How to Electronically Catalog a Home Library

Electronically cataloging your home library can take the fuss out of a normally tedious task. Instead of recording titles, authors and other book identifiers by hand, invest in a electronic cataloging solution to keep track of your books and give yourself instant access to them. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Buy personal computer software or find an Internet website that specializes in the online cataloging of home libraries.

2. Install the home library software on your computer or register on the website.

3. Choose a method in which to electronically catalog your home library. You may decide to catalog your home library using common identifiers like titles, authors and subjects or you may choose alternative identifiers like ISBN, publishing houses and dates or even cover images.

4. Enter your books' identifying information. Some electronic cataloging software and websites allow you to add one identifying feature of your book and will complete the rest of its information for you. Look into scanning IBSN numbers and barcodes to further simplify your task.

5. Sort your home library catalog as you please. One of the advantages of electronically cataloging a home library is the ability to sort and group your collection in many different ways with the click of a button. Use this feature to become more organized.

6. Search the contents of your home library. Electronically cataloging your home library gives you easily searched databases that cut down on the amount of time spent looking for a particular book.

7. Transfer your electronically cataloged home library to other computer peripherals or print out a hard copy. Exporting your electronic catalog provides you with a backup of your home library's contents and can also allow you remote access to its contents while away from your computer.

8. Update your home library as you acquire more books. Export or print updated versions and archive old ones.