CSV to MARCXML Converter

Part of the Library Koha Suite — turn a simple spreadsheet of bibliographic data into a MARCXML file ready to stage and import into Koha.

CSV in MARCXML out Ready for Koha import

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Overview

The CSV to MARCXML Converter is a one-step tool for turning a spreadsheet of new bibliographic records into a valid MARCXML file — the format Koha expects when staging new records for import.

Instead of manually creating MARC records one at a time, prepare your titles in a familiar CSV/Excel layout, upload the file, and the tool generates a single MARCXML file you can hand straight to Koha's cataloguing import.

Key Features

Simple CSV Upload

Upload a single CSV file containing the bibliographic fields you want to add to Koha.

One-Click Conversion

Click "Convert to MARCXML" and the file is transformed automatically — no manual MARC tagging required.

Ready-Made Output File

Produces a single output file named output.marcxml ready for Koha.

Downloadable Sample CSV

A sample CSV template is linked directly on the page so you always know the expected layout.

Clear On-Page Instructions

Step-by-step guidance is built into the page, from preparing the CSV to importing into Koha.

Direct Path to Koha Import

The output file is formatted specifically for Koha's "Stage Records for Import" workflow.

Preparing Your CSV

Before converting, build a spreadsheet with the bibliographic fields you want to bring into Koha, then save it in CSV format.

  1. Create an Excel (or Google Sheets) file listing the fields you'd like to add to Koha — e.g. Title, Author, ISBN, Publisher, Year, etc.
  2. Download the sample CSV template from the link on the tool's page to see the expected column layout.
  3. Fill in your own records following the same column structure as the sample.
  4. Save/export the finished spreadsheet as a .csv file.
Matching the sample file's column names and order exactly is the easiest way to guarantee a clean conversion.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Open the CSV to MARCXML Converter tool from the Koha Suite.
  2. Click the file field and choose your prepared .csv file.
  3. Click Convert to MARCXML.
  4. The tool processes your file and generates output.marcxml.
  5. Save the downloaded MARCXML file somewhere you can find it for the next step.

Importing into Koha

Once you have output.marcxml, bring the new records into your catalogue:

  1. Log in to Koha's staff interface.
  2. Go to Cataloguing → Stage Records for Import.
  3. Upload the output.marcxml file.
  4. Review the staged records, then complete the import following your library's usual cataloguing process.
Staging lets you preview and check the incoming records in Koha before they're permanently added to the catalogue.

Troubleshooting & FAQ

The converter rejects my file

Make sure the file was saved as plain CSV (not .xlsx) and that the "Choose File" field shows a .csv file before submitting.

My columns don't seem to map correctly

Compare your file against the sample CSV template — column names and order should match what the converter expects.

Where do I find the sample template?

A link to the sample CSV is provided directly on the tool's instructions panel.

What do I do with the MARCXML file after downloading it?

Upload it in Koha under Cataloguing → Stage Records for Import to bring the new records into your catalogue.

Always double-check staged records in Koha before completing the import — the converter does not validate against your library's cataloguing policies.
Library Koha Suite Help Guide