Add copies of a book

A book in your catalogue isn't borrowable until it has at least one copy. A copy represents one physical item on your shelf.

Adding copies

• Catalog → find book → Edit
• Copies section → Add Copy
• Fill in barcode, condition, and shelf location
• Save

Multiple copies of the same book

Many libraries have multiple copies. Each gets its own row with its own barcode and condition. Holds and renewals work on the book level — a patron holding "The Reason for God" gets the next available copy regardless of condition.

Barcodes

• Leave blank to auto-generate (we use a unique 13-digit number)
• Or enter your existing barcode if you're migrating from another system
• Print barcode labels from Tools → Print Barcodes

Conditions

• New — Like new, no markings
• Good — Light wear, fully readable
• Fair — Visible wear, may have notes/highlights
• Poor — Heavily worn but still usable

Condition doesn't affect availability — patrons can borrow any active copy.

Shelf location

Free text describing where to find the copy physically. Common patterns:

• "Fiction shelf 2"
• "Children's section, basket B"
• "Audio room"

Shelf location shows on the patron's checkout receipt and in the librarian's hold queue.

Removing a copy

If a copy is lost or no longer in your library, mark it as inactive rather than deleting. Inactive copies are hidden from patrons but preserved in loan history.

• Mark inactive: Edit the copy → uncheck "Active"
• Delete entirely: Edit → Delete (only allowed if there are no loans referencing it)