Duplicate Checking

When you insert or modify an indexed field such as the barcode or title in a record, the system can check the index for duplicate entries.

The following Database Maintenance and Circulation options enable duplicate checking and specify the fields checked by the system:

The following Database Maintenance option enables automatic duplicate checking on edited records of the specified types.

When you insert or change one of the specified fields, Sierra searches the index for duplicate entries by comparing title duplication keys. If the system finds duplicate entries, the entries appear in a browse display.

Sierra's behavior differs between adding new fields and editing existing fields. When you add a new field to a record, if that field is specified in the duplicate check option for that record type, Sierra performs duplicate checking as you leave the field. The system performs this check whether or not automatic duplicate checking is enabled. When you edit an existing field and automatic duplicate checking is enabled, Sierra performs the check when you save your changes. If automatic duplicate checking is not enabled, the system offers a Perform duplicate checking? prompt when you save your changes.

For example, if bibliographic records have the same title, select an entry to view the duplicate record. If only one duplicate exists, the system automatically displays it.

As another example, if the system discovers a duplicate patron record, replace your new record with the record found by the system, choose the Use This Record button. This option appears only when you create a new patron or bibliographic record from a template in which the ISBN field is marked as a prompt. When editing a record or creating a new item record, you can view duplicates, but you cannot replace the current record with the duplicate.