Top 10: Book library software

2022. Calibre 6.0 now has text to speech and full text search



Calibre has recently released a significant update to its ebook management software, introducing several noteworthy features. The standout feature is Full Text Search, which offers the option to index your entire library, enabling you to search for specific words or phrases throughout your collection. To utilize this feature, simply click on the FT button located to the left of the search bar, allowing you to initiate the library indexing process. Once indexing is complete, you can perform searches within your library. Another prominent addition is the Read Aloud feature, which leverages your computer's default voice assistant, including Google Assistant, Siri, Alexa, and Cortana, to read any ebook in your library. Furthermore, you have the flexibility to adjust the playback speed, catering to your preferred pace. Additionally, Calibre now provides support for Apple Silicon CPU architectures without the need for Rosetta translation. This enhancement is particularly significant, as the app is now optimized for Apple laptops and the Apple Studio computer, equipped with the M1 and M2 chips, respectively.


2019. Alfa 8: New UI and Faster performance



Amazon has released a firmware update (version 5.10.3) for several Kindle e-Ink e-readers, including the Oasis 2, Paperwhite 4, and Voyage. While the update's official description mentions improved performance without specific details, I have observed significant enhancements in page turn speed through swiping or tapping. This improvement will be particularly beneficial for avid ebook readers. Additionally, ebooks now open more quickly with this update. The firmware update is expected to be distributed via Wi-Fi over the next few days, reaching Kindle devices automatically.

2014. LibraryThing for Libraries advises what to read next



Library users will now have an enhanced experience in discovering their next read, thanks to the expansion of the Book Recommendations feature in LibraryThing for Libraries. This new upgrade, available at no additional cost to current subscribers of LibraryThing for Libraries' Catalog Enhancement Package, offers a wider range of "if you like this, then read that" recommendations. These recommendations include books by the same author, similar authors, genres, and more, all based on the library's existing collection. By leveraging the library's current holdings, this upgrade complements LibraryThing for Libraries' unique tag-based discovery and provides links to other editions and translations of books, thereby presenting users with more avenues to discover books they will truly enjoy. The recommendations in LibraryThing for Libraries are generated through a combination of input from readers, librarians, and professionals, utilizing ProQuest's Syndetic Solutions and Books In Print. This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive and balanced service for library users.


2013. Book library program BookCAT is discontinued



FNProgramvare, the company responsible for BookCAT, has announced its closure and the discontinuation of the software. As a result, BookCAT will no longer receive support from the developer. However, existing customers still have the option to download the latest builds. BookCAT served as a robust database program that facilitated cataloging and management of personal, club, school, church, or business libraries. Users could easily organize their books by retrieving information from the Internet, thanks to its ability to download data. With a comprehensive set of data fields, BookCAT allowed for tracking a wide range of information. In light of this development, other prominent players in the field like Collectorz and Alfa Ebooks Managers are stepping in, seizing the opportunity to offer seamless data export from BookCAT.


2012. Alfa eBooks Manager is now compatible with Windows 8



In October Microsoft will launch the new version of its operating system Windows 8. Alfaebooks developers decided to play a proactive and rebuilt their book library software Alfa Ebooks Manager (current version 3) to make it compatible with Windows 8. They also claim the new version works much faster on Windows 8 than on the older Windows versions.


2012. Book library software Calibre gets a modern new look



The latest iteration of the e-library organizer, calibre 0.9, introduces a fresh and modern aesthetic. The interface has undergone visual enhancements such as focus highlighting, gradients, and rounded corners, providing a more contemporary look and feel. Notably, the E-book viewer has been updated with a new "paged" mode, enabling the text to be split into pages, allowing for multiple pages to be displayed simultaneously on the screen. Furthermore, calibre now offers wireless and USB connectivity to Android devices. In particular, modern Android devices often utilize the "MTP" protocol when connected via USB, and calibre now supports this protocol on Windows (Vista and newer) and Linux platforms. Another noteworthy addition is the introduction of calibre Portable, which enables the calibre library and settings to be kept alongside the calibre program. This allows users to store the entire package on a USB stick for convenient portability. Moreover, calibre's conversion engine now provides comprehensive support for Amazon's KF8 format. Users can convert KF8 books to other formats and vice versa. To convert to KF8, simply set the output format to AZW3 in the calibre conversion dialog.


2004. Delicious Library - a new book library software for Mac



Delicious Library is an innovative digital asset management application designed for Mac OS X, allowing users to efficiently track and manage their physical book collections. Upon launching the application, Delicious Library provides a preloaded sample library as a starting point. The preferences in Delicious Library are relatively straightforward, with the option to disable speaking preferences, which can be beneficial when scanning multiple books. By default, Delicious Library displays your iTunes books and audiobooks. Searching for a book is as simple as entering a keyword, as Delicious Library retrieves relevant images and metadata for the searched item. If you have a USB or Bluetooth barcode scanner, you can utilize it to scan barcodes of your items. Alternatively, the application offers the capability to scan barcodes using your Mac's built-in iSight camera. In cases where barcodes are not available, you can manually enter ISBNs. Delicious Library automatically fetches metadata, including synopses, for added convenience. If you are uncertain about the book's edition, clicking on "More Info" allows you to view it on Amazon. Once a book is added, you can further enhance its entry by providing your own review or rating.