Schools: How to import classroom library titles in bulk

Tags: Teachers, Staff

Teachers can add titles to their classroom libraries in bulk by importing a CSV file. Use a desktop or laptop computer to import your list. 

If you are a Media Specialist or a School or District Admin, please refer to this page.

1. Format Your List

We highly recommend creating your CSV file in Google Sheets, without opening it in a program like Excel or Numbers, which frequently introduces formatting issues for ISBN numbers and special characters.

Your file must contain:

• A header row containing these exact words in the first three columns:

  • Title

  • Author

  • ISBN

• A title and author in every row (ISBNs are recommended, but not required)

• ISBNs formatted as a number or plain text only

Your file cannot contain:

• Content outside of the first three columns

• Any of the following punctuation:

  • Parentheses ( )

  • Commas ,  

  • Slashes / 

  • Semicolons ;

• More than 5,000 titles

Example:

Teacher Import Example.csv

2. Export Your List as a CSV File

Export the spreadsheet of your titles as a CSV (Comma-Separated Values) file. In Google Sheets, you can do this by selecting File > Download > Comma Separated Values (.csv).

3. Import Your CSV

In Beanstack, navigate to Content > Classroom Libraries, select “Import Catalog Titles,” then choose the CSV file you just downloaded. Refresh the page to see the import’s progress.