Migrating from another library system

General guidance for migrating from any library system to Shelfwise.

Step 1: Inventory what you're moving

• Books
• Patrons
• Loans (active and historical)
• Holds
• Family groupings
• Settings

Step 2: Export your data

Most systems can export to CSV. If yours can't, you may need:

• A SQL dump
• A custom export script
• Database access

Step 3: Map to Shelfwise's structure

Shelfwise's data model:

• Books → titles
• Copies → physical items (each with barcode, condition, shelf location)
• Patrons → members
• Loans → patron + copy + dates
• Holds → patron + book + queue position
• Families → patrons grouped together
• Genres, topics, tags → taxonomy

Step 4: Bulk import

• Books via Bulk ISBN Import or CSV
• Patrons via Patrons → Bulk Import
• Loan/hold history requires manual setup or contact us

Step 5: Test

• Catalogue browse
• Patron sign in
• Place a hold
• Renew a loan

Help available

Migration from a complex system is the kind of work we love. Email hello@tryshelfwise.com — we'll discuss what to bring across and how to handle it.