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Version: 3.1.X

Import and Export Data

ABCD uses the ISO 2709 standard (the underlying format of MARC21) for data exchange. This ensures compatibility with other library systems like Koha, Aleph, or other ISIS-based software.

Exporting Data (Backup)​

Exporting your database to an ISO file is the best way to create a portable backup or share data.

  1. Go to Cataloging > Utilities > Export ISO.
  2. Output Filename: Give your file a name (e.g., books_backup_2023.iso).
  3. Selection Criteria (Optional):
    • Leave blank to export the entire database.
    • Enter a range of MFNs (e.g., 1/100) to test.
    • Use a search expression to export specific records (e.g., PY=2023).
  4. Fields Specification:
    • Leave blank to export all fields.
    • Use an FST selection to export only indexed fields.
  5. Encoding: Choose UTF-8 or ANSI depending on the destination system.
  6. Click Export.
  7. Download the resulting file from the server to your computer.

Importing Data​

Importing allows you to add records from other libraries or restore a backup.

  1. Go to Cataloging > Utilities > Import ISO.
  2. Upload File: Select the .iso file from your computer and upload it to the server.
  3. Import Options:
    • Append: Adds the new records to the end of the existing database. Use this for adding new books.
    • Create/New: Erases the current database and replaces it with the content of the ISO file. Use this for restoration.
  4. Tag Reformatting (Advanced):
    • If the incoming ISO uses different tags (e.g., Tag 100 for Author) than your database (e.g., Tag 70), you can use a conversion table to map them.
  5. Click Import.
Control Numbers (MFN)

When importing with Append, ABCD assigns new MFN (Master File Numbers) to the incoming records. The original MFNs inside the ISO file are ignored to prevent overwriting existing data.