How to fix CSV files that won't upload to Book and Supply Hub. This article is intended for Admin. (Read time: 2 minutes).
Last updated 15/07/2025
One way to upload book collections to the Book and Supply Hub, is via a CSV file.
To add collections via CSV, click here to download the CSV template and fill it in. Then upload it back to VSware.
However, sometimes an error message can appear when you attempt to upload your file. The screen will look something like the image below:
Common Errors
If an error occurs, and your file won't upload, open your file again and check the following:
1. Ensure that there are no special characters such as @, &, $, and ^ in any cell - this can cause the upload to fail
2. Ensure that there is no data type mismatch (this is the most common reason for upload failure). This most often occurs in the ISBN column. The uploader/system expects the ISBN column to be provided as a text formatted column in the CSV file, but it can sometimes be saved as a number column, an easy mistake to make. When that happens, the upload is rejected.
How to Change the ISBN column in your CSV file from Number format to Text format
Tip: You can usually tell how a value is formatted because numbers are usually aligned to the right in a cell, while text is aligned to the left.
If you're using Excel:
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Select the cell or range of cells that contains the ISBN numbers that you want to format as text, (or empty cells where you’ll type new ISBNs).
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On the Home tab, in the Number group, select the arrow next to the Number Format box, and then select Text. If you don't see the Text option, scroll to the end of the list.
- Your ISBN numbers will then be in the correct format. If you're starting from scratch with an empty CSV, then type or paste the ISBNs.
If you're using Google Sheets:
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Select the column or range of cells containing your ISBN numbers (or empty cells where you’ll type new ISBNs).
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From the top menu, click Format > Number > Plain Text.
- Your ISBN numbers will then be in the correct format. If you're starting from scratch with an empty CSV, then type or paste the ISBNs.
For the full guide on Book and Supply Hub, please visit: https://support.vsware.ie/en/book-supply-hub-
If you still have questions, please visit our knowledge base at support.vsware.ie. You can contact our support team via email at support@vsware.ie, via the chat bubble when you are logged into your VSware account or via phone on 01-5549628. Support hours are Mon - Fri, 08:30 - 18:00.