[OPEN-ILS-DEV] Importing patron records

[Jeff Davis]

Anne Andres wrote:
> We are wondering if there is a way of importing batch patron records
> from a Student Management system into Evergreen?

Sitka uses a script to import records into Evergreen from a student
management system called Colleague.  One of our libraries sends us a CSV
file containing student records that have been exported from Colleague;
our script matches those records against existing patron accounts using
the student ID, which is stored in one of the ID fields in the patron
account (actor.usr.ident_value).  If the student is already in
Evergreen, the script updates the existing account's expiry date and
moves on.  If they're not in Evergreen yet, the script creates a brand
new patron account.  We do this up to five times a week at the start of
each term, and about once a month for the rest of the school year.  It
only takes a few minutes.

This isn't a sophisticated solution (it doesn't even have a web
interface), and it's tailored to one library's specific needs.  But I'd
be happy to send you what we've got if you think it would be helpful.
--
Jeff Davis
Sitka Implementation Team