlined above but you still haven't managed to find what you're looking for (if there are too many results returned) then you can filter the results more specifically.

The panel on the left titled "filter and sort" allows you to narrow the results based on several criteria. By selecting and unselecting these options you can find the material you want faster.

For example, you can select the media type (Image, Video or Audio), the country or region, the donor, broadcast date and many others.

View the video tutorial...

Downloading media

In order to download media items, first search for them. Once you have found the record you would like to download, view the record page by clicking on it.

On the right-hand side of the media there is a small menu with various items available. Select the icon labelled "Download Media"

If you are using a Mac, the download will begin automatically through your browser.

If you are running Windows, you will be presented with two options, either downloading in the browser, or downloading faster using the "Imagen Accelerated File Download".

Downloading through the browser is fine, but if you lose connection, or your speed is a little slow, this may take a while. In these instances, select "Imagen Accelerated File Download" and it will download faster (if you are running 365 in country this software will have been installed already, otherwise you will have to install the software if you are able).

This method will download the original file in it's original format. If you need a media item for a powerpoint presentation, or you would prefer a low-res version then try creating a clip instead.

View the video tutorial...

Sharing media

Once you've found the media item that you would like to share, you have a couple of options.

If you are sharing with a collegue the best way of sharing it is to copy the webpage address and send them the link.

If you would like to share it with someone externally (like a donor) then select the "Embed" button to the right of the media and then copy the "Universal URL" link that's generated. This will enable users to view this content, but this content only - so it is a secure way of sharing selected content and it doesn't expire.

View the video tutorial...

Creating collections

It is possible to save media to a "collection" which is a personal folder that you can save media items to for future reference.

This means you can select your favourite (or most frequently needed items) and keep them in one place so you don't have to search for them everytime you want to view them.

To save an item to your collection, first find the item and then select the "Add to collection" option from the menu on the right-hand side.

You can then either save the item to an existing collection, or create a new one.

To view your collections, click on "Your Account" on the top menu and they will be listed on the left-hand side.

View the video tutorial...

Creating clips

Quite often when looking for material for presentations you don't always want an entire film and often only want a specific scene or section. Traditionally you'd have to download the whole file (which can take a while) and then edit it yourself offline.

With this archive, you can do it all online and request a specific section. To do this simply find your media item and select the "Add a clip" option beneath the video.

Then drag the "in" and "out" points (the blue bar with arrows at each end) to the specific points you want to download. Once that's done, select "Order clip for downlaod" and you will be greeted with a choice of options for downloading the media.

Once you have selected your option, the system will cut the clip and send you an email when it's ready to download. When you get the email, follow the link and download it.

View the video tutorial...