In the past, I’ve researched database templates that would allow me to catalog and create a library of my books, games, and music. I never liked the results that I found, and the project never moved forward. Since I started My Bookshelf project on Instagram, I revisited my search, and I’m happy to report that I have fallen in love with Libib.com.
I wanted a program that would allow me to easily catalog my books, video games, movies, and music. The program needed to offer me the opportunity to enter my own notes and photos. I really wanted a portable method of viewing the list, too. Libib.com offers all those things and more! No, I’m not a paid spokesperson; I’m just an excited user.
Adding an item is a breeze. Items that don’t have a UPC or ISBN number require a general search. I use this feature when looking up my games. I don’t have many boxes for these items. The search feature returns a list of potential matches. If there are multiple matches, just scroll down the list and find your match, and click “Add Game.” The item will be added to your library.
The program alerts you if you’ve added a duplicate item.
You can then go to the item in your library and click the up arrow button to indicate that you have another copy of the item.
The Android app is easy to use, and it even has a scanner built into the program. Tip: Don’t be discouraged if you try to manually enter a UPC and the item isn’t found. Try the name of the album or band in the general search, and if you still can’t find it, try the app. I tried entering the UPC from a music CD and it said no results were found. I scanned it with the app, and it found the perfect match.
If you discover the item isn’t listed, you can manually enter the item, and add your own photo!
You can add tags, groups, notes, and reviews to an item. If you need to delete an item, you can do that. There is also a purchase button listed that takes you to the appropriate listing on Amazon.com.
Libib also has a social aspect to it. You can keep your libraries private or publish them for others to view. I’ve just published my libraries to share with you. I’ve just begun! Check back soon and watch my collection grow.
I’ve already heard of people using their libraries in so many ways. Someone started a book library to help keep track of the books in their classroom. The students make comments on the books, and they leave notes for checkout purposes.
If you already have a list of your stuff, you can import a .csv file! You can also export the .csv file of the libraries you create! Why would you want to do that? One, you can have that file for insurance purposes should something happen to your stuff, and two, you can use the list to help alphabetize your shelves.
Find out more about the features that Libib.com offers, and see how it can help you become a master of organization.
Cost: FREE
Item limit: 100,000
A few quibbles:
Some of the listings come with additional comments from people who are selling their games. You can edit these posts, but you can’t delete the statements and leave the space blank. When I delete the statements and save it, hoping for a blank box, the statements are back as though I had never deleted them. I get around this by writing a note and saving it. The other notes are gone once I do this.
However, the note that was entered with the E.T. game is perfect, so I won’t be deleting that one.
Also, the number of items doesn’t go up when you add a second copy of something. This would be nice to have as an option. I know some people may not want that, but a little toggle for that feature would be cool.
Room for improvement:
I’d love to see board games added to the mix of items I can catalog. I have a serious board game addiction.
I love this program. End the clutter on your bookshelf and start cataloging your home library!
Let me know if you’ve tried it!
