What's a good web-based application for storing your book collection? [closed]

Question

I'm looking for a (better if web-based; I.e., something I can install in my home server on my LAN) software to keep track of my books/DVDs/etc.

I already know of Readerware offerings, which I find quite interesting, but I'd like something that is Web-based, so I can run it on my MacMini on the living room, and access it from any of the computers in the house.

I've been googling around, and I've been quite surprised to NOT find any clear option.

Alternatively, good "native" software for Windows/MacOSX will be more than welcome.

PS: Given the # of interesting suggestions for Web 2.0, ASP-Hosted type sites, I've clarified the question a bit: I'd prefer some software that I can install and use in my systems, not something "in the cloud" (although I'll check the suggestions out!)

Answer 1

There are many (web-based) ways you can do this

For your basic requirements, it sounds like you just need a way to store the information in a way that looks pretty and is freely accessible, not tied down to a specific room or machine.

It depends on how elaborate you want to get, and how much technical proficiency you have in setting something like this up. There are literally hundreds of different ways you can accomplish this, all with varying: 1) cost; 2) ease of use; 3) ease of setup; 4) maintainability; 5) privacy/security; and 6) portability [in case you want to move your information somewhere else or take it off-line].

Here is just the tiny tip of the iceberg in terms of options you have:

Web-based Pre-existing site for specific use

• manage your information on a website specifically made for this purpose
• see e.g., http://www.shelfari.com/

Web-based Pre-existing site for generic use

• Manage your books and media as links on a social bookmarking site such as delicious
• Manage your own set of Wiki pages on a wiki site such as Wikiversity
• Facebook/Beebo

Web-based general-purpose application (turnkey)

• Google spreadsheets with custom forms
• Zoho
• internet_search://"Web based database"
• internet_search://"Web based spreadsheet"

Web-based CMS

• (uses a content management system hosted for you on your ISP )
• Drupal (with addon "library" module http://drupal.org/project/library)
• Django CMS

Answer 2

Since you're asking for alternatives:

Neither are web-based nor free, but IMHO the best eBook catalog software there is...

Alfa Ebooks Manager is the coolest eBook Library management software in the world. It is an ideal tool for book-lovers, schools, clubs and business libraries. Using Alfa Ebooks Manager you can quickly scan your computer for book files, create structured ebooks library, update books information from the Internet and even view books in 3D-space. You can find a book in your library in just a second by its title, author or ISBN.

If you're looking for cross-platform, have a look at Calibre (available for Mac, Linux and Windows), it's much more than just catalog and management software but rather the Swiss Army knife for ebook conversion.

Calibre is freeware and can be used portable.

Everyone to their own, but I couldn't be bothered with web-based services, the cloud is not for me. i'd rather keep my information stored locally ... or portable on a stick. :)

Answer 3

for books: books.google.com, then click on My Library

Answer 4

GeekDad reviewed

• LibraryThing
• GoodReads
• Shelfari

and rated LibraryThing highest.

There are also some other recommendations in the comments of that item, including Delicious Library and Readernaut.

Answer 5

How about Calibre with a shared book repository?

You can use the heavy client application to access a central repository, or use the built-in web server to access your collection. You can also use it as a cross-format converter or as a book reader.

It is cross-platform, so your OS should not be a problem.

Answer 6

Here is an old thread from 2006 about software for organizing a library at a software company.

Answer 7

Delicious Library(Mac OS X) is what you need !

It's an amazing software that let you catalog your books, movies, music, software, toys, tools, electronics, & video games

You can import all your stuff onto your digital shelves using your Mac’s iSight webcam, our wireless barcode scanner, or your keyboard

It retrieves automatically the items infos from the web (cover, price, release date, reviews, ratings...)

There is also a Iphone app to consult yours collections on the way (while shopping) !

You can also publish your collections catalog in form of a website (fully automated in the app)

Answer 8

There's LivingSocial. I use it from within Facebook, but it does have it's own website.

It's geared towards getting and giving recommendations, but you can just use it as a catalogue.

Answer 9

This may be overkill, but an integrated library system (ILS) would fit your need. An example is koha. At the other extreme, a Bento-like db that can be web-accessible could fit the bill.

Answer 10

The already mentioned calibre Has an excellent web based content server so you can access your library from any browser.

Another alternative is Book Label 2010 from Code:Aero Technologies It comes in two versions, stand alone and network. This too allows for access to your database from the LAN or Internet.

Calibre is free and cross platform, Book Label is Windows only and is not free...