Import & Export

LibrisLog provides multiple ways to get data in and out of the system, ensuring your library is always portable.

Book Import

Search Import

The most common way to add books is by searching external sources:

1. Click "Add Book" in the library
2. Enter a title, author, or ISBN in the search box
3. The app queries:
   • Open Library (always, no key required)
   • Google Books (if GOOGLE_BOOKS_API_KEY is set — see API Keys)
   • Hardcover.app (if HARDCOVER_APP_API_TOKEN is set — see API Keys)
4. Select a result to import with full metadata and cover

ISBN Barcode Scan

On mobile devices:

1. Tap the scan button in the import dialog
2. Point the camera at an ISBN barcode
3. The app detects the barcode and searches automatically

Manual Entry

If no search results are found, enter book details manually. All fields are optional except title.

Data Export

Export your entire library or subsets of data:

Export Formats

Format	Description
JSON	Complete data with all metadata and relationships
CSV	Tabular format, one row per book
ZIP	Combined JSON + cover images

Export Datasets

Choose which data to include:

• Books (full metadata)
• Reading progress entries
• Tags
• Cover images

Export Process

1. Go to the Data page
2. Select datasets and format
3. Click Export
4. Download the generated file

Data Import

Import data from external sources:

Supported Formats

• JSON — LibrisLog export format
• CSV — Custom field mapping supported

Field Mapping

When importing CSV, map source columns to LibrisLog fields:

• Source field dropdown shows all columns from the CSV
• Target field shows available LibrisLog properties
• Optional transform expressions (Python) for data conversion

Transform DSL

Per-field Python expressions allow data transformation:

# Examples:
value.upper()              # Convert to uppercase
str(int(value))            # Convert to integer then back to string
"https://example.com/" + value  # Prefix a URL

Available variables:

• value — The field value
• row — The entire row as a dictionary
• context — Import context (not commonly used)

Predefined Mappings

Common import formats have predefined mappings:

• Goodreads Export — Maps Goodreads CSV columns automatically

Validation

Before importing:

1. Parse and preview the data
2. Review transformed rows
3. Check for errors
4. Validate the full dataset

The import process shows progress with a count of imported and failed rows.

Backup & Restore

Backup and restore are admin-only features. See Administration for details.

API Access

For programmatic import/export, use the REST API. See the API documentation for details.