Multiple databases using the same book files

JanuaryF · 03-27-2010, 11:02 AM

Hi there,

We are becoming a multi-ereader household, and I'm trying to figure out how my husband and I can use a single folder of ebooks, but both have our own Calibre databases. All the ebooks are currently on a shared network drive (NAS).

I have my database set up with all my books, many of which he is going to want to have in his database. I have set up a database for him as well, but I want to avoid having two copies of the books, if possible, so would really love to have the .db file live in one location, and the books in another. Any way we can do this?

Thanks,
January

Starson17 · 03-27-2010, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JanuaryF

I have my database set up with all my books, many of which he is going to want to have in his database. I have set up a database for him as well, but I want to avoid having two copies of the books, if possible, so would really love to have the .db file live in one location, and the books in another. Any way we can do this?

In your database, select all books, edit metadata in bulk, add your name "JanuaryF" as a tag. Add all his books to your database. In the search bar , type "not tag:JanuaryF". That will show all his books. Add his name as a tag to those. Put your tag on any of his books you may want to read and vice-a-versa. Now you can both use the library.
Typing "tag:JanuaryF and Science" will show all your science related books. Then just save them or Send to device to read them.

itimpi · 03-27-2010, 01:09 PM

In calibre although it is possible to have the metadata.db file physically located outside the library, but it is tightly tied to the exact names that the ebooks are stored internally (including their internal database ID's).

As was mentioned earlier iyou therefore either need to have two physical databases or have one and use tags on the books to allow entries too be logically separated.

animedude01 · 03-27-2010, 01:33 PM

But... why have 2 databases? It just causes more management headaches, especially if you want to share books. Keep one database and use tags to manage which books each of you want. That way you can easily share books by both having your tags on the same books. For example, you want him to read the book you just finished. You can just add his tag to the book and when he searches on his tags, he'll see it. That's what the tags are for.

Multiple databases just add clutter and extra management. Also, I don't think you can have a single db file with multiple locations simultaneously.

Tags are really the best way to go.

My $0.02

JanuaryF · 03-28-2010, 11:32 AM

Thanks for the tag suggestion - I'll give that a try. Is it possible to set Calibre to open and automatically restrict the tag views?

animedude01 · 03-28-2010, 11:40 AM

I don't think so. Unfortunately, it appears to be a manual process at the moment and state isn't saved across restarts (I just tested it).

There is another thread where someone is creating a saved search feature which you'll likely find useful. You and your husband can have separate saved searches which saves a bit of time and keystrokes when it's implemented.

03-27-2010, 11:02 AM	#1
JanuaryF Connoisseur Posts: 54 Karma: 38 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Waterloo, Canada Device: Sony PRS-505 (Red)	Multiple databases using the same book files Hi there, We are becoming a multi-ereader household, and I'm trying to figure out how my husband and I can use a single folder of ebooks, but both have our own Calibre databases. All the ebooks are currently on a shared network drive (NAS). I have my database set up with all my books, many of which he is going to want to have in his database. I have set up a database for him as well, but I want to avoid having two copies of the books, if possible, so would really love to have the .db file live in one location, and the books in another. Any way we can do this? Thanks, January

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03-27-2010, 01:09 PM	#3
itimpi Wizard Posts: 4,552 Karma: 950151 Join Date: Nov 2008 Device: Sony PRS-950, iphone/ipad (Marvin/iBooks/QuickReader)	In calibre although it is possible to have the metadata.db file physically located outside the library, but it is tightly tied to the exact names that the ebooks are stored internally (including their internal database ID's). As was mentioned earlier iyou therefore either need to have two physical databases or have one and use tags on the books to allow entries too be logically separated.

03-27-2010, 01:33 PM	#4
animedude01 Addict Posts: 254 Karma: 1200 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Los Angeles Device: DR1000S, ILIAD2, Nokia n900, Kindle for PC, Astak EZReader Pro	But... why have 2 databases? It just causes more management headaches, especially if you want to share books. Keep one database and use tags to manage which books each of you want. That way you can easily share books by both having your tags on the same books. For example, you want him to read the book you just finished. You can just add his tag to the book and when he searches on his tags, he'll see it. That's what the tags are for. Multiple databases just add clutter and extra management. Also, I don't think you can have a single db file with multiple locations simultaneously. Tags are really the best way to go. My $0.02

03-28-2010, 11:32 AM	#5
JanuaryF Connoisseur Posts: 54 Karma: 38 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Waterloo, Canada Device: Sony PRS-505 (Red)	Thanks for the tag suggestion - I'll give that a try. Is it possible to set Calibre to open and automatically restrict the tag views?

03-28-2010, 11:40 AM	#6
animedude01 Addict Posts: 254 Karma: 1200 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Los Angeles Device: DR1000S, ILIAD2, Nokia n900, Kindle for PC, Astak EZReader Pro	I don't think so. Unfortunately, it appears to be a manual process at the moment and state isn't saved across restarts (I just tested it). There is another thread where someone is creating a saved search feature which you'll likely find useful. You and your husband can have separate saved searches which saves a bit of time and keystrokes when it's implemented.

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