There are two methods for merging bibliographic records in Alma:
Table of Contents
Method 1: Both bibliographic records are already open in the record list in the Left Pane of the Metadata Editor (MDE)
Merge the Records
- With the preferred/target record open in the Main Pane, choose split editor mode (F6 or the split screen icon ). The preferred record should move to the left side of the Main Pane.
- Open the non-preferred/secondary record so that it displays on the right
- To review:
- Left side of pane = preferred record
- Right side of pane = non-preferred/secondary record
- To review:
- Go to Record Actions >> Merge & Combine
- Choose HVD Staff - prefer left record from the merge routine drop-down menu
- Optional: Select Show merge preview after choosing a merge routine to see what the result would look like for a record merge
- Choose OK to merge the records
...
- Save and release the bibliographic record when you are done (Ctrl+Alt+R or File >> Save and Release Record)
- Required: delete field 014 from any moved holdings records
Method 2: Finding Matches
Open a bibliographic record in the Main Pane of the MDE
Select Record Actions >> Find Matches (Ctrl+M) to open potential record matches in the right paneTip Note that if you have the split editor open already and are viewing two records, only the left record will have the Ctrl+M option - Select View. Compare the bibliographic records carefully.
- Select Back to results to see the list of matching records again in the right pane
- If this is the record you would like to merge, select Edit
- Edit one of the matching records
- Once you choose Edit, the list of matching records in the right pane is replaced by the chosen record in Edit mode
- If you need to see the list of matches again, click in the left pane and enter Ctrl+M again
Once your preferred record is open on the left, go to Record Actions >> Merge & Combine
Tip Open/close split editor to adjust the order of your records so that the preferred/target record is on the left and the non-preferred/secondary record is on the right. See [OLD] Metadata Editor (MDE): Navigation and Overview for more information on working with the split editor.
Continue with steps 4 and 5 in Method 1 above, then
Choose How to Handle the Non-Preferred/Secondary Record,
Save, and Close. Remember to delete field 014 from any moved holdings records