Skip to main content
Version: 3.1.X

Global Changes

The Global Changes utility allows you to modify multiple records in a single operation. This is useful for correcting spelling errors across thousands of records, moving data between fields, or deleting obsolete tags.

Structure of a Global Change​

The process involves three steps:

  1. Search: Define which records will be affected.
  2. Operation: Define what change to apply.
  3. Execution: Run the process.

Common Operations​

1. Add Field​

Inserts a new field with a fixed value into the selected records.

  • Example: Add Tag 900 with value Internet Resource to all records where Tag 300 contains "PDF".

2. Delete Field​

Removes a specific tag or a specific occurrence of a tag.

  • Example: Delete Tag 99 (Internal Note) from all records.

3. Change Content (Search & Replace)​

Finds a string of text within a field and replaces it with another.

  • Scope: You can limit this to a specific Tag (e.g., only fix "Color" to "Colour" in Tag 245).
  • Case Sensitivity: Be careful with capitalization.

4. Move Field​

Moves data from one tag to another.

  • Example: Move content from Tag 100 (Main Author) to Tag 700 (Co-author).

Step-by-Step Execution​

  1. Navigate to Cataloging > Utilities > Global Changes.
  2. Select Records:
    • Enter a search query (e.g., AU=Smith$) or a range of MFNs.
    • Tip: Always test on a single MFN first (e.g., MFN 50).
  3. Define the Change: Select the operation type and fill in the parameters (Tag, Old Value, New Value).
  4. Preview: Click "Execute" (depending on version, there might be a dry-run option, but often in ABCD it executes directly on the copies).
  5. Verify: Check the modified records.
Irreversible Action

There is no "Undo" button for Global Changes. If you make a mistake (e.g., deleting all Titles), the only way to recover is to restore from a backup. Backup your database before clicking Execute.