Going High-Tech in My Library

As you may know, there are several buildings on my Bedford property, and when I first bought the place, one of my dreams was to utilize an entire structure as a library, housing my collection of more than 7,000 volumes. I thought a great deal when designing this building, and it was very exciting to watch as skilled craftsmen lined the walls with gorgeous bookcases. When the painting was complete, cartons and cartons of books were moved into the building. You might wonder how one would organize and keep track of such a collection. Enter computer technology and a very practical yet inexpensive computer program called Book Collector, with which anyone can become a librarian.

My MacBook Air helps to make the task easy, as it is nice and light!

 

When using this program, you simply type in the International Standard Book Number (ISBN), or the title and author. An optional wired or wireless Bluetooth scanner is available for recent books printed with barcodes. Book Collector automatically connects to sites such as amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and the Library of Congress, where all possible data on that particular book is retrieved.

In addition to the correct title and author, up pops the year it was published, the particular edition, a summary and description of the book’s contents, and even photos of the book's cover. This information is then stored in the database for easy retrieval, and the volumes can then be placed into proper categories on the shelves. A book can then be located in your library by searching the database by author or title. Another wonderful feature of this program is that the can be loaded onto a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or an iPod. This is especially helpful if you travel a lot, as I do, and are always searching for new books to buy.  With your database at your fingertips, you'll never again purchase the same edition twice.

Comments

[Carol Long]

Your library sounds like a heavenly place where I could spend many hours. Do you have a suggestion on organizing/cataloging a large collection of music CD's?

[John]

Would love to see more pictures of your library.

[Australian Greg]

Hi Martha, What a great idea for never buying the same book twice! I also have an extensive book collection and often wondered about how I would organise it! You ahve agin taken the hard work out of this task. THANK YOU! Greg

[Hardboiledegg]

as a school volunteer I would shelve books at the Media Center I felt more comfortable there and I could see the different grade levels of children and have my ear to the ground as to what to expect in the upper levels. as the years went by I APPLIED FOR A MEDIA AIDE job WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD i WAS EVENTUALLY HIRED bUT RESIGNED PENDING THE BIRTH OF MY SECOND CHILD yes books are a wonderful thing didn't Cicero say a room without books is like a body without a soul yes i think he did

[Michaele]

Another gadget that I MUST have. Thank you for the information...my library is also something I am proud of and hope to pass along to my children and this will certainly help keep it organized.

[Desiree']

Martha,
I was thrilled when you posted on this particular subject. My sister and I were at an antique store today and I puchased so many books (among other things!) to add to my already huge collection.I was just in the process of buying more book cases to accomodate all of them. I am trying to purchase all of your books to go in my library for refrence! Thanks again for sharing, I will definantely use your tips for organizing my books. Great blog!

[Michele Andrade]

I actually just started using librarything.com. It does the same thing as Book Collector. I don't use a PDA so I'm not worried about that. I just have so many books all over the house (in bookshelves of course) and out in my garage that I really needed to have some place to sort them out and make sure I didn't purchase the same books over again.

I really love that bookcase.

[Claudine]

What a great idea! I need this for the tons of cookbooks I have. I could even put in notes of my favorite recipes and what I have made. I am off to buy it right now!
Claudine

[Jessica]

Hello Martha,
Your library looks lovely...I wish that I could have one just the same! Your book program sounds just like a web site called Librarything.com which has this service. You can also compare your collection with others. So much fun!
As a librarian myself, it makes me happy to see you appreciating books so very much.
Jessica, Sydney, Australia.

[Diana @ PleaseSir]

Nice organization - what are some of your favorite books?

[Paula]

Martha, do you catalog and inventory your antique objects (other than books)?

[Sarah P.]

My husband will love that program!! Thanks for sharing:)

[Adam]

There's a similar program called Delicious Reader that uses the iSight to scan the book's barcode, it's really useful as well. http://www.delicious-monster.com/

[Karen Preston]

Wow! I love it! I wish I had room for that many books.

[DJ Dembi]

Martha,
I'd love to know where to get a stand like that one for my laptop.

Thanks for sharing your ideas and life.

[Kathy]

Martha,
Thanks for the glimpse into your library and for the information about Book Collector. Your bookcases are certainly gorgeous. I have at least that many books, but not enough space right now to display all of them. Your MacBook Air must make the process flow even more smoothly.
Thanks again from one book lover to another!
Kathy

[Kathy]

To Carol Long:
If you go to the Book Collector site, you will find information about CDs also.
Thanks, Martha, for pointing all of us in this direction!
Kathy

[Linda & Jack]

We were so sad to learn about your beloved dog, Paw Paw. Your final pictures of him were so touching.

[jaime]

Dear Martha
I am sorry about Paw Paw. I cried when I looked at his final pictures. I can only imagine how must feel. I was devastated when I lost my Siamese Cat Beijing after 17 years. Devastated. I m so sorry. Hugs & Purrs ^..^

[jaime]

Dear Martha
I am sorry about Paw Paw. I cried when I looked at his final pictures. I can only imagine how you must feel. I was devastated when I lost my Siamese Cat Beijing after 17 years. And shortly after that my Russian Blue Katy died. She was 16 years old. And then July 4th the doctor did eveything she could but she could not save Henry my husbands Abyssinian cat. We are still devastated. I' m so sorry. My animals are my family as I am sure your Paw Paw & animals are yours. Hugs & Purrs ^..^

[Jan Erickson]

Hi Martha, With all that has been going on, I somehow missed this blog. Your library building must be beautiful if the photo you included is any indication. The bookcase and floor are simply beautiful. I would love to see more photos of this fabulous building. Thanks so much for sharing. Jan

[Suzanne Campbell]

I had to say goodbye to my 18 year old Golden Retriever last summer. I received this email...maybe everyone has already read it, but it is worth reading again:

-A Dog's Purpose
(from a 6-year-old)

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a
ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his
wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker
and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying. I told the family we
couldn't do anything for Belker and offered to perform the euthanasia
procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it
would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They
felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's
family surrounded him.. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for
the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.
Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any
difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's
death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter
than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped
up, 'I know why.'

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next
stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a
good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'
The six-year-old continued,

'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to
stay as long.'

* Live simply.
* Love generously.
* Care deeply.
* Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

* When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
* Never pass u p the opportunity to go for a joyride.
* Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your
face to be pure ecstasy.
* Take naps.
* Stretch before rising.
* Run, romp, and play daily.
* Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
* Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
* On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
* On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady
tree.
* When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire
body.
* Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
* Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had
enough.
* Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.
* If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and
nuzzle them gently.

[Reba Butterworth]

Dear Martha
As i sit here my heart is really broken. I,m so very sorry to hear about paw paw. My blessings and warm prayers are with you.

Sincerly,
Reba Butterworth

[grace]

Dear Martha,

I'm sending a really big hug to you. You have such a tender heart for all your animals and it's hard to say goodbye for now. Paw Paw is free, happy, probably bouncing around the rainbows and surrounded by love. Lookout you cats in heaven!

Be good to yourself.

[Marion]

I just read your blog aboout the passing of Paw Paw. It brought tears to my eyes.You put together a beautiful eulogy for him. Thank you for sharing.