Scanning Barcodes to Log Your DVDs/Games/Books/etc

[tanuki]

Hi all! I wanted to start a discussion on here about logging your physical media. This can be useful for loaning items out to friends, sharing on your website, looking up what you own to prevent buying duplicates, or even insurance purposes.

I have tried manually logging many items in my own CSV files, but found it tedious and lacking important details. I had heard of some folks using barcode scanners to help with this. I've recently bought one for ~$25 and found libib.com that allows looking up of various UPC/ISBNs to log into collections. It seems to be pretty respectful of your privacy, lets you export your data, and does not seem to have a limit on number of items that can be scanned.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with this site - or with scanning barcodes and logging their physical media? What are some of your recommendations on tracking all of the DVDs, CDs, Blu-Rays, Vinyl Records, Video Games across a dozen systems, etc.

[Seechain]

How about looking for some old video club management software?
It should take care of everything you need and more.

[Senkusha]

I work with barcodes all day in Retail.  I have an app on my phone that stores a database of bar codes, called BarCode Architect.  It can scan barcodes, and you can manually create barcodes.  You would also need a method of printing out the barcodes on label paper if you went this route.

But essentially, it sounds like what you need is a Database.  And there's a crapton of database software available.  Personally, if I were doing this project, I'd probably create a MySQL database and use a PHP webpage front end, so that I can access my database from anywhere, control the layout of the information, and color code to my own personal tastes.  But then again, I've got just enough knowledge to be dangerous!

[sokil]

for records/cassettes/CDs, i highly recommend discogs! it can be a little tricky as it'll list several different versions of some items for the same barcode if that's something you're curious about, but i don't really worry much about that. i categorize mine by release type and i find it super useful; it's often the first thing i open after i visit a record store hahahaha.

for books, i believe storygraph has a barcode scanning feature as well. i don't use this one too often, though, as i don't always log the books i own. storygraph, for me, is more of a tool to keep track of books that look interesting and plan to read as well as what i'm currently reading.