Normalization Rules

Owned by Sal Hamerman
Last updated: Jun 28, 2023 by Donald Thornbury

What are Normalization Rules?

Normalization rules are scripts used to transform bibliographic metadata in Alma at various stages. They can either be run on a set of records, or applied to a record individually. 

Users with the Catalog Administrator and Catalog Manager roles can create and manage normalization rules. They are written in a language called Drools. Catalogers can apply a normalization rule to a single record.

See ExLibris' page on Normalization Rules for more detailed information on how to create and edit normalization rules, and what purposes they can serve.

Standard Normalization Process: PUL-BibNorm

CAMS staff have developed a standard normalization process called PUL-BibNorm, which will be applied to all new records. PUL-BibNorm runs the Book Edits rule, which performs the following actions:

  • Remove fields that are copy-specific for another institution, as indicated by a code other than "NjP" in subfield 5
  • Remove unwanted field unconditionally
  • If 050 or 090 are not present or complete, supply a call number to add to holdings
  • Process 902 fields


Staff should apply this normalization rule to every new bib record as a final step when completing cataloging.

Normalization rules can be viewed under the Rules tab in the Left Pane of the MDE. 

Applying the Rule to a Single Bib Record

  1. Open the desired record in the Metadata Editor.

  2. Using the Menu Bar, Select Editing Actions > Enhance the Record.


  3. Choose the rule PUL-BibNorm from the drop-down menu and click OK. This rule is the default option. 
  4. Save the record.