You can import catalogue records from a CSV (Comma Separated Values) file or a TSV (Tab Separated Values) file. Each Infiniti catalogue record consists of one bibliographic record and one or more holdings or copies records. You can import records using either file format from any source including publisher files (usually supplied via a supplier) and locally created files. Import files must be in the prescribed format to import successfully. 


Common Import Scenarios


This tool can be used for a number of different purposes. It allows you to import both bibliographic and holdings data to create or add to your library catalogue. Some common scenarios include:

  1. Importing book records:
    1. bibliographic data only, or
    2. bibliographic data and holdings/copies data.
  2. Importing records and links for digital resources.
  3. Importing records from a 3rd party source into Infiniti, e.g., from a legacy library management system. Refer to 1.1 or 1.2 above.
  4. Refreshing or updating current Infiniti bibliographic records from a Z39.50 source using ISBN/ISSN.  Refer to 1.1 above.
  5. Importing records for assets, e.g., laptop computers, mobile devices.
  6. Refresh bibliographic records in your catalogue.


Note: To avoid unexpected import failures CSV import files should contain 500 to 1,000 records per CSV file.


Import Competencies and Expectations For CSV Files


Importing records into your catalogue can create unexpected data issues with both existing and new catalogue and holdings records. The Infiniti CSV import tool assume the personnel preparing and importing records are familiar with:

  • the Infiniti catalogue structure, i.e., each record is a combination of a bibliographic record and one or more associated holdings records,
  • bibliographic record data,
  • holding record data for physical resources,
  • link (URL) record data for digital resources (if importing digital resources),
  • CSV file creation and manipulation,
  • data mapping, i.e., matching CSV import columns to correct Infiniti record structure.


There are a number of different options you must choose when importing your data files. The options you choose determine the CSV file requirements that must be met, including mandatory and optional data required for each record. Once you have chosen your settings we recommend you checkto ensure imports files meet the specifications required for your settings. Before importing we recommend you.

Refresh bibliographic records