Pildikogu

Pildikogu is the Estonian term for an organized collection of images, typically presented as an image gallery or digital image archive. The word combines pilt, meaning image, and kogu, meaning collection. In Estonia, pildikogud are commonly used by libraries, museums, universities, media outlets, and websites to organize and display photographs, illustrations, and other visual media.

A pildikogu may be part of a content management system or a dedicated digital asset management system. It usually features a grid or gallery of thumbnails, with options to view images in larger size, browse by category, and read captions and credits. Metadata often includes title, author or photographer, date, location, subject, rights, and licensing. Common file formats are JPEG and PNG, while archival collections may use TIFF or other high-fidelity formats. Accessibility best practices typically include alt text and keyboard navigation.

Rights and access vary: some pildikogud are open to the public, while others are restricted to certain users or require permissions. Licensing information, such as Public Domain or Creative Commons, is commonly displayed to clarify reuse conditions. Pildikogud serve functions in preservation, scholarly research, journalism, education, and cultural promotion.

In the Estonian context, pildikogu elements appear on national and local cultural portals, museum and university sites, and various digital libraries. They play a role in documenting and sharing visual heritage, supporting both everyday use and scholarly work.