Export your catalog data

Open your ILS (Sierra, Polaris, Koha, Evergreen, etc.). Run a report of all items at your library. Export it as a CSV or Excel file. Look for a "Create Lists" or "Reports" module.

Tip: Include as many columns as possible. At minimum, you need Title, Call Number, and Publication Year. Adding Checkouts and Format unlocks more reports.

Upload the file

Go to Import Data and upload your file. The tool matches your columns automatically. It recognizes dozens of common column names from different systems. You do not need to rename anything.

Explore the reports

Once your data is loaded, every report in the sidebar lights up. Here's what each one tells you:

• Dashboard - Quick snapshot of your collection size, age, and usage.
• Collection Gaps - The most useful report. Shows thin subject areas and sections that need new material.
• Subject Balance - Bar chart of how items are spread across subjects.
• Age Distribution - Items by decade. Spot if your collection is too old.
• Format Breakdown - Split between books, DVDs, audiobooks, and more.
• Usage Analysis - Your most popular items and circulation patterns.
• Weeding Candidates - Old items with few checkouts. Adjust thresholds to match your policy.

Export your results

Every report has a Download CSV button. Save results to a spreadsheet for sharing with your director or building a purchasing list. Press Ctrl+P (Cmd+P on Mac) to print any page. The sidebar and buttons hide automatically when printing.

Does this connect to my ILS?

No. It works entirely with files you've already exported. Your data stays on your computer and is never sent anywhere.

What if my column names are different?

The tool recognizes many common names (like "Pub Year", "Publication Year", "Year", "Date", etc.). After uploading, check the Column Mapping page to see what was detected. "Empty" just means your file doesn't have that data or uses a name the tool didn't recognize. Reports adapt to what's available.

What does "LC classification" mean?

The Library of Congress (LC) classification system assigns letter codes to broad subject areas. For example, "P" = Language & Literature, "Q" = Science, "H" = Social Sciences. The tool reads the letters at the start of your call numbers to figure out what subject area each item belongs to. It also works with Dewey Decimal call numbers by mapping the first digit to the equivalent LC area.

Can I upload a new file to replace the old one?

Yes. Go to Import Data and upload a new file. It replaces the previous data immediately. Try exporting a CSV now and another in six months to see how your collection changed.