# Import Data

Important: Importing records into the database should be handled by a knowledgeable and skilled staff member. Please carefully read the instructions below.

The Import Data page allows system administrators to import resource records from a text file. The resource records can be from another Metavus site or anywhere else, as long as the data is in the correct format.

The required format for import is a file containing tab separated fields with each record terminated by a newline character. Any line containing a newline character within any field will cause the import to be terminated on that record. The first line of the import file must contain a list of tab separated database fields as defined in the Metadata Field Editor.

Import supports either importing of Resource records, or just Controlled Names, Options, or Classifications. If the header line contains a Title field, it will attempt to import Resource records. If the header line only contains Controlled Names, Options, or Classifications (or a subset of these), it will only import those values.

Multiple controlled names or classifications for a resource record must be on a separate line with all other fields duplicated. The only exception is for the Title field, which can be left blank. For example, a resource record with three controlled names and two classifications would have five lines associated with it.

Once the records have been imported, both the search and recommender databases must be rebuilt so that searching and the recommender system will work correctly.

Example:

- Title
- Alternate Title
- Description
- Url
- Source
- Relation
- Coverage
- Rights
- Email Address
- Date Issued
- Date Of Record Creation
- Date Record Checked
- Date Last Modified
- Creator
- Publisher
- Contributor
- Subject
- Resource Type
- Audience
- Language
- Format
- Classification

Important considerations when importing resource records are:

- Importing a large number of resource records can take a while.
- Importing resource records with images, files, or references is not supported.
- Flag fields should use 1 for a true value and 0 for a false value.
- Both the search and recommender databases should be rebuilt once the resource records have been imported.

To import a data file, use the "Browse..." button below to locate your local file for import. Initiate import by clicking on the "Begin Import" button. Your file will be uploaded to the server and the data imported.

Note: Importing resource records with images is not supported at this time.

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