Introduction

When integrating IIIF capabilities into our Omeka S environment, we needed to choose the right viewer to ensure optimal user experience for accessing digital collections. After extensive testing of the available options, we selected Mirador over Universal Viewer for a number of compelling reasons:

1. Faster Image Loading

Mirador outperformed Universa Viewer in loading high-resolution images, providing a smoother user experience.

2. Modern Interface

Its clean, modern design offers easy navigation and a visually engaging way to explore digital collections.

3. Advanced Features

Mirador supports useful tools like annotations, OCR overlays, and image adjustments (brightness, contrast), enhancing research capabilities.

Mirador Technical Considerations

Mirador allows users to add annotations directly within the viewer, but these are stored locally and can be lost if cookies are deleted. Consequently, we have found Mirador’s annotation functionality too limited for our needs. Client-side annotations are not persistent, and there is no established contribution or curation workflow. We recommend exploring alternative systems for annotation, such as Madoc, which appear more promising in this regard.

Conclusion

For a project that depends heavily on user interaction and the flexibility to tailor the viewer to specific use cases, Mirador is the clear choice. Its customization capabilities make it particularly suited for projects requiring advanced image handling and specific interaction functionalities.

Maastricht University Library

Library Systems and Development