Four ways to load records into I, Librarian

PDF Batch Import

The PDF batch import can be used to load multiple PDF files simultaneously. It cannot be performed remotely. I, Librarian will attempt to extract a unique DOI from every PDF. If successful, the software will attempt to download the matching metadata from PubMed, NASA ADS or Crossref. In order to start the batch import, go to Add Record->PDF Batch Import. You can choose to record the files to your Shelf or Desk project. You can also choose to record PDF files with no matching metadata as unknown files. Alternatively, you can choose to sort these files to the library/batch directory. Check out this screencast to see batch import in action.

Seamless Importing of Records from Internet Databases

I, Librarian can directly search and import metadata from several Internet repositories. These include PubMed, PubMed Central, NASA Astrophysics Data System, arXiv, JSTOR® and Highwire Press®. In order to perform a search, go to the corresponding search window in Add Records. Type in your search terms and hit Search. A list of record titles will be displayed. In order to record an item, click on its title. An abstract and various options to locate a full text of the article will appear. In case of PubMed Central, JSTOR, and arXiv, a PDF file, if available, can be directly transferred to your computer. Click Save button to open the Record form. Enter categories to store the record in, attach a PDF file, and hit the Record button to finish the process.

Import Metadata

The Import Metadata feature serves to import reference metadata from various file formats including the Endnote XML export file, the ISI export file and RIS files from many supported repositories. You can use the Import from File form to record a single reference or thousands of references at once. It is aimed to provide a convenient way to import references from Internet databases that cannot be accessed directly from I, Librarian. After you perform the search for articles of your interest at a database website of your choice, export them into a RIS file. Ask your database provider how to do it. Save the RIS file to your computer. In order to import the references, go to Add Record->Import from File. Next, select the file to import, indicate the file type, choose whether you wish to record references into your Shelf or Clipboard and click the Save button. You can also use this form to import reference collection and PDF files from Endnote (using Endnote XML) or Papers (using RIS). Check out this screencast to see this in action.

Manual Upload

The Manual Upload serves to record PDF files manually by pasting the corresponding metadata to the Upload form. However, there is much more to this feature than meets the eye. To upload a PDF file manually, go to Add Record->Manual Upload. If you select a local PDF file, or paste a direct URL link to a PDF file, and hit the Save button, I, Librarian will attempt to assist you with the upload. The software will attempt to extract a DOI or an arXiv ID and download the corresponding metadata from PubMed, NASA ADS, arXiv and CrossRef. In effect, almost all PDF files containing a DOI or an arXiv ID can be conveniently recorded without the need to paste information into the upload form. If you want, you can enter a category to store the PDF in and hit the Save button again to finish the process. If no data are found you will need to enter at least the title and hit the Record button to finish recording the PDF. If you click anywhere else, you will abandon the PDF file. Check out this and this screencast to see this in action.