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In a previous question I caught the names of a few open-source cataloging systems--Evergreen, Millenium, Horizon, Polaris--but my particular needs are a bit unusual. I've volunteered in a small private nonprofit library for two years as a copy cataloger and then an original cataloger, so I've picked up the basic cataloging rules (AACR2, I think) on-the-fly. The library uses Voyager exported to OCLC; there's a lot of complaining about how expensive and restrictive Voyager is.

I'd like to catalog my own private collection of books/media for archival and insurance purposes. I'm the only person who will be using the catalog, so no need for a fancy interface as long as it's functional. The ability to "tag"/free-categorize is crucial, but I'm sure I can repurpose a few of the many subject-related entry fields for my own organizational methods.

What open-source/free cataloging system would you recommend for geeky personal use?

flag	asked Feb 6 at 19:07 Keix 51●3

Bruce Morgan · Answer 1 · 2010-02-15 05:18:09Z UTC

http://www.fnprg.com/bookcat/info.html I use BookCat, which takes the ISBN and uses Z30.50 to 'build' a catalogue entry for each title. I do scan in cover images if not available, and purchasing info for some special books. It also allows you to keep track of loans to friends, etc. I recommend it.

January 8, 2010 - BookCAT v9.20.01 released!

BookCAT is a powerful book collector database program which will help you catalog a book collection of any size. Book lovers, churches, schools, clubs and business libraries all over the world are discovering that it is not necessary to spend thousands of dollars to get a sophisticated inventory manager that will keep track of a large (or small) book collection.

Phred · Answer 2 · 2010-02-11 23:42:18Z UTC

You don't need to set up a separate Linux server to run Koha if you don't want to, or, like me, learning Linux is on your List of Things to Do, behind replacing the front porch, fixing the plaster in the bathroom, etc. Kyle Hall built versions of Koha that run on Virtual Box or VMWare, both of which you can run on Windows using free software. See www.kylehall.info for more details. Basically, all you have to do is download the software, start it up, and you've got a Linux system running Koha. I've run it on my laptop. Use Firefox to connect to the server, and you're all set. Another great feature is that it supports Z39.50, so you can enter the ISBN into the cataloging module (using your handy barcode scanner, which every geek ought to have--I have several), click a button, and you can download the MARC record from LC, NLC-BNC, or any other library that has Z39.50 capability. To back up the system, just shut down the virtual image, copy all the files to your backup medium, and you're all set.

One downside to it: it's a full-fledged ILS, designed for a single or multi-branch library system, so it may be more than you need. However, knowing how to set up an open-source ILS might come in handy someday.

David E · Answer 3 · 2010-02-11 20:50:07Z UTC

I've been using DataCrow. It's free, pulls in info from Amazon about each item, and actually has a tab to record lending information (so if you loan something to someone, you have a record of it). Very quick and intuitive -- I cataloged my whole DVD collection (almost 500 of 'em) in less than four hours.

You can download it here: http://www.datacrow.net

Sarah L · Answer 4 · 2010-02-09 23:17:20Z UTC

Personally, I'm using Shelfari. I tried LibraryThing, but I'm cheap, and didn't want to pay for the cataloging after a certain number of books (of which I have way more). I am jealous of the Mac users for Delicious Library though; I'm about on the verge of shelling out for a small CueCat or equivalent barcode scanner just to make the task of wading through my library easier.

Gracie · Answer 5 · 2010-02-08 20:12:15Z UTC

For clarification, Evergreen and Koha are actually the only two open source ILS management platforms mentioned thus far (Millennium, Horizon and Polaris are proprietary). And while both Koha and Evergreen are both excellent systems, they're probably a bit more than the average person needs for their own personal use.

Along with most of you who have responded, I find that Library Thing is the easiest to manage (although after reading Bill's post I now want to set up Delicious Library on my Mac.)

Since you mentioned open source in your question I wanted to be sure to post an answer with a link to information about open source library software. For a good, if slightly dated, overview of open source systems, you can visit http://www.linux.com/news/enterprise/case-studies/26661-check-out-open-source-library-and-collections-management-software.

Bill Barnes · Answer 6 · 2010-02-07 05:12:46Z UTC

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If you've got a Mac I've heard good things about Delicious Library. Entry is fast because you can use the built-in camera to read the barcodes.

answered Feb 7 at 5:12

Bill Barnes♦♦
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Everytime we talk about this I go to buy it, and then I balk at the $40 price point. But now that I see I can use my iSight to take shots of barcodes, I think I'm sold. – Gene Ambaum♦ Feb 8 at 19:39

Miromurr · Answer 7 · 2010-02-12 12:55:45Z UTC

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If you can set up a Linux server with LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) configuration you should try out the open source cataloging system Koha. http://koha.org/download I use it in my library, small academic, and am really happy. If you know programming you can customize all that you want.

If you just want a record of your books then LibraryThing might be your thing:-) http://www.librarything.com

Good luck!

edited Feb 12 at 12:55

answered Feb 6 at 21:44

Miromurr
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I second LibraryThing if you're primarily looking for a way to keep track and tag your books, plus you can include book covers and other content: comments, reviews, etc. I love it! – Emily J Feb 7 at 1:12

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I second/third both of these. LibraryThing is a lot of fun, but KOHA is a little more serious in the sense that you can enter everything with cataloging rules :-) I used KOHA for a cataloging class project and we were all really happy with the results. – Elfkey Feb 8 at 15:22

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I fourth? the LibraryThing recommendation. It isn't a true library catalog, but for your requirements, you don't seem to need that. It will track what you own, allow you to tag, and will keep it hosted outside your house, which will help for insurance purposes. You can also download your data at any time, so if you find a better site/product, you can import your books in fairly easily. The only weakness of Library Thing may be your media. Sure, you can get open-source software and set up Koha, but do you have a server to put it on and how will you back it up? – Jen Feb 8 at 15:33

Open-source cataloging system for personal use?

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