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Version: 2.0

Cataloging Utilities (Import, Export)

Beyond single-record data entry, the ABCD Cataloging module provides a powerful suite of Utilities for batch processing and database maintenance. These tools are essential for migrating data, sharing records with other institutions, and performing large-scale updates.

To access these tools, navigate to the Utilities submenu within the Cataloging module.

Importing Records​

The import utility allows you to load bibliographic records from an external file into an ABCD database. This is commonly used for migrating data from a previous system or loading a dataset from a provider.

  • Supported Format: The primary format for data exchange is ISO 2709, a standard for bibliographic information interchange. These files typically have a .iso or .mrc extension.

  • How to Import:

    1. Navigate to Utilities → Import records.
    2. Select the ISO file to import. You can choose a file already on the server or upload one from your computer.
    3. Choose the target database for the import.
    4. Configure the import options, which allow you to:
      • Load, add, or update: Decide if the imported records should overwrite, be added to, or merge with the existing database.
      • Apply formatting: Use a PFT to reformat or clean up data during the import process.
    5. Execute the import process.

Exporting Records​

The export utility allows you to generate a file containing records from your ABCD database. This is useful for backups, sharing your data with other libraries, or migrating to another system.

  • Supported Format: The standard export format is also ISO 2709.

  • How to Export:

    1. Navigate to Utilities → Export records.
    2. Select the database from which you want to export.
    3. Specify which records to include in the export. You can choose:
      • A range of Master File Numbers (MFNs).
      • The results of a search expression.
      • All records in the database.
    4. Configure export options, such as applying a reformatting PFT.
    5. Execute the export and download the generated ISO file.

Other Important Utilities​

The Utilities menu also contains other powerful tools for database administrators, including:

  • Global Changes: Apply changes to a large number of records at once using scripts and update rules. This is useful for correcting systematic errors or enriching data.
  • Inverted File Utilities: Perform maintenance on the database indexes, such as a full re-indexing, which is sometimes necessary after large data imports or changes to the FST.
  • Unlock Records/Database: Release locks on records or an entire database that may have been left by an interrupted session.