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DIY Book Inventory

Just because you don't have a Master's degree in library science doesn't mean you can't make an accurate and efficient inventory of the books in your private collection. Even an amateur librarian can use the Library of Congress Classification or Dewey Decimal system. Cataloging an entire personal library may seem like a daunting task, but if you work in simple, concrete steps towards your goal, you can finish your do-it-yourself inventory in no time.

Instructions

    • 1

      Count your books. Re-count if you feel uncertain, then record this number and alphabetize your books by the authors' last names.

    • 2

      Create a database, spreadsheet or other document with the following columns: last and first name, title, publisher, year of publication and any relevant facts or tidbits associated with a particular book.

    • 3

      Input your books into your document and search for Library of Congress or Dewey Decimal system cataloging information for each book. Add the cataloging information for each book to your document.

    • 4

      Check the number of books that appear in your document against your earlier count to complete your inventory.

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