Serapeum Multi-Catalog Bibliographic Search

FAQ

What is SRU and how does this plugin use it?

SRU (Search/Retrieve via URL) is a standard protocol for internet search queries using CQL (Contextual Query Language). The plugin communicates directly with official national and university library APIs to pull real-time bibliographic data without storing external databases on your server.

Does this plugin require any external libraries or dependencies?

No. It is completely standalone and built as a lightweight, single-file PHP solution utilizing native WordPress functions (wp_remote_get, wp_insert_post, etc.).

Which national and university libraries are currently supported?

The plugin includes built-in endpoint configurations for BnF (France), Hispana (Spain), DNB (Germany), Nasjonalbiblioteket (Norway), The British Library (UK), University of Oxford (UK), and University of Cambridge (UK).

What search filters can I use?

You can perform targeted queries using Book Title, Author / Creator, and Year of Publication. You can search using any single field or combine multiple fields for precise CQL query results.

Why do search results vary between different library catalogs?

Each institution uses specific indexes and operators (e.g., bib.title, dc.title, or alma.title). The plugin automatically maps your search fields to the correct CQL schema and operator (= or all) required by the selected library.

How does the \”Import as WP Draft\” feature work?

Next to each record in the search results, click the \”Import as WP Draft\” button. The plugin automatically generates a new WordPress Draft Post pre-filled with the title and structured metadata.

How is the imported data formatted inside the post?

Records are formatted natively using Gutenberg Block Columns (30% width for metadata keys and 70% width for values). This ensures a clean, modern layout that fits seamlessly with your theme without requiring shortcodes or custom stylesheets.

Can I edit imported bibliographic cards before publishing?

Yes. Upon importing, a direct link (\”Edit post #ID\”) will appear at the top of the page. Clicking it opens the standard WordPress Block Editor, allowing you to add featured images, tags, categories, or custom text before publishing.

Can I export bibliographic results for citation managers?

Yes! You can export your search results in BibTeX (.bib) format, which is fully compatible with reference management software like Zotero, Mendeley, and EndNote.

What data is included in the CSV export?

The CSV file includes key metadata fields: ID, Title, Creator/Author, Identifier/ISBN, Publisher, Date, Type, and Language.

Does exporting cost extra server memory or database space?

No. Export files are generated on-the-fly directly from the active search session memory and downloaded straight through your browser.

Who can access the bibliographic search tool in WordPress?

Access is restricted to users with editors and administrators privileges (manage_options capability) to ensure security and prevent unauthorized draft generation.

Where can I find the plugin page in WP-Admin?

Once activated, a menu item labeled \”Serapeum\” (with a book icon) will appear in your left-hand WordPress admin menu.

Is there a limit on how many records can be retrieved per search?

Yes. To ensure fast response times and prevent HTTP timeouts, the plugin fetches up to 100 records per query and displays them paginated at 20 records per page.

Can I display search results on the public frontend of my website?

This plugin is designed as a backend management tool for editors and administrators. However, once you import records as draft posts and publish them, they become visible to your site visitors as standard WordPress posts.

Why am I getting an HTTP connection error or timeout?

Remote library servers (like DNB) may occasionally experience temporary downtime or rate-limiting. If a query times out, wait a few moments and try refining your search with specific terms.

I received an error saying \”The response received from the server was empty\” or \”Unable to parse XML\”.

This happens if the remote library returns invalid formatting or blocks the request. Ensure your server firewall allows outgoing HTTP requests (wp_remote_get) and that the PHP SimpleXML extension is active.

Why does a search return no results when I know the book exists?

Search terms must match the specific catalog\’s index rules. Try searching with broader terms (e.g., entering only the author\’s surname or a key word from the title).