1BradRupert
I know this if probably some where on the site's map - but how do I add a book that does not have a ISBN number? I have several antique books that I would like to include in my collection - but when I do a search - nothing comes up.
2Aquila
If you've searched by title on multiple likely library sources and it hasn't come up, there is an Add Manually option at the bottom of the Add Books page.
3MarthaJeanne
Do check Overcat as source for these books, though. The Harvard book collections are included there. Sometimes it is possible to find a source by checking WorldCat and finding a library that has it and is am LT source. This is probably only useful if you have several books that would likely be in the same library.
On the other hand, manual entry gives you the data for your copy in the form you prefer. I would not recommend using Amazon because older books would be from their 'partners' most of whom have no idea of cataloging, and correcting the entry would take longer than manual entry.
On the other hand, manual entry gives you the data for your copy in the form you prefer. I would not recommend using Amazon because older books would be from their 'partners' most of whom have no idea of cataloging, and correcting the entry would take longer than manual entry.
5waltzmn
It would be more helpful to work with a sample title. Let's try to walk through an example. First, one that is in the database but doesn't have an ISBN. I'll take Hyland's Mammoth Hibernian Songster, 1901.
This is a lot easier on a computer than a phone. It may be possible on a phone, but I haven't tried it; too hard to type!
Go to the "Add Books" tab, and in the Add to your books field, type in some words from the title. Let's use "Mammoth Hibernian Songster." You also need to choose From Where, down below that. Three good sources are Amazon, Library of Congress, and Overcat. So I'll try the LoC. I put "Mammoth Hibernian Songster" into the search box and click "Search." It's not there (to my surprise). So try Amazon. Click the "Amazon" button under "Search Where?" and try again. That gets you a classic reprint -- which isn't what I have. So try Overcat. Again it's not the right edition, but maybe you can live with it.
If trying multiple sources doesn't get you what you want, forget all that. Below the "Search Where" buttons, there is a tiny item Other options with options
Add manually | Import books
Click "Add manually."
Fill in as much as you can -- title, author, Media, publication date, whatever you can. (E.g. in this case, that would be Hyland's Mammoth Hibernian Songster, The Blackbird, 1901, Book:Paper Book:Hardcover. Your book will be different.)
You might miraculously find that your book combines with other editions. Or you might not.... But it will be in your library.
Manual adding is frequently a necessity for really old editions -- they aren't in the big databases. I've had to use it a lot.
I hope that helps. Good luck in any case.
This is a lot easier on a computer than a phone. It may be possible on a phone, but I haven't tried it; too hard to type!
Go to the "Add Books" tab, and in the Add to your books field, type in some words from the title. Let's use "Mammoth Hibernian Songster." You also need to choose From Where, down below that. Three good sources are Amazon, Library of Congress, and Overcat. So I'll try the LoC. I put "Mammoth Hibernian Songster" into the search box and click "Search." It's not there (to my surprise). So try Amazon. Click the "Amazon" button under "Search Where?" and try again. That gets you a classic reprint -- which isn't what I have. So try Overcat. Again it's not the right edition, but maybe you can live with it.
If trying multiple sources doesn't get you what you want, forget all that. Below the "Search Where" buttons, there is a tiny item Other options with options
Add manually | Import books
Click "Add manually."
Fill in as much as you can -- title, author, Media, publication date, whatever you can. (E.g. in this case, that would be Hyland's Mammoth Hibernian Songster, The Blackbird, 1901, Book:Paper Book:Hardcover. Your book will be different.)
You might miraculously find that your book combines with other editions. Or you might not.... But it will be in your library.
Manual adding is frequently a necessity for really old editions -- they aren't in the big databases. I've had to use it a lot.
I hope that helps. Good luck in any case.
6lilithcat
>5 waltzmn:
Three good sources are Amazon, Library of Congress, and Overcat.
I would not describe Amazon as a "good source". See >3 MarthaJeanne:.
Three good sources are Amazon, Library of Congress, and Overcat.
I would not describe Amazon as a "good source". See >3 MarthaJeanne:.
8waltzmn
>6 lilithcat: I would not describe Amazon as a "good source"
Certainly it's dangerous for covers, since the Amazon covers change. But the LoC is poor (relatively) for books not published in the U.S., and Overcat often has problems with editions. For my old stuff, Amazon often seems to work best. It's going to vary a lot depending on the exact book involved.
You'll note that I started with LoC, since the Hibernian Songster was an American publication (if it matters, it is an "Irish" songbook with a lot of stage Irish songs...). That's why I was surprised it didn't show up. I had intended my example to enter the Songster via LoC, and then pull something really obscure for a manual entry example. But LoC didn't have the Songster, Amazon had only a cheap reprint, and Overcat had a bad edition also. So... it had to be manual entry.
The main point, though, is that it's often best to try all three before going to manual entry.
Certainly it's dangerous for covers, since the Amazon covers change. But the LoC is poor (relatively) for books not published in the U.S., and Overcat often has problems with editions. For my old stuff, Amazon often seems to work best. It's going to vary a lot depending on the exact book involved.
You'll note that I started with LoC, since the Hibernian Songster was an American publication (if it matters, it is an "Irish" songbook with a lot of stage Irish songs...). That's why I was surprised it didn't show up. I had intended my example to enter the Songster via LoC, and then pull something really obscure for a manual entry example. But LoC didn't have the Songster, Amazon had only a cheap reprint, and Overcat had a bad edition also. So... it had to be manual entry.
The main point, though, is that it's often best to try all three before going to manual entry.
9Nicole_VanK
PERSONALLY : I think that adding books manually is usually the easiest way for antiquarian books
10waltzmn
>9 Nicole_VanK: PERSONALLY : I think that adding books manually is usually the easiest way for antiquarian books
FWIW, I find it depends on how old the book is (and how popular it is). For something from the 1950s, say, LoC is fairly good, because it reduces the chances of having to manually combine editions. Prior to 1900, relatively few books are worth trying LoC or Overcat, and prior to about 1850 -- yeah, don't bother, do it manually.
FWIW, I find it depends on how old the book is (and how popular it is). For something from the 1950s, say, LoC is fairly good, because it reduces the chances of having to manually combine editions. Prior to 1900, relatively few books are worth trying LoC or Overcat, and prior to about 1850 -- yeah, don't bother, do it manually.
