obtaining our L4U data

[JWood]

Hello Powerschool Community

We are researching other database programs and need our data to get quotes - most places require a data evaluation before they give you a number. We are concerned because the person we contacted in L4U tech support is telling us they can't give us our data in MARC 21. Have any of you encountered this? This seems absurd for a library database, particularly since many of the original catalog records downloaded from LOC were MARC.

It is normal to get quotes from other database providers so we can compare and make sure we are getting the best product possible. So we can't be the first library to request our data in MARC21. And it is so very difficult to speak to an actual person re. L4U I thought I would try here.

Thanks,

Jill

[Reshma]

Hi @JWood,

Thank you for posting in PowerSchool Community!

We see that your case with the L4U support team is escalated to provide you further information. We also see that you have been provided with the Marc records in .txt format.  We recommend continuing working with them as they should be able to assist you further.

We also encourage other members to share their experiences around this topic on this thread if they have experienced the same and have any insights. 

[JWood]

The original records I downloaded from the Library of Congress were in MARC 21. I used your service called CheckMark, so I'm not sure why you wouldn't be able to get us our data in that format. Txt is not a format that other companies can use. I checked and they said the the txt export isn't usable.

[Reshma]

Hi @JWood,

Thank you for reaching back to us.

Currently, we do not have any other formats supporting a file type other than Txt.  However, you should be able to add this as an enhancement request through the PowerSchool Ideas Portal, where users can submit their ideas directly to the Product team. It also allows you to review the idea for status updates as well as share the idea with other users to support it by voting.

To learn more about the Ideas Portal, we recommend reviewing the article on PowerSchool Ideas Portal FAQs

[cmardell]

Did you ever get a solution to the export of your data? 

[JyotishkaB]

Hi @cmardell 

As MARC records are raw data text file which is delimited by commas, semicolons, and spaces it has still not been included in the functionality of L4U to export MARC records in any other format. 

You can share this idea as an Enhancement Request on  PowerSchool Ideas Portal so that the product team can take a look at this or Vote up on a existing enhancement request. This article should walk you through how to raise an Enhancement Request. 

However, as a workaround, we recommended to use custom reports which can be extracted to excel in the correct format. The knowledge-base article "Creating Custom Reports Using the Report Wizard" describes the detailed process of creating a custom report via the Report Wizard. I am also proving the article "Exporting MARC Records" guiding on the steps of exporting MARC records from the Library File. 

[charlesreily]

In addressing the challenges related to data export formats, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of adhering to industry standards for seamless interoperability. The refusal or inability to provide data in MARC 21 format may stem from various factors, including technical constraints, licensing issues, or other considerations.

Engaging with L4U tech support to seek clarification on their stance is essential. It is possible that they have valid reasons for not offering data in MARC 21 format, and understanding these reasons can pave the way for finding alternative solutions. Moreover, if your organization relies on specific standards, communicating the significance of adhering to such standards, like MARC 21, can be pivotal.

In the context of business information API, exploring the feasibility of implementing an API that supports industry-standard formats can be beneficial. This approach not only addresses interoperability requirements but also opens avenues for streamlined data exchange. Collaborating with L4U tech support to integrate business information APIs that support the requisite standards may present a viable solution to enhance data compatibility and meet the needs of your library databases.

[SonnyN]

You can export 'mnemonic' format MARC from the library file. Select all titles and export marc.

There is a free utility called MarcEdit.

Use their marceditor to open the file and then select file-> select records for edit

Then click Import File

Then click invert selection

Finally, Export Selected.

This will get things into a workable format and Marcedit can compile it into binary. 

Good luck!