PF Library How-To
What and Why
The PF Library is simply a database of information on a wide array of sciences. Currently we are only including Mathematics and Physics as the system is still young. Considering the massive amounts of different topics being discussed, members and visitors are bound to come across terms or concepts they are not familiar with. Before the PF Library they then had to either post a question within the topic thus slowing down discussion or they had to go outside PF to research. And who knows what kind of information they'd find or if it were even reliable. Now these members and visitors don't need to go outside PF and can research and look up these concepts quickly on site. The Library also allows members to further define concepts and terms. Usually concepts are within specific problems in threads, but now members can discuss and expand into what could be thought of as concepts in the naked form. Like Wiki each item is editable per usergroup permissions.
Where is it
The Library URL is
http://www.physicsforums.com/library.php and it will be added to the top navigation bar. There is also an auto post link feature that I will talk about later that lets you click on a concept and be sent to the library.
How do I use it?
Main Page
On the main page you see a left side bar and three boxes in the middle right. The three boxes are self explanatory and meant to be a fun entrance to see what is new and what has changed. The left side bar you will see an "add content" link where you'd click if you wish to add a new library item. Under that you have two ways to find content. You can either use the three drop downs to browse a topic or if you know the specific item, you can search for the title.
Defined browse
Select a topic, then sub topic and then sub sub topic. Click browse and you'll be sent to a page listing all the items listed in that topic. Or browse by just topic or topic sub topic.
Report Item
If you see an item that needs to be looked at by authorities please use the report button. (will be enabled tomorrow)
Adding Content
If an item is missing that you want to add information about then click "Add Content". Make sure you search well to see if it isn't already added.
Topic
Select from the three drop downs the topics that best categorize your item.
Title
Please use standard terminology when choosing a title! Remember the acronym KISS. Please do NOT choose something like "Cool Gravity" or "~~ Gravity ~~" or add "The" to the beginning or add punctuation. Also please use all lowercase letters in the word/phrase.
Definition/Summary
Self explanatory. Please keep to max of 100-150 words. This should be quick and easy to read to get a gist of what this concept or term is about. LaTeX enabled
Equations
This is for LaTeX equations listing. It is just a listing. Please keep to 1 equation per line. Standard forum latex tags are to be used.
See Also
This should be for further reading or related concept linking. Use easy titles for the URLs. First option should be to link to other items within the library. Otherwise you can link to external sites.
Scientists
This should be a listing of the scientists known to be responsible for developing the concept. This field is BBCODE enabled. Please use links to biographies inside the library, otherwise external sites.
In the News
This field is for a listing of recent news stories that might be related to the concept which may interest visitors. Again this field is BBCODE enabled.
Extended Explanation
This field is for more complete information on the concept and should be used to house most of the data. Examples can also be added and further explanation of the concept. This field is LaTeX and BBCODE enabled.
Images
This area is where you can attach images to the item. Only five at a time, replace images as better images are found.
Once you are all done, you can click save, and your item is sent to the moderation bin to be reviewed. Once reviewed, it is either accepted or removed. No notification is sent either way.
Editing an Item - currently only staff, Homework Helpers, Science Advisers & Item Creators can edit items.
Editing is all done while viewing an item. Each box has an "edit" link to the right of it. Click that and you can begin editing. Simple as that. The breakdown box is used to show where the item is listed, if you think it is better off in another topic, then you may change it accordingly.
NOTE: all edits are logged and if we find someone purposefully messing with items, it will result in an immediate permanent ban from the entire site.
Commenting on an Item
Commenting is done like quick reply. There is a comment box at the bottom of each item. Type inside it with your banter and click save. The comment box is LaTeX enabled. Everyone can comment.
What is forum post auto linking
Each time someone makes a new thread or posts a reply to a thread, that thread checks the content of the post and tries to match any keywords with items in the library. For example, if someone posts a reply in a thread with the keyword "triangle" and the library contains an item with the title "triangle" then that word inside the post is automatically made a link connecting to the item in the library. So this is easy for someone to quickly find out more about a concept without even thinking or leaving the site or post for that matter. To help avoid cluttering, we've setup the links to remain black text, but feature a dotted underline. Also only one instance of the keyword will be linked in each post.
preview facililty ?
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