Just follow the manual to create your Micro-library!
Because we are still developing the project, some steps are still part of the first "dime and a shoe string" way of the project, don't hesitate to contact us if you have any question.
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Sorting your books will help you manage your library. Their physical organization will correspond to the structure of your catalogue.
Ex: Using pellets of different colors, or a certain organisation (location on the shelf).
According to this classification you can separate your future catalogue into different lists (cf 2- IV Create a list). Ex: by theme, color...
So that you don’t lose your books, it is important that your name or the name of your library and address stay visible for the borrower on the book itself. Ex: Bookplate, pencil/pen annotations, borrowing file ( see 4-I-Manage your books).
To register books and create lists we are using an Internet website called Open Library - an important data-base created from individual participation, sort of a Wikipedia for books.
Even if it can appear a bit complicated, O.L has the advantage of giving the possibility to list any book, and being free and open source, which is important for us.
- In the search bar ( top right) enter the ISBN (International Serial Book Number) : The ISBN is located with publisher information, generally either in the first or last few pages of the book, sometimes on the back cover with the bar code.
Format : Enter the number, without spaces or dashes.
If you can't find the book click on -More search options- ( just under the search bar): Enter the title of the book and/or the name of the author. O.L should now propose to you a list of books. Click on the title of your book from the list.
Usually O.L will have different editions recorded for the same book. - Go right of the title and click on the number of editions. - From the list, choose the one you have. Even if there is only one edition, you have to click on -1 edition- to accede to the specific edition page of the book, that is very important for us ( see IV- Create a list ).
You should have arrived now to the specific edition page of your book. If yes, you can go directly to IV- Create a list. If you still can’t find your edition, it means it is not yet recorded in Open Library
You should be now on the specific edition page of your book. You can go to the step IV- Create a list.
Title : Give the main title.
Author : if there are multiple, give one for now, you'll be able to change it after.
Who is the publisher? : The information should be at the first or last few pages.
When was it published? : The information should be at the first or last few pages.
ID number : If there is one it's great, but it is optional.
This part is up to you, even if you already enter a new book we encourage you to add more information, it will help the O.L database, created from individual participation, to grow.
It is very important for us that you list the edition of the book and NOT the page of the book presentation to be able to import your catalogue ( sorry here is a good example of the “Dime and a shoe string” version!).
if you have any problem, you can still go back to the step III – b- find the good edition.
Ok now let’s list your books.
You’ve just listed your first book, now you can continue on with the other ones!
To be able to import your list(s) and create your micro-library, we need some information such as:
Send this information to selfshelfswap@gmail.com and CC to smonff@lavavit.com
This part is not at all developed yet ( but it is coming soon!). We created for now some personal wiki pages for each micro-library in order to take note of the loans.
We also propose you here several examples to manage your library with the old paper library system, but the best way will be what you find most appropriate in praxis for yourself and your library.
Each book has one file inside with the name of the book and the due date re-written at each borrowing. When the book is out, you put the file at the rear of a files box; the files at the front correspond to the books that should be back soon… When the book is back you put its file back inside. This could work with the borrower file.
This could help to give an overview how diligent your borrowers are.
As a future Self Shelf Swap librarian you have to create an account on this wiki, you will then be able to edit it.
A very good way to participate to SSS is to share your ideas, opinions, points of view, jokes… about the whole project or this manual.
This manual exists as a first step, maybe you will find a better way to do it, or a new option that makes the work easier. If so, please:
After having registered (choose a log in name and a password), you will have the possibility to edit changes:
You have the opportunity to write any modification on the page. Please try to be respectful in general of what is already written on the page. Use the wikimedia syntax Help.
After you wrote your text, you can check if the syntax is good: Click first on -show preview-. if your are satisfied you can -save-.
If you like the project and would like to be part of, we will be very happy to have new members. However we are missing some specific knowledge and skills, please check how you could help to know what we need.
Thanks and welcome to Self Shelf Swap!
LIBRARY GUIDELINE Known as: A DIME AND A SHOE STRING
First edition, First volume (A)