exporting data for Computing to update our patron file

[Aline Soules <aline dot soules at csueastbay dot edu>]

We export our data in an ASCII format for our Computing Services staff 
to match against a central database and return a file to us that enables 
us to load updates and new records into our patron data base.

Our Computing staff has now asked us to explore another option for 
exporting the file because the ASCII file does not provide end of field 
or end of record markers, nor does it indicate when a field might be 
missing, thereby making it difficult for the program to recognize which 
variable field is coming next (the fixed fields are fine).

I wondered if any of you have similar issues with your patron file and 
what you do about this.  How do you export your records for the purpose 
of matching against your central database?  Do you use one of the export 
possibilities provided by Innovative?  If so, which one?  If not, what 
do you do instead?

Thanks.  Aline

--
Aline Soules, Associate University Librarian
California State University, East Bay
25800 Carlos Bee Blvd.
Hayward, CA  94526-2455
tel. 510-885-4596
e-mail:  aline dot soules at csueastbay dot edu