Handy Library Manager
 for Windows


Help, how to topics > Auto-catalogue, Import > Move items status window.


How to update Handy Library Web Search Scripts

Our automated cataloging system uses web search engines to retrieve book data. Users with up-to-date support are allowed to use this feature. If the web search engine changes, we must modify the script files included with the software. Once in a while, we add new scripts.

Version 2.0 (December, 18, 2025)

We have improved the handling of web search requests in the Handy Library Manager version 4.5. These improvements were necessary because some web resources were blocking requests sent by our app.

Here are the updates for each resource:

  • Amazon Web: Improved handling of search requests. We retrieve the first three letters of the author's last name, available in data3. The author's name is formatted as Last Name, First Name, and stored in data1.
  • Open Library: We retrieve the first three letters of the author's last name, available in data3. The author's name is formatted as Last Name, First Name, and stored in data1.
  • Library of Congress: No changes.
  • Google Books: We retrieve the first three letters of the author's last name, available in data3. The author's name is formatted as Last Name, First Name, and stored in data1.
  • British Library: No changes.
  • Australian State Library: This is a new, valuable addition for Australian small libraries.

After recent tests, we discovered that both Google Books and Open Library searches yield many positive results. For a detailed review, see the 2025 Web Book Search Analysis.

With up-to-date support, you can use new scripts in Handy Library Manager version 4.5

If there is another book search engine that gives good results, please let us know. Then, we can review it and include it in our software. For example, after a user's suggestion, our auto-cataloging feature can add new items from the British Library. The search is by BL system number.


how to upgrade handy library web search scripts

Open Updates

On the Upgrade/Register (1) tab click Check for Updates (2). It will close the library administrator main program and start the update application. If you set automated backups please wait until the backup completes.


how to upgrade handy library web search scripts, check version numbers

Check script version

In the Update window select the Search Script Update (1) option and click the Check For Update (2) button. Verify the script version numbers. If there is a new version and you would like to update click Next (3).


Download update

Click Download Update to update.


Verify

Verify update messages and click Exit. Start Handy Library Manager and test the new search.



Question: We are having trouble importing data from the Library of Congress - we find the LCCN identification in the LCC database, but when it pulls into the Prima Soft system, the information (title, author, etc.) does not import - that is, none of the identification fields are populated. This is a change from what we were getting previously. I've tried updating the software, and get a message that we are current. Is there something we must adjust or change? What should we do now?

Answer:
We offer web search capabilities to users who have purchased our yearly support plan. The web search and auto-cataloging features utilize third-party book search engines and catalogs, which are subject to frequent updates. As a result, users need to ensure they have the latest version of the search scripts. Additionally, search results are saved based on the defined mapping. If your data is not being saved, it may be because the mapping does not include all relevant data fields. web search scripts


Question: I have a problem using the Library of Congress catalogue system when trying to input the LCC catalogue number it dose not want to read the item search. I am just wanting to ask how to use the system.

Answer:
To conduct search testing, please send the LCC number to our support team. web search scripts


Question:
My books don't have an ISBN. Can I search for book information using the title or author?

Answer:
To find a book, open a web search engine (like Google) and enter the book's title along with the author's name. In the search results, look for a link that matches both the title and author. Once you find it, look for the ISBN. You can then use this ISBN in the Handy Library auto-catalogue feature. search book by title, author


Question:
Can I modify the search script files?

Answer:
Writing a script to retrieve data from web search results is quite challenging. Please provide details about the site you want implemented in the Handy Library Manager. web search scripts



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