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Create a Collection in Collection Loader

  • Updated

On this page:

Step 1 - Choose a name and access level

When you're ready to upload and publish a new collection to JSTOR, log into the Collection Loader and click the Add Collection button to get started.

First, choose a name for your collection. Collection names must be unique. If you have an existing collection with the same name, you'll be prompted to choose a different name.

Then, under Access Level, choose who your collection will be visible to on JSTOR.

  • Open Access - Visible to anyone browsing on the open web.
  • Your Institution - Visible only to members of your institution.
Note - Collections can't be renamed after they've been created, so please confirm your collection's name and ensure it's free of errors before moving on to the next step.

Step 2 - Import your metadata

Next, you'll import the metadata for the items in your collection. Click the Choose Spreadsheet File button and select your file or drag and drop your file in the dotted drop zone.

Download Metadata Template (XLS)

Your spreadsheet should contain the following columns:

  • Filename (required) - Your spreadsheet should include one "Filename" column. This column should contain the filenames (including file extensions) that match the corresponding media files exactly. (Filenames are case-sensitive.)
  • Recommended fields - To maximize the discoverability of your items, we recommend including columns for Title, Creator, Subject(s), Description, Date, and Location. See Metadata Fields in Collection Loader for more information.
  • Additional fields - Any additional columns (fields) you choose to include will be imported as custom fields and the column header will be used as the field's display label on JSTOR.
Note - At this time, there is a limit of 40 columns for metadata spreadsheets uploaded to the Collection Loader. If you have more than 40 columns in your spreadsheet, please delete any unused columns prior to importing your metadata.

Additional notes:

Columns in your spreadsheet will be automatically mapped to fields on JSTOR based on their column headers. To preview how this auto-mapping works, see Metadata Fields in Collection Loader for details.

Step 3 - Review and edit your fields

After uploading your metadata spreadsheet, you'll be given the opportunity to review and edit your collection's fields and field labels.

Note - This is the only step during which you'll be able to edit your collection's fields. After the collection has been created, you won't be able to add, edit, or remove fields from the collection.

For each field in your collection, you'll be shown which fields were automatically mapped, and you'll be given the following options for each field:

  • Rename - You can rename a field by clicking on the field label.
    • Renaming an auto-mapped field will make it a custom field in your collection. See Metadata Fields in Collection Loader for details.
    • This will affect all items within the collection.
  • Remove - You can choose NOT to include a field in your collection by unchecking the box after the field label.
    • If you choose to remove/delete a field during this step, please note that you won't be able to add this field back at a later time.
    • This will affect all items within the collection.

Step 4 - Upload your media files

In this step, you'll upload the media files that correspond to the records in your spreadsheet. Click the Choose Media button and select your media files or drag and drop your files in the dotted drop zone.

  • You can choose to upload multiple individual files or a folder containing your files.
  • Filenames must match their corresponding record in your spreadsheet's "Filename" column exactly, including file extensions.
  • Filenames are case-sensitive.

See Supported File Types and Sizes for more information.

Step 5 - Customize your collection page

Choose an image and description to showcase your collection on JSTOR. For recommended image dimensions and description details, see Guidelines for Customizing Your Institution and Collection Pages.

Under Media Download Size, you can set the maximum resolution of image items that visitors can download from your collection, with "Maximum download size" being the original size (in pixels) of the uploaded image file. Alternatively, you can prevent downloading for all items (regardless of content type) in your collection by selecting "No Downloads".

You can edit and/or customize your collection page and media download size by visiting the Collections page at a later time.

Step 6 - Publish your collection

Finally, you'll be taken to the Collections page where you can see your collection has been added. Even if the collection is still processing, you can queue your collection for publishing at this step by clicking the Publish button after the collection name.

Note - Although the Status page may list all items in a collection as "Published", please note that it may take up to 24 hours for your collection to appear on JSTOR.

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