Implement Support for Uploading MARC Records for Evidence-Based Acquisitions

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This issue proposes adding functionality to FOLIO that allows uploading a list of books in MARC format for an evidence-based acquisition package. The uploaded records should be processed as follows:

• Existing instances with matching identifiers should be identified and updated with an additional 856 field (electronic access field).
• Any new instances not found in the existing system should be created based on the MARC data.

API Endpoint:

The relevant existing API endpoint for this functionality is:

• POST /inventory/instances/batch

Schema:

The schema for the request body should be extended to support MARC record uploads. Here's a possible approach:

• Maintain the existing schema for basic instance information.
• Add a new property named sourceRecord with a type of string.
• Set the value of sourceRecord to "MARC-JSON" when uploading MARC data.
• The existing instances property within the request body would remain the same, containing an array of individual book objects.

Additional Considerations:

• Implement logic to handle potential errors during the upload process, such as invalid MARC records or duplicate identifiers.
• Provide informative error messages to the user in case of any issues.
• Consider offering options for batch success/failure notifications.

I Ching Interpretation:

The I Ching hexagram ䷁ Kun (Receptive Earth) emphasizes receptiveness, open-mindedness, and patience. This aligns well with the approach of integrating external data sources like MARC records. By following these principles, we can ensure a smooth and successful implementation of this feature.

Please consider the following for further discussion:

• Are there any specific validation requirements for the uploaded MARC records?
• How should potential conflicts between existing and uploaded data be handled?
• What format should the 856 field data follow for electronic access information?

By addressing these points and incorporating the I Ching's guidance, we can develop a robust solution for uploading MARC records to support evidence-based acquisitions in FOLIO.