Online Databases Public Libraries

Online Databases Public Libraries

Online Databases Public Libraries

Organizing a personal collection is important, whether it's books, movies or music. But once everything has been arranged, it's time to think about keeping a record of those items. This is where a good library software can be useful. A majority of these have the same basic functions that are needed for keeping a good home library database:

  • Cataloging (organizing the raw data of what is owned)
  • Exporting (creating a portable document to back up records)
  • Searching (finding specific records fast, eliminating the need to search shelves)

Some also have extra features, such as downloading records and pictures from online databases, tracking 'loans' to friends via a checkout feature, and other bells and whistles that make each software special. Here are a few that have been tested for user-friendliness and practicality, ranging from free to moderately expensive.

Free and Open Source Software

There are quite a few of these out there, and often it is difficult to know which are worth trying and which aren't. Searching the internet for 'free library software' yields many results, but only a few are worthy of attention.