BookDB for Windows

Used BookDB for Windows?

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffJune 3, 2011

Book DB presents bookworms and small lending libraries with a way to keep track of books. Though the program was easy to use, we found its interface lacking any kind of flexibility for customization.

The program's interface is very bare bones in appearance and left much to be desired. From there, you can print a copy of the database and export it as an HTML or TXT file, which is handy. We entered a few titles into the program and discovered that you do not have to fill out every blank in the entry form, but you must enter information into the Publication Details section to save the entry. The entry form isn't very flexible for customization, and as a potential home user, we wished we had the option of making a list simply of title and author. Each institution and individual's collection of books is different, and in order to accommodate a variety of collections, a database program like this needs to be more flexible.

Book DB has a Help file, and a user manual for the program is included in the Help menu. Unfortunately, this free program does not uninstall cleanly and leaves a folder in the Documents folder. Overall, we wished that the program's interface were more enjoyable to use, and offered more flexibility. For that reason, we recommend that you look for a more versatile program for keeping track of your collections.

What’s new in version 2.1.101

Version 2.2.40 removed empty 'second author' entries created on import.

BookDB for Windows

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: October 15, 2010

Latest update: June 3, 2011

Version: 2.1.101

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows NT
Windows 95
Windows ME
Windows XP
Windows 98

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 5,211

Downloads Last Week: 0

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Program available in other languages

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4/5

5 User Votes

Suitable For Small Libraries
pacmansionSeptember 5, 2011
Pros
Useful library feature for look-up computers is being able to present the library in view mode only, so no editing by users can be done. Comprehensive data information can be entered on main library computer which can check out and edit listings.
Cons
It's a little difficult to set up the view mode feature and it may be a little inconvenient to update the information on the patron catalogue computers, but not impossible.
Summary
Fantastic.I highly recommend this program. For a small library not yet hooked up to the internet, BookDB 2 is easy to use and has the security features needed. While I've looked all over the internet for other free alternatives, I've found nothing that comes close in terms of ease of use and features. The program even allows the user to print out bar code labels for books. As mentioned above, the program installed on the main librarian computer can be used for entering and modifying book data, entering borrower information, and checking books in and out. The View only mode can be set up on catalogue computers, on which data cannot be modified.
Excellent program I have never had a problem with it.
lc3722March 10, 2011
Pros
My personal book collection is over 3,500 and I have them all listed in Book DB so I will not duplicate purchases.
Cons
nothing negative that I can think of.
Summary
This is my first online review of anything but I feel so strongly about Book DB which is a free download, easy to use, and fills all my requirements to keep an up to day record of my book collection.
It works well. No sofistication, but effiency.
duartecavJanuary 9, 2011
Pros
It is free.
Cons
Lack of customization.
Summary
Nice basic book catalog with several useful features
thulemandenOctober 31, 2010
Pros
Installs on MS Windows 7. Several interface languages. Import and export like from LibraryThing.com. Truely free. Takes care of loans too.
Cons
Does not perform an isbn validty check. No option for translator role, limited to author and editor.
Summary
A book catalog is a complicated piece of software, if it should solve all variations. This software makes a bold effort, but seems to be stopped in its development which is sad. Maybe the author would want to open source it or continue modernization.
A good database for your books, for free
howardfernsMay 15, 2009
Pros
You can create a list of all your books sorted alphabetically by author, title, year, publisher etc. Enter as much or as little as you like. Double click on any one for full details in a seperate window, & more by clicking on Description/Categories.
Cons
Some minor shortcomings, for example you can only access the full details of each title from Books - clicking on Authors, Publishers or Categories only gives a lst of the relevant titles, you can't then see further details from these.
Summary
Could be a lttle bit more versatile, but it's the best free one at the moment.

Developer’s Description

Catalog your books and print them in various format.