Databases for the compulsive

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Has anyone tried using a barcode scanner, laptop, and ISBN database to keep track of their book collection? I want to try it, but I'd like to know what I'm getting myself into first. It's not just so I can see what I have, but also so I remember what I've read, what I want to read next, and what I want to get rid of (and eBay supports bulk uploads of CSV files, woo!). And, most of all, it's so my booky relatives will know what *not* to get me as gifts. Anyone?

― Diane McCarthy (bintie), Friday, 16 January 2004 21:45 (twenty-two years ago)

I don't think it would be too much trouble. I haven't done this myself, but I work in a library, so I essentially do the same thing.

What you described is pretty much the same thing as copy cataloging, where a catalog bib is exported from a database, such as RLIN or OCLC, to your database. All you would need is access to a public database. I work at a university library; here's what I know: although you, as a patron, would not be able to log into OCLC and use their handy export function (and if you could it would still just be exporting to the library's database, not yours), I believe that you could use one of the public avatars of such a database, like WorldCat, to cut and paste things onto your own computer (just plug it into one of their public ports, and you should have access to their online database subscriptions).

The only database program I know how to use is Access, and I don't know how easy it would be to set up some sort of search by barcode function. I mean, our library database would be easy to use, but I don't know of a single user equivalent.

Did I just tell you a bunch of stuff that you already know? There might be some things I am missing. Just export the info you want from worldcat and then format them into managable csv files.

― gratznic (gratznic), Sunday, 18 January 2004 01:44 (twenty-two years ago)

I was looking at software recently that does this but thought, feh, I'm not paying for it. Still, looked interesting.

― Robomonkey (patronus), Wednesday, 21 January 2004 01:02 (twenty-two years ago)

I use a pretty good shareware program called Library, available at http://www.chronopath.com/index.php?page=library. Works with ISBNs, UPCs and a proprietary hand scanner. Pretty decent, though the program is a mite slow. Works on OS X, so it's nice and stable, and also works for DVDs and CDs, by pulling the info from Amason.

― Joseph J. Finn, Wednesday, 21 January 2004 16:00 (twenty-two years ago)

As far as keeping track of what you've read, you can also just keep a simple log, just title and author.

I started a log a few years ago and it made a huge impact on my reading. I got a feel for how fast I read (er, how slow), which helped me pace myself and set reading goals. OK, don't call me type-A. It's just, there are so many books I want to read before I die, and some I just want to kill some time with. Keeping a log really helped me there.

Also, it's satisfying to look at what you've read in a list, to remember what you read years ago, to think about which are your favorites. Minimal work but *lots* of benefits.

I also try to jot down my thoughts about the books I read, but there I've had much less success...

― Robomonkey (patronus), Thursday, 22 January 2004 18:22 (twenty-two years ago)

I keep a log of what I've read - quick thoughts on plot and reactions to events - nothing major. But once a year I put together "Laura's List" and print and send it out - basically the 100 or so books from that year that I recommend - and some of the ones I hated, too.

One of the more obsessive things I do is to put a sticky-note inside the front cover of books that I'm reading, where I can scribble down random thoughts as I'm working my way through the text - and then I leave those in the book so when I yank it off the shelf, years later, I have something that jogs my memory.

― I'm Passing Open Windows (Ms Laura), Friday, 23 January 2004 06:47 (twenty-two years ago)

Does anyone have any recommendations for pre-existing online databases that can be used to fill in missing information on books?

For instance, I keep a list of the books I read, some of which belong to the library. I didn't write down the number of pages from the last two books, and now I'm trying to retrieve that info without actually getting up and going back to the library. I have been using Amazon, but for these two books, there's no page numbers. I tried the Library of Congress online catalog, but it doesn't even list these two books. Anyone got any suggestions?

― Oddmonster, Saturday, 24 January 2004 15:21 (twenty-two years ago)

I downloaded the trial copy of Readerware and am so far very impressed. It even let me import the records for every book I've ordered from Amazon! Unfortunately, it wouldn't let me also import my B&N buys. I have just ordered a cheap barcode scanner and hopefully everything will work as smoothly as the vendors have promised.

Oddmonster, here's a Readerware page where you can search for the data on a given book: http://www.readerware.com/userhome/rwsearch.html?US
If Amazon or LOC don't have your info, maybe someone else will.

― Diane McCarthy (bintie), Sunday, 25 January 2004 03:50 (twenty-two years ago)

Thanks Diane! Readerware looks pretty good, too.

― Oddmonster, Tuesday, 27 January 2004 20:42 (twenty-two years ago)

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