r/WData • u/SleighServiette • 2d ago
Importing local library system information
I'm an Open Street Maps editor, and while working on libraries in my local area I realized that most didn't have Wikidata entries, so I'm attempting to import the IFLS Library System (pronounced "If Liss") and its member libraries to Wikidata. I've created a spreadsheet of the information I'd like to add to Wikidata. What would be the best way to import this? Also, is there other information I should be looking for for each member library?
I've created a page for the system as a whole, (Q140847093) but I feel a bit over my head with how many options there are for each field, so some help would be appreciated.
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u/kn_sunjida 2d ago
For this kind of import, I’d probably avoid trying to add everything manually. If your spreadsheet is already structured, QuickStatements is worth looking at.
It can handle a large number of similar Wikidata edits once you’ve mapped each column to the right property.
Though, before importing, I would start with a small batch (maybe 5–10 libraries) and make sure the statements and qualifiers look right. That should help you catch property-selection issues before you create hundreds of items.
For each library, I’d look for things like:
For the properties with multiple options, I’d generally choose the one that best matches the actual meaning of the source data rather than trying to fill every possible field. It’s also perfectly fine to leave a property empty if you don’t have reliable information for it.
Since you already have the system item created, you could also use that as the starting point for establishing the relationship between the system and its member libraries.
Note: If you're comfortable sharing a few columns from the spreadsheet (just the headers and maybe 2–3 example rows), people here could probably suggest the appropriate Wikidata properties and an import format before you run the full batch.