Combining 2 libraries ...LATEST ADVICE PLEASE

[LCAubin]

Hello Calibre friends,

I am back for 1 more question ... I am trying to find the most efficient way to combine 2 libraries. I have no idea how it is possible to have so many ebooks ... but I do. :-)

I understand there is a way to merge them, so it will do some kind of auto check for existing matches. I am not talking about the "duplicate addon". Or will I still need to do a duplicate search afterwards?

I have searched the forum for this topic but replies seem older and I would prefer the most recent solutions as Calibre is famous for their frequent updates, so they are able to meet our wonderful needs. I just want to proceed using the most time-efficient process ... one that will also keep the integrity of books in mind & not have me sitting at my computer for years at a time - I have about 3500 books to merge into my MAIN library.

Any help would be very appreciated.

cheers to my Calibre friends. :-)

[theducks]

Originally Posted by LCAubin

Hello Calibre friends,

I am back for 1 more question ... I am trying to find the most efficient way to combine 2 libraries. I have no idea how it is possible to have so many ebooks ... but I do. :-)

I understand there is a way to merge them, so it will do some kind of auto check for existing matches. I am not talking about the "duplicate addon". Or will I still need to do a duplicate search afterwards?

I have searched the forum for this topic but replies seem older and I would prefer the most recent solutions as Calibre is famous for their frequent updates, so they are able to meet our wonderful needs. I just want to proceed using the most time-efficient process ... one that will also keep the integrity of books in mind & not have me sitting at my computer for years at a time - I have about 3500 books to merge into my MAIN library.

Any help would be very appreciated.

cheers to my Calibre friends. :-)

Simple if both Libraries are on the same computer.

Use the Library Icon to switch (create/switch:Use existing if not on thequick switch list) to the SOURCE Library


Select a block of books: Right click: Copy to Library <Main> (option: delete after copy)


That is it. This will honor your (duplicate title) Merge Preference

[LCAubin]

Hi TheDucks,

thanks for yoru reply .... :-)

I have actually tried this already with my sanitized (cleanedup) ebooks and it took 2 full nights to delete the duplicates.

Is there not a way to copy them over (they are on the same computer, just another calibre library) with the option to auto merge ... or is this dangerous. I guess I will be here till the end of time merging and cleaning out duplicates.

Big sigh .... :-)

[BetterRed]

@LCAubin - Have you considered using the Find Duplicates PI (← click) to de-duplicate the 2 libraries before you merge them?

BR

[LCAubin]

Hey BetterRed,

HMMMM, I did not know that was possible. I did a quick clean up on the collection but not a full metadata check for each book & deleted the duplicates in the library ... but not between the 2 libraries.

Unfortunately, I just moved all the books into my main library and will start the duplicate search tomorrow evening. What a crazy amount of work that is gonna be. LOL :-)

Thanks everyone for sharing your feedback. I suppose a human element will always be needed, especially since I am particular about consistency and proper order. LOL

Ciao for now all. :-)