What does the error message "Import failed. Reason: Failed to convert marc record to marc xml" when exporting a bib record from OCLC to Alma mean?
Answer
If you receive the message: "Import failed. Reason: Failed to convert marc record to marc xml," it means that there is something in the OCLC master bib record that is preventing the bib record from being converted to XML.
A known cause is when MARC 505 field (Contents) is too large. Variable fields in OCLC are allowed to have up to 9,999 characters (https://www.oclc.org/bibformats/en/introduction.html#section1.1).
If MARC 505 has more than 9,999 characters, it should be split into multiple MARC 505s to allow the bib record to be successfully exported to Alma:
- Go to Action>Lock Master Record
- Split the 505 into multiple 505s
- Go to Action>Replace Record
- Export Record
Report the OCLC master bib record to OCLC's Quality Control team if you continue to get the error message.