Cataloging Home or Special Collections

There are a lot of useful apps for avid readers.  Card catalogs still work for analog library use.  But I had been looking for an online library catalog suitable for a home library or for cataloging special collections when I found the Handy LIbrary App.  It is a newer app but it works well for this purpose.  In using Handy Library I created bookshelves for libraries I frequently access so I can keep track of books I own as well as books I have access to from other organizations.  It can also be used to keep track of books that you lend or give to others if you are a person who loves to introduce others to reading.

There is also a new and promising ILS system for small libraries created by Insignia Software.  I had the chance to see it not too long ago at a library conference and was impressed.  Consider how you organize your book collection or organize your reading and see what works for you.

"Over the Counter" library cataloging apps:

  • Book Catalogue – Android (Opensource - available on Github)
  • Handy Library - Android
  • My Library - Android
  • Libib – Android/iOS
  • LibraryThing – Android/iOS
  • BGG Catalog - Android (catalog app for Board Game Collections)
A book catalog is different than an e-reader or a cloud library.  Cloud library apps contain ebooks, audio books and sometimes movies.  Often these are provided by your local library or a for profit company that benefits when you read or watch their content.  Here are a few examples of online e-readers:
  • Audible (subscription-based audio books)
  • Hoopla (public library backed e-book app)
  • Overdrive (public library backed e-book app)
  • Sora (school library backed digital library app)
  • Cloud Library app (Android)
  • Bookly app (Android)
  • Booksmart app (Android) - powered by Worldreader
Book Review Websites or Apps with reading trackers
  • Goodreads – Website and Android/iOS apps
  • Fantastic Fiction - Website
  • Readerly - iOS app
  • Bookly - Android app (reading tracker only)
ISBN Scanners and Point of Sale Systems:
  • CLZ Books – Android/iOS
  • Book List Library ISBN Scanner - iOS
  • bookshop.org - website point of sale system for local, independent bookstores
Research Organizers
  • Zotero - https://www.zotero.org/
  • Google Scholar - https://scholar.google.com/
The world of library technology changes rapidly.  Tech apps that were available even as recently as 2-3 years ago are no longer available and new apps continue to come to the fore.  Discord supports video gaming and is just now making its way into general usage in e-sports, school and library usage.  It's tools are still under development.  An ALA-sponsored group has been formed to monitor and innovate in this space.

Apps to Keep Your Own Virtual Library
https://www.makeuseof.com/apps-to-keep-your-own-virtual-library/

A Beginner's Guide to Discord
https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/360045138571-Beginner-s-Guide-to-Discord

Best Book Catalog Apps for Organizing Your Home Library
https://www.techuntold.com/best-book-catalog-apps/
Dinesh Singh, July 18, 2020; Accessed: October 6, 2020

8 Home Library Apps to Keep Your Book Collection Organized
https://bookriot.com/home-library-apps/
Erin Mayer, March 5, 2019;  Accessed: 10/6/2020

Software and Apps for Cataloguing Your Book Collection
https://www.finebooksmagazine.com/blog/software-and-apps-cataloguing-your-book-collection
Rebecca Rego Barry on November 14, 2016 Accessed: 10/6/2020

Bridging Borders Library Conference – Oct 2-4, 2019
Exhibit Hall Interviews by Marcella Ganow – 2019
https://www.insigniasoftware.com/insignia/Index.aspx
Updated website information accessed: 3/23/2023

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