Regular Books No Longer Listed after Import

JHB500 · 04-07-2019, 11:24 PM

I was trying to add a reference list of book titles (600) to my already robust library of 5000+ ebooks using CSV import. The new titles were just a reference list of books NOT in Calibre-accessible ebook format. But I wanted the titles included so I could sort by author, series, etc. and see what I owned.

However, now my library only showss the 600 new titles.

For the old books - those truly imported completely into Calibre, the folder structure still exists where all the files are stored.

I thought at first it was just a filter or a virtual library showing only the new titles. But it doesn't appear to be the case.

What should I do to get back my full list of "real" books? And can I combine the new titles also or should I give up that idea?

BetterRed · 04-07-2019, 11:39 PM

Did you try hitting Escape or restarting calibre?

I have a vague memory that Import List Marks the books it creates, and then Shows Marked Books. Are there gold push pins on the left edge of book list? If so, I suggest you add the Mark Books tool to a toolbar or menu. But if you restart calibre that'll clear them.

BR

JHB500 · 04-08-2019, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BetterRed

Did you try hitting Escape or restarting calibre?

I have a vague memory that Import List Marks the books it creates, and then Shows Marked Books. Are there gold push pins on the left edge of book list? If so, I suggest you add the Mark Books tool to a toolbar or menu. But if you restart calibre that'll clear them.

BR

No pushpins. I've re-started Calibre 4 or 5 times, rebooted computer. No change.

BetterRed · 04-08-2019, 07:08 PM

Did you use the Import List plugin?

Backup the library folder, then try the Library Maintenance->Restore database.

BR

theducks · 04-08-2019, 07:35 PM

What does it say on the bottom status bar (left side)
3 library parts

how many of those available in the view (or VL)
how many selected (highlighted)
And how big is the entire library

And the first bit is what version of Calibre you are using

JHB500 · 04-09-2019, 08:25 AM

TheDucks: Calibre 3.040.1 629 books, 1 selected. (Again -these are titles and metadata only. No actual books files.)

The Import List-CSV brought in 628 books. Later I added one pointing at one of the original books - just to make sure the "real" book files were still usable. So 629.

BetterRed: I was considering that if other advice didn't pan out. So - if that works - then I guess I'd be back where I started with my 3000+ books and wishing I could add the titles of the 600 others. Which would be better than where I am now! But hopefully I'd find a more viable way to bring that data in.

My most pressing need is to get my books back. But - if possible - I'd also like to understand where I went wrong. It seems odd that the import feature would replace my entire library instead of adding to it.

Thanks, all - for any attemp to help. Any thing else to try before i go for the restore?

theducks · 04-09-2019, 10:48 AM

Import List is only supposed to bring in metadata (AKA an empty book, if there was not one (record) to land it on)
I have not heard of a metadata.db being wiped out like this before.

FOLLOW THE ADVICE IN POST 4

BetterRed · 04-09-2019, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHB500

TheDucks: Calibre 3.040.1 629 books, 1 selected. (Again -these are titles and metadata only. No actual books files.)

The Import List-CSV brought in 628 books. Later I added one pointing at one of the original books - just to make sure the "real" book files were still usable. So 629.

BetterRed: I was considering that if other advice didn't pan out. So - if that works - then I guess I'd be back where I started with my 3000+ books and wishing I could add the titles of the 600 others. Which would be better than where I am now! But hopefully I'd find a more viable way to bring that data in.

My most pressing need is to get my books back. But - if possible - I'd also like to understand where I went wrong. It seems odd that the import feature would replace my entire library instead of adding to it.

Thanks, all - for any attemp to help. Any thing else to try before i go for the restore?

Without seeing your library, my best guess is that after the Restore you will have the 3000+ books you had, AND the 600 empty books. Restore creates a fresh database and rebuilds it from the metadata.opf files in the book folders.

I haven't heard of anything like you've experienced using Import List, I am inclined to think it's some sort of inadvertent workflow mistake but again I can't imagine what. Overwriting a populated metadata.db with an empty one isn't the sort of mistake one could easily make.

FYI : the JobSpy plugin has an Import CSV File to Update Metadata tool. I don't know if it will create new books, or how it differs from Import List; except it does not cater for importing from clipboard, web sites etc - i.e. it's CSV only. Start reading at post 411 ==>> https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...269911&page=28

BR

JHB500 · 04-09-2019, 10:17 PM

The restore seemed to go smoothly and gave a message it was successful. But it has the same 629 books - the 628 "empty ones I gained through the CSV import plus the 1 real book I imported as a test.

So started experimenting with the Calibre Library button on main menu. If I select Quick Switch, a tab at the right extends that says Calibre Library. If I choose that, my normal 2644 books display. If I choose it again (same name), the 628 empty books display.

So good news is that I found my books. But I don't understand what it's switching to/from.

My sense of urgency is over, but I'd still like to understand if anyone can explain.

I appreciate the assistance.

theducks · 04-09-2019, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHB500

The restore seemed to go smoothly and gave a message it was successful. But it has the same 629 books - the 628 "empty ones I gained through the CSV import plus the 1 real book I imported as a test.

So started experimenting with the Calibre Library button on main menu. If I select Quick Switch, a tab at the right extends that says Calibre Library. If I choose that, my normal 2644 books display. If I choose it again (same name), the 628 empty books display.

So good news is that I found my books. But I don't understand what it's switching to/from.

My sense of urgency is over, but I'd still like to understand if anyone can explain.

I appreciate the assistance.

Somehow you have 2 Libraries (with the same name BUT different paths)

Use the Library icon menu to rename the smaller to something else (to avoid confusion).
Then, select all books:right-click Copy to Library: (you only have 1 choice): Delete after copy (optional, empties the selected)

JHB500 · 04-09-2019, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theducks

Somehow you have 2 Libraries (with the same name BUT different paths)

Use the Library icon menu to rename the smaller to something else (to avoid confusion).
Then, select all books:right-click Copy to Library: (you only have 1 choice): Delete after copy (optional, empties the selected)

You are exactly right. I'd figured out the renaming, but the instructions to copy over have really made my day. Thank you!

04-07-2019, 11:24 PM	#1
JHB500 Member Posts: 10 Karma: 10 Join Date: Sep 2013 Device: Kindle App for PC/Android	Regular Books No Longer Listed after Import I was trying to add a reference list of book titles (600) to my already robust library of 5000+ ebooks using CSV import. The new titles were just a reference list of books NOT in Calibre-accessible ebook format. But I wanted the titles included so I could sort by author, series, etc. and see what I owned. However, now my library only showss the 600 new titles. For the old books - those truly imported completely into Calibre, the folder structure still exists where all the files are stored. I thought at first it was just a filter or a virtual library showing only the new titles. But it doesn't appear to be the case. What should I do to get back my full list of "real" books? And can I combine the new titles also or should I give up that idea?

04-08-2019, 07:08 PM	#4
BetterRed null operator (he/him) Posts: 21,660 Karma: 29711016 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Sydney Australia Device: none	Did you use the Import List plugin? Backup the library folder, then try the Library Maintenance->Restore database. BR Last edited by BetterRed; 04-08-2019 at 07:11 PM.

04-08-2019, 07:35 PM	#5
theducks Well trained by Cats Posts: 30,939 Karma: 60358908 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Central Coast of California Device: Kobo Libra2,Kobo Aura2v1, K4NT(Fixed: New Bat.), Galaxy Tab A	What does it say on the bottom status bar (left side) 3 library parts how many of those available in the view (or VL) how many selected (highlighted) And how big is the entire library And the first bit is what version of Calibre you are using Attached Thumbnails

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04-07-2019, 11:39 PM	#2
BetterRed null operator (he/him) Posts: 21,660 Karma: 29711016 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Sydney Australia Device: none	Did you try hitting Escape or restarting calibre? I have a vague memory that Import List Marks the books it creates, and then Shows Marked Books. Are there gold push pins on the left edge of book list? If so, I suggest you add the Mark Books tool to a toolbar or menu. But if you restart calibre that'll clear them. BR

04-09-2019, 08:25 AM	#6
JHB500 Member Posts: 10 Karma: 10 Join Date: Sep 2013 Device: Kindle App for PC/Android	TheDucks: Calibre 3.040.1 629 books, 1 selected. (Again -these are titles and metadata only. No actual books files.) The Import List-CSV brought in 628 books. Later I added one pointing at one of the original books - just to make sure the "real" book files were still usable. So 629. BetterRed: I was considering that if other advice didn't pan out. So - if that works - then I guess I'd be back where I started with my 3000+ books and wishing I could add the titles of the 600 others. Which would be better than where I am now! But hopefully I'd find a more viable way to bring that data in. My most pressing need is to get my books back. But - if possible - I'd also like to understand where I went wrong. It seems odd that the import feature would replace my entire library instead of adding to it. Thanks, all - for any attemp to help. Any thing else to try before i go for the restore?

04-09-2019, 10:48 AM	#7
theducks Well trained by Cats Posts: 30,939 Karma: 60358908 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Central Coast of California Device: Kobo Libra2,Kobo Aura2v1, K4NT(Fixed: New Bat.), Galaxy Tab A	Import List is only supposed to bring in metadata (AKA an empty book, if there was not one (record) to land it on) I have not heard of a metadata.db being wiped out like this before. FOLLOW THE ADVICE IN POST 4

04-09-2019, 10:17 PM	#9
JHB500 Member Posts: 10 Karma: 10 Join Date: Sep 2013 Device: Kindle App for PC/Android	The restore seemed to go smoothly and gave a message it was successful. But it has the same 629 books - the 628 "empty ones I gained through the CSV import plus the 1 real book I imported as a test. So started experimenting with the Calibre Library button on main menu. If I select Quick Switch, a tab at the right extends that says Calibre Library. If I choose that, my normal 2644 books display. If I choose it again (same name), the 628 empty books display. So good news is that I found my books. But I don't understand what it's switching to/from. My sense of urgency is over, but I'd still like to understand if anyone can explain. I appreciate the assistance.

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