Preparing a MARC import
Last modified by BibOS Admin on 2026/11/14 19:08
Review matching, item mapping and a small sample before a larger import.
Check the official Koha manual for your installed version.
Know what is in the file
Koha supports staging MARC records before managing their import into the catalogue. The matching rule and item handling settings affect whether records are added or existing data is updated.
Prepare a useful sample
- Keep an untouched export from your current system and record its date and format.
- Select varied records, including multiple copies, non-Latin text, missing identifiers and different material types.
- Document which fields contain item barcodes, branch codes, locations and item types.
- In a test Koha environment, review matching rules and stage the sample. Inspect matches and problems before committing the import.
- Reconcile the result against expected title and item counts. Check character encoding, duplicate handling and individual copy details.
Decide what counts as a pass
Write down the expected result for each sample record before importing. A count alone will not reveal a copy attached to the wrong title.
If a source file is CSV, plan its transformation separately. A spreadsheet export is not automatically a valid MARC file. Keep the mapping and the transformed sample together for review.