1deano27
Just wondering if there is a simple way to implement a way to track books in the library that are currently not there. For me this comes down to two categories: 1) books that have been loaned to someone; and 2) books that are not on the shelves because we are reading them or using them for reference. I've been doing this by adding two "collections" that are "Loaned" and "Reading", but this is a bit clumsy.
Is there a better way to implement this capability?
Thanks!
Is there a better way to implement this capability?
Thanks!
2gilroy
Well, there is the loan system built into Librarything or TinyCat.
There's the inventory system built into Librarything.
Have you explored either of those?
There's the inventory system built into Librarything.
Have you explored either of those?
3MarthaJeanne
If you use the standard "Currently reading" collection, the books will show up on your profile.
4Blythewood
Please explain how to use the "Currently Reading" feature
5AnnieMod
>4 Blythewood: Add the book into the “Currently Reading” collection. That’s it. The home page module shows the book in that collection.
You can do that from the edit page of the book, for the catalog or even from the work page (the book box at the top with your name and tags also allows you to manipulate the collections). That is one of the default collections so as long as you had not marked it inactive, it will be available automatically to add to it. (From the looks of it, you do not use collections yet so look for the column called collection or the field for it on the edit and/or work page). Books can belong to multiple collections at the same time.
You can do that from the edit page of the book, for the catalog or even from the work page (the book box at the top with your name and tags also allows you to manipulate the collections). That is one of the default collections so as long as you had not marked it inactive, it will be available automatically to add to it. (From the looks of it, you do not use collections yet so look for the column called collection or the field for it on the edit and/or work page). Books can belong to multiple collections at the same time.
6Blythewood
>5 AnnieMod: thank you - I'm going to start using this feature.
7deano27
>2 gilroy: No. I didn’t know there was a loan system built into Librarything. I’ll look for it.
8kristilabrie
>7 deano27: There's a blog post announcing it here, if that helps: https://blog.librarything.com/2015/02/new-feature-lending-a-k-a-circulation/
9deano27
>8 kristilabrie: Hey - thanks! This is perfect and just what I needed.
10kristilabrie
Awesome! Glad I could help.
12WeAreThePeople
That’s a great way to manage a home library! Tracking loans is essential, especially when your collection starts to grow and you want to make sure your favorites always find their way back. It’s always a struggle when you find a rare edition or a must-have reference book that’s a bit out of budget at the moment.
Some of my friends who are serious collectors and don't want to miss out on limited releases have even used the app Oncredit to bridge the gap. It's an interesting way to manage your hobby, as using credit money to secure a foundational book for your library can be worth it if the book is hard to find later. Once the book is on the shelf, the LibraryThing loan system is definitely the best way to keep it organized!
Some of my friends who are serious collectors and don't want to miss out on limited releases have even used the app Oncredit to bridge the gap. It's an interesting way to manage your hobby, as using credit money to secure a foundational book for your library can be worth it if the book is hard to find later. Once the book is on the shelf, the LibraryThing loan system is definitely the best way to keep it organized!
