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F. Dell'Orso, Bibliography Formatting Software: An Evaluation Template. 1999
Last Update: August, 18, 1999

6 Import
6.1 Different ways.
1. direct copy (write to database)
2. batch import a) with reformatting filters a1) ready-made a2) un/modifiable a3) user can define more
3. can capture WWW pages
4. can download data ready formatted in its own proprietary format from specific data sources
Pr: 1 copy and drag-and-drop; 2, a) a1) a2) modifiable requires use of the distinct BiblioLink procedure; a3); 3 yes, embedded (only Netscape); 4 En: 1 copy and drag-and-drop 2, a) a1) a2) modifiable a3); 4
RM: 1; 2, a) a1) a2) modify and save under different name a3); 4  
6.2 Delimited/Tabbed stuctured input ASCII text file
1. fixed/variable number of fields
2. fixed/variable fields position
3. RT can be changed
4. multiple value fields allowed
5. fields also on different lines
6. can define field separator
7. can replace delimiter if embedded in field
8. can define end of record
Pr: 1 fixed or variable (RT; RN; plus all 45 fields or only workform related); 2 fixed; 3 no, must be present as the first field or last used in data entry be assumed by default; 4 yes, if separated by // / or ; in name field; 5 yes (Custom/Modify option); 6; 7; 8 En: CDF: ready-made option for ProCite (CDF) cannot be altered;
Tabbed: 1; 2; 3; 4; 5 n.a.
  Tab delimited: special first line: default reference type, also default = generic + RT in first column of each row; first row with fields labels according to EndNote RT, no fixed position required; recognizes multiple authors
RM: 1 and 2 variable according to the specified RT; 3 (more than one can be defined); 4 yes if with RM punctuation "; "; 5; 6; 7 ; 8  
You can create your own capture definition to import comma or tab delimited records. None provided. Not obvious at all (also only online help documentation): finally, use only one destination field "Source" with subfields and its parsing option where you list all the fields by their position and delimiters  
6.3 Can import alpha/numeric data from a spreadsheet
Pr: yes as long as it is comma/tab delim. structured En: yes as long as tab delimited or tagged structured
RM: yes as long as it is comma/tab delim. or tagged structured  
6.4 Can import proprietary format files
Pr: normally only modifiable dedicated filters, but can automatically convert Reference Manager and EndNote databases; BookWhere?, ISI Current Contents, ISI Web of Science can directly write data to a Pr database En: yes: EndNote itself, Refer/BibIX, Reference Manager (tagged), ProCite CDF (see above): those canned filters cannot be altered + several with modifiable dedicated filters
RM: normally only modifiable dedicated filters, but can automatically convert ProCite EndNote; BookWhere?, ISI Current Contents, ISI Web of Science can directly write data to an RM database  
6.5 Can import ISO 2709 format.
Pr: no En: no
RM: no  
6.6 Can import MARC format file.
Pr: no (there existed in DOS and a filter is still available free of charge or one can make its own) En: tagged MARC: modifiable filter
RM: not ready-maed: one has to create its own  
6.7 Tagged stuctured input ASCII text file File. Reformatting:
1. condition check
2. change RT
3. merge fields
4. delete/discard fields
5. field content parsing
6. add field content, strings
7. tolerate fields in variable position
8. upper/lower case conversion
9. replace text
Pr: 1 only: "when using workform [X], do not transfer field(s) ..." 2; 3; 4; 5 only seven source fields; 7; 8 En: 2; 3; 4; 5; 7; 8; 9 (limited to one field and to omitting strings)
RM: 1 to replace text; 2; 3; 4; 5 (7 predefined patterns: author, periodical, date etc.: Source lets indicate delimiters, also commas and tabs); 6 (4 keywords + date stamping); 7; 8 (also Casing Term Dictionary); 9; also "Periodical term Dictionary" not to abbreviate terms without periods in abbreviated titles  
6.8 Operability
1. read range of records rather than all
2. read one record at the time, confirm y/n
3. handle duplicates
4. preview
5. log file
 
Pr: 3; 5 En: 3; 5
RM: 1; 2; 3; 4; 5  

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F. Dell'Orso, Bibliography Formatting Software: An Evaluation Template. 1999
Last Update: August, 18, 1999
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