Unpacking a library into Calibre

[BeeTee-Ess]

I have recently been given a library of some 5000+ books in .mobi format, which have been zipped up in the following way:

Calibre Library Folder
.Author's Name.zip files
..Author's Name folders
...Book Title folder(s)
....Book files (Book.mobi, cover.jpg, metadata.opf)

The library folder is actually called Calibre Library.

If I use the Calibre function Add books (Add books from directories, including subdirectories (Multiple books per directory...)) the books are copied into my Calibre library in .zip format, and only one book from each author is added.

How can I add all of the books in .mobi format?

I have found, by trial and error, that if I unpack the Author's Name folders and use the Add books function to point to those folders one at a time, then the books are transferred in .mobi format, but with over 2000 authors to process, I am hoping I don't have to do that.

[davidfor]

If I was doing that, I would probably use a search to delete all the extra files or move the ones I want somewhere else for calibre to see and process.

But, with the structure of the folders and the files, is there a "metadata.db" in the root? If so, see if you can add the complete thing as a library. Click the library button on the toolbar and select "Switch/create library".

[kovidgoyal]

You will need to unzip all the zip files, then add the top level folder to calibre by right clicking the add books button and choosing add subfolders one book per folder.

[BeeTee-Ess]

Thanks for that suggestion, David.

There is a metadata.db file.

The Switch/Create function does not offer an option to open the new library though. The three options do not seem to relate to adding this library to Calibre.

[BeeTee-Ess]

Originally Posted by kovidgoyal

You will need to unzip all the zip files, then add the top level folder to calibre by right clicking the add books button and choosing add subfolders one book per folder.

Ouch!

Kovid, does David's suggestion about a metadata.db file make a difference?

[davidfor]

Originally Posted by BeeTee-Ess

Ouch!

Kovid, does David's suggestion about a metadata.db file make a difference?

I agree, Ouch. I didn't notice this in the original post. And yes, you need to unzip them all.

As to my suggestion, put the folder that contains the root folder of the library (where the metadata.db is) in the field, select "Use a previously existing library at the new location" and press OK. calibre will then try to open this as a library and show you the books.

[kovidgoyal]

If there is a metadata.db file, then after unzipping you can add the top level folder as a library directly, as david suggests.

[BeeTee-Ess]

Thanks for your advice, David, Kovid.

I shall ponder how to go about automating that upzipping job.

[BeeTee-Ess]

Thanks again...

I have a file manager called Directory Opus, as predominant in the field of file management as is Calibre in the management of books and libraries.

Using Directory Opus, the task of unzipping took about ten minutes, and I am now looking at some 5000 books neatly under Calibre's gentle care!