BookCAT 10.13 User Reviews
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Or, Learn More About BookCATOutstanding
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"A high-quality database for libraries large and small"
Version: BookCAT 10.01
Pros
BookCAT can handle any number of records and a wide range of data. It can download book information from over 20 worldwide databases using only an ISBN. Users can create custom filters, lists, and printouts, as well as manage book lending.
Cons
Unlike some other book database software, BookCAT doesn't yet have a smartphone app. Because the software is both powerful and flexible, it has a fairly steep learning curve.
Summary
I've been a BookCAT user since 2002 and have been consistently impressed by the wide range of functions and easy-to-use interface and display. The program is flexible enough to meet the needs of any library, large or small, and has a wide range of features that can be customized by the user. In addition to a very powerful report designer, BookCAT now comes with over forty pre-set reports, such as monthly and yearly spending, acquisition dates, and location. Most useful to me is the Internet download feature, which lets you input a list of ISBNs and looks them up in any of the online databases BookCAT can access. Combine that with a barcode scanner, and cataloguing becomes a breeze.
BookCAT's only real drawback, in my opinion, is that its complexity means it takes some time to become truly comfortable using it. It's worth it in the end, but users should be prepared for a steeper learning curve than similar databases with fewer options.
I particularly like the way that BookCAT has developed over time, often gaining new features thanks to input from its users. The program costs $39.95 and version upgrades (i.e. from v9 to v10) cost $19.95. Interim upgrades, which are not insignificant, are free. Over the 9 years I've used BookCAT, it's cost me a total of $115, and it has been worth every penny. When I was a librarian in a private school, I used software designed for the educational market which was far more expensive (you librarians know what I'm talking about) and which simply could not compete with BookCAT for ease of use or the ability to manage lending, holds, and returns.
Read more: BookCAT - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com http://download.cnet.com/BookCAT/3000-2130_4-10027847.html#submitReview#ixzz1Xr4KPBUX -
"Good for Book Lovers"
Version: BookCAT 9.20.03
Pros
Works great for keeping track of books. I especially like it for the loan feature--as I love to share bks but hate not getting them back.
Cons
None. If you're interested in finding book bargains, you also might want to check out a new free tool/add-on FF or IE called Bargain Book Mole [www.BargainBookMole.org] which allows you to search for the lowest book prices online on the fly.
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"Easily the best in class"
Version: BookCAT 9.20.02
Pros
No problems installing. Easy to use. Easily imports library information from various book databases. Any missing information can be updated manually with ease. Very shallow learning curve.
Cons
The price is a little high.
Summary
Easy to use and usage can be scaled to the level of complexity you're looking for in a library - use as much or as little detail as you'd like. It's not cheap ($40) given that it really only categorizes books but that is exactly what it promises to do and it does a good job delivering on that promise. After trying about a dozen of the programs I could find, this one was easily the best library program for *any* media.
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"Outstanding for managing home libraries"
Version: BookCAT 9.20.02
Pros
This is an amazingly flexible program whose automation of mudane input tasks (simply type in the ISBN and it gathers all relevant information) is an amazing time saver. Automatically downloading the cover image is also a nice touch.
Cons
I haven't found anything yet.
Summary
For anyone with even a moderately sized personal library, this tool allows quick, easy and suprisingly powerful management of his or her collection. The reports are customizable beyond anything I'll ever need. Allowing for personal notes and customizable input fields, BookCat allows for personalized indexing and keyword inputs. As a student with a fairly extensive library in my field of study, the search function is incredibly useful, especially when I have one of those "Where did I read that?" moments, as it will search downloaded and personalized subject keywords as well as every other field. All in all, a great tool.
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"Does everything I expected it to, and MORE !"
Version: BookCAT 9.12.01
Pros
Well thought out design. Very intuitive - easy to use. Extremely easy to customize for visual and printed reports, searches and displays. Unlimited room to write your own "book report" in the Notes & Comments section. No bugs or glitches.
Cons
Takes quite a while to load, but I think that is mainly my fault for having so many programs running in the background.
Summary
Most heavy readers have a million notes lying around reminding them about books that they have seen reviewed or been told about. BookCAT 9 has a special section for "Books you want to Own" which keeps a very well organized detailed listing of all those things that you used keep on scraps of paper. Love it !
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"Great program"
Version: BookCAT 9.12.01
Pros
Very comprehensive program. Can (almost) do anything...
Cons
Lots to learn.
Summary
Very good.
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"I love the program, but It's NOT free!"
Version: BookCAT 9.12.01
Pros
This program has it all! Very easy to use, and very complete package.
Cons
It is in the free category; not the free to evaluate copy. You must pay for this after 30 days. I did not see this when i downloaded it, I was in a hurry. Please read ALL of the description...you can only use it for 40 books for evaluation purposes.
Summary
The features are a book lovers dream come true. Weather you are a seller, or just need to get a handle on your collection, this is for you. This program is only for evaluation! The "real" product costs forty dollars...not a bad price if I could afford it.
My biggest gripe is it is in the wrong category, which is very misleading. -
"Affordable, Easy to Use, Feature Rich, Flexible"
Version: BookCAT 9.0
Pros
Free to trial - Affordable to own; Easy to use so you get started right away; Features rich; Flexible to fit YOUR needs
Cons
Bookcat does not yet support ebook ISBNs. I'd love to export to my Kindle
Summary
BookCat is everything I wanted and more. Designed to give you the flexibility you need to customize fields and layouts to fit your needs while still providing a robust set of capabilities. It is also incredibly easy to use so that you can get started right away!
I tried several other book cataloging applications and BookCat gave me the most flexibility and was easy to use. With BookCat I was able to customize it and quickly import my existing library quickly. It was simple and easy to use. -
"PURE BRILLIANCE!!"
Version: BookCAT 8.23.04
Pros
The most easy way to get you home/work library sorted in no time. I uploaded 100 books on the first day, , so very easy. I also add a picture of the book and price.
Cons
The Cuecat doesn't recognise EVERY book, no matter where you try even the main UK Libarary Database. Rather strange that... However, read on...
Summary
It's easy enough to go to say Waterstones UK, and click on the book. Copy the picture of that book to Your Pictures, and then transfer it back into the Readerware software. As stated, I also add the price. So far I have 191 books worth £1,592.73p. However I have still got about another 600 to add!!!!
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"This is awesome software"
Version: BookCAT 8.23.02
Pros
This is exactly what I needed for my club's library. It does a great job, and simplified my tasks a lot!
Cons
There is a learning curve, and it takes a while to get used to the interface, given its complexity and flexibility. But once you get used to it, it's a cinch!
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