diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/dialogs/book_info.py b/src/calibre/gui2/dialogs/book_info.py
index c56ec17900..bf34003549 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/dialogs/book_info.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/dialogs/book_info.py
@@ -214,6 +214,7 @@ class BookInfo(QDialog):
             mi.format_files = dict()
             mi.formats = list()
             mi.marked = ''
+            mi.field_metadata = db.field_metadata
             mi.external_library_path = library_path
             self.refresh(row, mi)
         else: