[GUI Plugin] Save Virtual Libraries To Column (GUI)

[chaley]

For each book in the library, compute the list of virtual libraries containing that book then save that list to a custom column of type "comma-separated text, behaves like tags". This makes it easier to search for books in multiple virtual libraries or in no virtual library. It also makes the virtual library information available to devices that can read calibre custom columns, for example Calibre Companion.

Note: this plugin also exists as a "Library Closed" plugin. The two plugins share configuration information (the custom column to modify).

Installation Steps:

1. Download the attached zip file and install the plugin/restart Calibre/add to menu as described in the Introduction to plugins thread.
2. You can define keyboard shortcuts for this plugin in calibre's Preferences / Shortcuts. Two are available: one to open the plugin's interface and one to directly run the plugin.
3. Once the plugin is installed, run it and choose "configure". Select which custom column the plugin should modify. The column type must be "comma separated text, behaves like tags".

Version History:

Spoiler:

Version 2.3.0 - 27 Dec 2020
Add an option to not display the confirmation dialog after a run
Version 2.2.2 - 11 April 2020
Python 3 compatibility
Version 2.2.1 - 11 Sept 2017
Add an option to run the plugin whenever a device disconnects
Version 2.2.0 - 09 Aug 2017
Add support for an icon.
Make the PI functions available from a menu.
Get rid of the annoying screen flash when running the PI
Version 2.1.0 - 31 July 2017
Remove spurious error in the debug log about a missing icon
Version 2.0.0 - 30 July 2017
Change plugin to update the column only if the information has changed.
Version 1.0.0 - 11 July 2017
Initial release

[chaley]

Version 2: change to update the column for a book only if the contents have changed. This avoids setting the last_modified date when nothing is different.

[chaley]

Version 2.1: remove spurious error in a debug log about a missing icon

[chaley]

Version 2.2 - 09 Aug 2017

• Add support for an icon.
• Make the PI functions available from a menu.
• Get rid of the annoying screen flash when running the PI

[mohamedselim]

Could you please add functionality as new configuration option :
Check books in library every [box] minutes or hours, so everytime the books change virtual library via calibre companion update read status functions (yes,no), we do not have to go to computer and run the plugin (manually) to update the custom column with new read status function
The check will be done automatically in the background at intervals also if selected the message that appear after done changing won't appear
Thanks alot

[chaley]

Originally Posted by mohamedselim

Could you please add functionality as new configuration option :
Check books in library every [box] minutes or hours, so everytime the books change virtual library via calibre companion update read status functions (yes,no), we do not have to go to computer and run the plugin (manually) to update the custom column with new read status function
Thanks alot

I don't understand. When you connect using CC calibre must be running. You can run the GUI plugin at that time. You can also install the "library closed" plugin that runs when calibre exits. What scenario do you have that aren't covered by these two options?

I suspect that you have a permanently running calibre and that you are really asking that the plugin run when a device (CC) disconnects.

[mohamedselim]

Yes i have a permanently running calibre 24 hour in a desktop that i converted to nas box and calibre server and kodi box , did not wish to interfere manually to update the column, if their is any automatic way to do so, that would be great

[chaley]

Version 2.2.1 - 11 Sept 2017

• Add an option to run the plugin whenever a device disconnects. This permits immediately accounting for virtual library changes caused by device syncing.

[mariaclaudia]

Nice plugin, very usefull, because I use many virtual libraries, but don't put all visible. Thanks!!!

[chaley]

Version 2.2.2: Python 3 compatibility

[ownedbycats]

Is there any way to have it run silently without the "updated column" dialog? (I have the "run" action in few action chains that have the potential to change what VLs a book appears in.) Thank you.

[chaley]

Originally Posted by ownedbycats

Is there any way to have it run silently without the "updated column" dialog? (I have the "run" action in few action chains that have the potential to change what VLs a book appears in.) Thank you.

Option added.

[ownedbycats]

Thank you!

[ownedbycats]

Question: with the improvements to virtual_libraries(), should this plugin be considered superceded?

[chaley]

Originally Posted by ownedbycats

Question: with the improvements to virtual_libraries(), should this plugin be considered superceded?

No. It is useful in cases anywhere a 'real' column containing values is needed, for example by some third party app or a context where the template evaluator isn't available.

It is no longer needed if running calibre 5.14+ and the only reason you used it was the performance problem.