Combining Libraries

e.c.strauss
I am wondering if there is a way to combine libraries. I am working on my dissertation, and I have created a rather large database of all my source notes on my laptop (a mac). Recently, I moved to a workplace where I have to work with a PC. I started a new zotero library on my work computer thinking that I would somehow be able to import the entries from my laptop at home and combine the libraries. Is this possible? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
  • arggem
    You need to export from one and import into the other. There is currently not "slick" way of doing it.

    Check out these threads:

    http://forums.zotero.org/discussion/2046/
    http://forums.zotero.org/discussion/1825/
  • dstillman
    Also note that, due to the way the word processor plugins currently work, exporting and importing references will break any links to those references in existing documents.
  • e.c.strauss
    Thanks for the advice. I followed the links to other discussions and tried what everyone suggested. First I tried exporting the library on my laptop, but sheer number of files prevents me from uploading them to a server or emailing them, and then downloading them onto my work computer in order to import the files. Then I tired to simply move the files from the storage folder on my laptop to the storage folder on my work computer (via a USB device) so that all the zotero files were in one storage folder. But nothing has worked so far - I have been wholly unsuccessful in combining the libraries.

    I must admit I know next to nothing about how computers work. Perhaps I am doing something wrong. I've been working on this problem for about a week, and I'm getting a little frustrated. Combining these libraries is necessary to my work, and I would sincerely appreciate any guidance to overcome the obstacles I am encountering.

    Thanks!
  • adamsmith
    edited February 28, 2008
    I'm not sure I understand your problem entirely but here's what I think you need to do:
    Export your entire library as Zotero RDF (i.e. select My Library and go to "export Library, then select Zotero RDF as a format) .
    This will give you a folder (default name "Exported Items", with some files in a "files" folder, and a zotero.rdf file named "Exported Items.rdf.
    Put the entire folder on a usb stick and take it to work.

    At work select "Import" in your Zotero, then browse until you get to the Exported Items.rdf file and click OK.
    That should do it, your library will be in a folder with the current date in your Zotero.

    If that's what you've tried, explain exactly what went wrong, because that should work.
  • e.c.strauss
    Thanks so much for you advice. I tried what you suggested.

    1. I exported the zotero library from my laptop at home (selecting the options to include both notes and files). From this export I ended up with a file called "My Library" that included a sub-file called "Files" and a file called "My Library.rdf"

    2. I copied the entire file "My library" from the desktop of my laptop to a USB device

    3. From my computer at work I attempted to imported the file names My Library.rdf from the USB device (I assume that I supposed to import the .rdf file not all of the individual files located within the file entitled "Files")

    4. The import was unsuccessful. The error message read: "An error occurred while trying to import the selected file. Please ensure that the file is valid and try again."

    Any advice on what to try next? Thanks again!
  • adamsmith
    hmm, yes, that sounds exactly right - the file export seems to be a bit buggy, I've had problems with that, too
    - but you still should have your citations imported now, even though without the files?
    two suggestions.
    1. check that the respective links to files in your references are not broken (i.e. the files are where you originally told Zotero they are
    2. try exporting without the files - that will still give you all the citations, but not with the attached files.
    does that help?
  • dstillman
    If an exported Zotero RDF file isn't importing correctly, please send it to support@zot....org (without the accompanying files), and we'll take a look. If Report Errors in the Actions (gear icon) menu becomes active after trying an import, send in an error report and include the Report ID in your e-mail.
  • e.c.strauss
    Thanks again for the advice. I sent the error report via the Actions menu. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

    Thanks!
  • e.c.strauss
    I attempted once again to import the files from the library on my lap top to my desk top at work via a usb device. Again, the import failed. I reported the error through the actions menu (Report ID: 1338732651). Please let me know how to remedy this issue.

    Thanks!
  • dstillman
    e.c.strauss: You're getting an error when Zotero is trying to create a placeholder file for a missing attachment. Unfortunately it's a generic error that doesn't provide additional details, but it might be a problem with the filename or something of the sort.

    If you don't want to send us the entire RDF file, here's the best way to debug it:

    We'll call the export computer Computer A and the import computer Computer B.

    1) On Computer B, create a new Firefox profile to use for testing and install Zotero into it.

    2) Export one half of your library to RDF from Computer A and try importing into the new profile on Computer B. If you don't get the error, export the other half.

    3) Export half of the half that failed and see if that imports. If not, try the other half of the half that failed. Assuming you have both computers next to each other, you should be able to repeat this process and fairly quickly find the item that's causing the problem.

    4) Once you've found a single item that fails, send the RDF file to support@zot....org.
Sign In or Register to comment.