Handy Library Manager
 for Windows


.. > Auto-catalog, Import > Handy Library - import data, free service


Free import service, common errors.

You are not sure how to import your data?

Let us know. We will try to process your library data or will send you additional instructions. Send us your data in excel, text, or marc file. We will check if there are any inconsistencies:
  • some libraries use ISBN values as barcode numbers
  • date values are in the wrong format
  • numerical fields are in the wrong format
  • patron names are split into two, three columns
  • duplicate barcode values
  • ...

library data, date format
  • date value in the wrong format
  • it will be saved as "Sep 27"
  • it will import to our system in the wrong form that will cause error
  • date should be in the windows short form (YYYY/MM/DD, or other variations )

library data, number format
  • number in the wrong format
  • it will be saved as "9.78123E+11"
  • it will import to our system
  • wrong value will be imported to our system

library data, concatenate data
  • Your spreadsheet data file has patron name in two columns: first name and last name.
  • We can add column that will automatically process your data and create column with the following value: "last name, first name".
  • We can concatenate two or more columns in the excel spreadsheet and create data values accepted by handy library software.


Question:
I do work for Mayfield United Methodist Church. They are still running on Athena 9.2 from Follett Software. We are interested in migrating to your software Handy Library Manager. Would you be able to assist us in migrating the data to the Handy Library format? I don't know the format of Athena but the below claim was on your web site so perhaps you can assist us.

Answer: You can send us your library data in excel spreadsheet format, formatted text file, or MARC file. We will evaluate the file and try to process it in one business day.


Question: Import from FileMakerPro 9 with a small-library module into Handy (3400 books)? What is best intermediate transfer method? How about importing JPGs from FileMaker's "Container Field" (used to show book cover images) - that is, is there a way to transfer our data from the FileMaker program so that the JPGs stay with their book's data? ... Can you do direct import out of a FileMaker data base? Are you working on that?

Answer: You can review your application and check your library application export features. I would suggest exporting to excel spreadsheet format. You can send the file to us for evaluation and transfer. We processed hundreds of library files. It takes us less than one business day to process the data conversion. To display book covers in our program, you can transfer the image file to our program's corresponding book cover data field.



Question: I am using the trial version of Handy Library Manager and I was previously using Auto Librarian SE. My question is, if I switch over to Handy Library can I import my Auto Librarian database to Handy Library? If I can then I will gladly switch. With Auto Librarian there doesn't appear to be any export function.

Answer: Our database specialist has already processed the data transfer from the Auto Librarian application. So you can send us your data in the original format. We will review it and try to export it to our library app.


Question: We are looking to get a product to automate our church library. At this time, we have about 7,000 items. We are purchasing a new computer next year.
1. What are the minimum requirements?
2. Can we import our data from FileMaker Pro into your system?
The library is run by volunteers so a simple system would be best.

Answer: Our Handy Library Manager is a straightforward library system. Very often is run by volunteers. The only requirement is a computer with a Windows system. Yes, you can import your data from your FileMaker Pro. We provide free assistance with data transfer. In addition, you can send your files to us. We helped many libraries with the data transfer. It takes us only one business day.


Question: A couple of years ago we purchased the handy library and I haven't had a chance until now to contact you to see if I could send you my Follett Files so you can convert them over to put into the Handy Library System. Let me just add I have used Follett forever and we were told we needed to change systems and then the pandemic hit and our library was shut down as a library and used in ways to spread out students and we went remote for a good while. So, due to unforeseen things I haven't had an opportunity to convert our library system. Can you help?

Answer: All library systems, including Follett, support export to MARC or text delimited file format. You can create a file like this and send it to us. We will review the file and process conversion.


Question: I have a database on Citation software (The Write Diorection) of ~3800 items. Is it possible to transfer this database to your program?

Answer: We processed many library databases. In your program, try to export data to a formatted text file and send it to us. We will review and transfer your data from the citation software.


Question: Could you please let me know how difficult it would be to switch the system from Concourse to Handy Library Manager? Do you have a service that helps to switch or do I have to do it myself? If you have a service, how much does it cost? And also, what is initial price besides the yearly subscription?

Answer: Library systems offer data export features to MARC, excel, or other text-formatted files. Try to export your data to a marc or text-formatted file and send the file to use. We will not charge an extra fee if the data does not require cleaning. The initial cost for the software is 345 for the installation on one computer, add 200 for the network installation.


Question: Barcode not working after import (neither manual nor scan); I attempted to change a spreadsheet to a text file and upload to handy library. It worked, however the barcodes did not transfer correctly. I cannot use a scanner or input manually. Help?

Answer: We need to review the source file before we know how to answer this question. So, send your library spreadsheet file to us. This service is free for all users who are trying our library software.


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