Can I use Calibre to catalog ebooks, but not make copies of them?

[cybmole]

you are looking in the wrong place.

try the library tab, not the preferences tab - look for create/switch library.

[colinsky]

Actually, this should theoretically be possible. When I connected my Reader to my PC, Calibre reads in and displays the titles on the the device without automatically adding them to its internal library. What the poster wants is for his external drive of ebook files to be mounted in the same way -- as a "generic" device rather than as a library.

[Genesis]

Originally Posted by cybmole

you are looking in the wrong place.

try the library tab, not the preferences tab - look for create/switch library.

I look in Preferences Tool Icon as the previous poster mentioned.

I do not know what you mean by 'the library tab' There is no such toolbar
ICON. There is one named 24 Books, which appears to be what you meant. Perhaps it was named Library months ago before i did some conversions.


Thanks.. perhaps someone will add this info to the, manual, help or faq.


I reorganized some books because Calibre did not put them in their author's folder, running check library...
Seems it wont fix, the only option coming up is delete. bad news
it recreates empty folders from sql, instead of updating sql from physical media

[theducks]

Originally Posted by Genesis

I look in Preferences Tool Icon as the previous poster mentioned.

I do not know what you mean by 'the library tab' There is no such toolbar
ICON. There is one named 24 Books, which appears to be what you meant. Perhaps it was named Library months ago before i did some conversions.


Thanks.. perhaps someone will add this info to the, manual, help or faq.


I reorganized some books because Calibre did not put them in their author's folder, running check library...
Seems it wont fix, the only option coming up is delete. bad news
it recreates empty folders from sql, instead of updating sql from physical media

Calibre puts books (on import and rename) into the (parent) folder named for the author as shown. Correct that, and the folder (thoou should never mess with) adjusts to follow.

Did you right-click the Library Icon? There is a menu there.

[Genesis]

Originally Posted by colinsky

Actually, this should theoretically be possible. When I connected my Reader to my PC, Calibre reads in and displays the titles on the the device without automatically adding them to its internal library. What the poster wants is for his external drive of ebook files to be mounted in the same way -- as a "generic" device rather than as a library.

not exactly, but your idea is very good. One could easily move a usbkey, flashcard or ext hdd, between (in our case, two) computers that have calibre installed supporting separate ereader devices.


i want calibre to have the ability to rescan it's Own library for changes. It does, but does not accept the changes, its see them as errors.

[Genesis]

Originally Posted by theducks

Did you right-click the Library Icon? There is a menu there.

As i mentioned in previous reply. It is not called Library, it shows # of books in Library.
I guess my annoyed sarcasm wasn't clear.

The fact the icons may have a different name, needs to be put in Faq, along with the note that the path setting for library is under that icon and Not under Preference icon (where one would normally expect to find it)

[cybmole]

Originally Posted by Genesis

not exactly, but your idea is very good.
i want calibre to have the ability to rescan it's Own library for changes. It does, but does not accept the changes, its see them as errors.

that's not necessary if calibre is allowed exclusive management of library folders ( as per its design).

it has been stated over & over in this forum that the calibre library folder & subfolders should be treated as black box - do not open, do not mess with contents... if you can't live with that then use a different library management program.

if you want to add books, delete books, rename authors / titles/whatever - use the tools provided, don't go poking around with DOS commands & then expect the program to clean up after you.

PS actually the program CAN already do the repairs that you are complaining about. In just 2 simple steps
1.create a new library then
2 use add books option to scan and add all books from the previous library folder that you have hacked.

you will then get a freshly compiled and accurate database.

[cybmole]

Originally Posted by Genesis

As i mentioned in previous reply. It is not called Library, it shows # of books in Library.
I guess my annoyed sarcasm wasn't clear.

it was very clear.
what is also very clear is that when you hover with mouse over that icon it says "choose calibre library to work with"



so whether it is called the "library" icon
or the "icon with no name"
or the "icon formerly known as the number of books icon"

is nitpicking.

just remember that what is shows & what it is called are 2 different things.

I prefer that mine says 987 books to having it say "this is the library icon, dumbo"

PS calibre has so many options/settings that I often forget where some are, but politely asking for help works better than sarcasm