Import OCLC Records Into Alma
- Minjie Chen
Import a WorldCat record into the MDE
Step 1: Connexion Client
Use Connexion Client to search for the best WorldCat record for the material you are cataloging
Copy its OCLC control number
Step 2: Open the Metadata Editor
Check out video instruction in Cataloging & Inventory Management Training Modules 3: Cataloging, Part 2 (Segment 22:45 - 31:10)
A) If there has been no bib record in Alma to overlay | B) If you have a bib record in Alma to be overlaid by a WorldCat record | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open the bib in the Main Pane of the MDE | |
| 2 | Click on the menu option Search & Browse > Search Resources
Verify that WorldCat is selected in the Search Cataloging Profile drop-down menu | |
| 3 | Search text will be populated from the existing Alma record in the left split pane. (You don't need to clear them, because the System Number you paste next will override the text in all other fields.) | |
| 4 |
In the last search criteria System Number, choose the operator Contains Keywords Paste the control number of the record you've found in Connexion Client into the box Press Search In Search Resources Results, verify that it is displaying the targeted WorldCat record | |
| 5 | Press Alternative, you may press View to see the record first before importing it The record is now in the MDE. You can close Search Resources | Press the three-dot button, select Alternatively, you can select Merge Preview first before executing Copy & Merge |
| 6 | Edit the record as needed Save the record to Princeton's repository | |
| 7 | If you have brought in a record by mistake -
| If you have overlaid a record by mistake -
|
Why is Copy and Overlay not the choice for overlaying an existing bib with a WorldCat master record?
Despite its tempting name, Copy and Overlay is not the choice because it will completely replace your original record with the one you have retrieved from WorldCat. This will delete local fields.
In contrast, Copy and Merge will merge the data of the external and local records, leaving you with an enhanced local record.
Methods
There are three methods for bringing OCLC records into Alma.
1) This page covers how to import a WorldCat record into the Metadata Editor by using the menu option Search Resources. See Flowchart A -
Flowchart A does not take into consideration the more complex scenarios concerning non-Roman or special collection materials. See Flowchart B for coverage of more scenarios.
2) A second method exports records from Connexion Client to Alma using F5 and requires proper configuration of your Connexion.
3) A third method, batch loading records from Connexion Client via an intermediary mrc file, is not covered here. The method is currently utilized for electronic resources mainly but can be adapted for other types of resources.