User Manual¶
Everything you need to know to use Jinbocho — from adding your first book to managing a family library.
Sections¶
| # | Section | What you'll find |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Getting Started | Create your account, first book, invite family members |
| 2 | Authentication | Login, sessions, security |
| 3 | Managing Your Library | Add, edit, move, delete books — three methods |
| 4 | Locations | Rooms, bookcases, sections, shelves, position numbers |
| 5 | Book Details | Metadata, reading status, audit log, cover images |
| 6 | Search & Filters | Full-text search, filters by status/language/year, sorting |
| 7 | ISBN Scanning | Barcode scanner — how it works, tips, troubleshooting |
| 8 | Export & Import | CSV/JSON export, bulk import, backup |
| 9 | User Management | Family members, roles (Admin/Editor/Viewer), invites |
| 10 | Reading Progress | Want to Read / Reading / Finished — tracking and stats |
| 11 | Mobile Experience | Responsive layout, touch gestures, add to home screen |
| 12 | Language & Localization | Switch between English, Italian, Spanish, French |
| 13 | FAQ | 20+ common questions answered |
| 14 | Troubleshooting | Login issues, scanning problems, performance tips |
Quick Paths¶
I want to add my first book¶
→ Getting Started — walks you through the entire first-time setup
I want to scan a barcode¶
→ ISBN Scanning — the fastest way to add a book
I can't find a book in my library¶
→ Search & Filters — search by title, author, ISBN, or browse by location
I want to track what I've read¶
→ Reading Progress — statuses, history, and library stats
I want to invite a family member¶
→ User Management — roles, invites, and permissions
Something isn't working¶
→ Troubleshooting — common fixes, or FAQ for quick answers
What is Jinbocho?¶
Jinbocho is a home library management system that helps families keep track of their physical book collections. Named after the famous book district in Tokyo, it lets you:
- Catalogue every book with title, author, ISBN, and cover
- Know exactly which room and shelf each book is on
- Track reading progress across the whole family
- Scan ISBN barcodes to add books in seconds
- Search your entire collection instantly
- Export your library as CSV or JSON
Jinbocho runs in the browser — no installation needed. It works on phones, tablets, and computers. Multiple family members can use it simultaneously with different permission levels.