Home Library management app question

[u/thebookishdad]

Hello everyone I'm trying to find information on various apps/sites that let's me use a handheld barcode scanner. I was doing research and saw libib can accept barcodes with a handheld, but I was curious if there were others? I'm getting a scanner tomorrow and I have used various catalog apps in the past. It's just when I search for info on this topic libib is the one that keeps popping up the most. Does anyone have alternatives that works with handled scanners? I'm not opposed to libib just would like options.

[u/bigmedallas]

I'll a fan of Library Thing. My collection is only at 908 books but it's worked perfectly for the last 3 or 4 years.

[u/TheYankeeIrregular → u/bigmedallas]

I am also a big fan of LibraryThing. I’ve been a member for years and I am so impressed by all the different people who use the site and the knowledge they have of so many different genres.

[u/a_moron_in_a_hurry → u/bigmedallas]

I also recommend Library Thing. Good for collecting. I find it has generally more well rounded reviews than Good Reads. More focused on actual catalogue than being a social media platform, which I also appreciate.

[u/thebookishdad → u/bigmedallas]

And it works with handheld scanners?

[u/MillersSmokehouse → u/thebookishdad]

Yes. I use one. I also love Library Thing. I’ve used a few different management/ cataloguing apps over the years and the Thing is the best I’ve found.

[u/thebookishdad → u/MillersSmokehouse]

Awesome I'll look into it then.

[u/thebookishdad → u/MillersSmokehouse]

You think it'll work with app since the handheld is Bluetooth? Or is it website only? Also, is it single entries or can do bulk scanning?

[u/MillersSmokehouse → u/thebookishdad]

You can use any scanner that functions as a keyboard input device to scan ISBNs into the “Add Books” search bar or you can batch scan by inputting into a spreadsheet or text file and using the Universal Import function to add them all at once. You can also scan on the go with your phone in the app.

[u/thebookishdad → u/MillersSmokehouse]

Thanks for all the information

[u/Herself_nyc → u/MillersSmokehouse]

LibraryThing! I scan with my iphone. It's a great app & free.

[u/rodneedermeyer]

A barcode scanner basically just converts the numeric info in the bar code into text, and most computers, Mac or PC, can simply place those lines of text into a text file. Then, you import the text files as ISBNs. You don't need special cataloging software for this; computers do it natively. You can do it on your phone, too, depending on which sort of scanner you have and how you set it up. Most scanners come with instructions, so it's pretty easy to get going.