What are the various way to merge bib records in Alma? Which merge methods should be used?
Answer
Merging Basics:
- To merge bib records, they must be in the same zone
- Merging occurs on the primary bib record. To merge bib records you need to have a primary and a secondary bib record
- The primary bib record is the record that is opened first in the MD Editor and it displays on the left-side of the split screen of the MD Editor
- The secondary bib record is the record that is opened second in the MD Editor and it displays on the right-side of the split screen of the MD Editor
Possible ways to merge bibs records in Alma:
- Merge Record & Combine Inventory - USE THIS METHOD ONLY!
- Copy & Overlay - DO NOT USE!
- Copy & Merge - DO NOT USE!
Merge Record & Combine Inventory:
Roles Required:
- Cataloger
- Cataloger Extended
Pros:
- Retains the POL and associated inventory
- Deletes the secondary bib record
- Other campus holdings are merged
- No duplicate bib records are created
Cons:
- Call number in the holdings record needs to be updated
- Change Bib Reference for the POL
- Records can be merged incorrectly if the incorrect merge routine is used
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