Scanning barcodes following CSV import

I'm a new user and apologize if this question is answered elsewhere (I couldn't find). I successfully imported a couple hundred books from a CSV file per the guidelines, leaving the ISBN field blank (b/c I also didn't have the ISBNs). Now I want to covers, ISBNs, etc. When I either scan barcodes or enter ISBNs, however, LT creates a second, duplicate entry for the book I've already catalogued. I was hoping it might be smart enough to merge the entries. Am I stuck adding auto-generated data manually for each of my books, or is there another solution? Thanks for any suggestions.

Pretty much. There is no “update an already existing book from sources” mechanism.

You either add the books using the ISBNs (which does look ups and brings data from the source you used) or you import with the file and have only the data you brought in (plus the linked work-level data).

Can't they place the cursor in the isbn field and then scan the barcode?

>3 jjwilson61: To update the Isbn? Never tried it - depends on the scanner I guess - if it works as a keyboard, that may work.

But that won’t bring in the rest of the data that usually comes from sources.

Well the OP asked for ISBNs and covers and since the system uses ISBNs to locate Amazon covers then that's all they need

>4 AnnieMod: Thanks for these replies, I appreciate it.

I'd like to point out that for various reasons, many of us have multiple copies of works. For example, I own a 1920 copy of Samplers and stitches, which I treasure. I also own a 1985 reprint, which I bought for those times when I want to actually work from Mrs. Christie's directions. I would have been most upset if, having already entered the first copy, and edited it to be just right for my copy, I had then entered my second copy from its ISBN and the LibraryThing computer had decided "be smart enough" to overwrite the first copy with the information for the second copy.

>7 MarthaJeanne: That totally makes sense. I have the same situation. I guess ideally the system would ask you if you want to merge data or keep separate entries, even several duplicates.

>8 rholeton: No, we don't need more things to check off when entering. Constantly getting a message to click on would be horribly aggravating. If you enter a book, you enter it. If you don't want to enter another book you edit your existing entry manually.

Besides, LT does not check against your existing catalogue until after the book has been entered, so the new copy already exists. No, that can't be changed. It is a matter of computer resources.

How long does it take to upload books using a csv file? Send a file with 300 records

>10 BRISTOLQRO:

It depends. Sometimes half an hour, an hour, sometimes pretty much immediately, depending on current server load. If your books haven't landed in your catalogue in a few hours' time, contact staff (contact link at the bottom of every page).

>10 BRISTOLQRO: Depends on how busy the queue is - sometimes takes a few minutes, sometimes it can take considerably longer (and sometimes they can get stuck until staff kicks the queue).