API Keys

Some external sources require API keys. All are optional: Open Library, BnF, Inventaire.io, the Library of Congress, and the German National Library need no key at all, so LibrisLog works out of the box.

Sources without a key can be switched off individually, see Configuration.

Both keyed sources are off in .env.example

A key alone is not enough to make a source answer, and leaving a source switched on without its key is just noise. .env.example therefore ships HARDCOVER_IMPORT_SEARCH_ENABLED=false and GOOGLE_BOOKS_IMPORT_SEARCH_ENABLED=false. Set the credential and flip the matching switch to true:

GOOGLE_BOOKS_API_KEY=your-key
GOOGLE_BOOKS_IMPORT_SEARCH_ENABLED=true

HARDCOVER_APP_API_TOKEN=your-token
HARDCOVER_IMPORT_SEARCH_ENABLED=true

The built-in default for both switches is true, so an existing .env that does not mention them keeps working after an upgrade. If you leave a source on without its credential, it is listed in the search progress as skipped and no request is sent.

Google Books API

Enables Google Books as a fallback search source and improves cover resolution. Remember to also set GOOGLE_BOOKS_IMPORT_SEARCH_ENABLED=true.

1. Go to the Google Cloud Console
2. Create a new project or select an existing one
3. Navigate to APIs & Services → Library
4. Search for "Books API" and enable it
5. Go to APIs & Services → Credentials
6. Click Create Credentials → API Key
7. Copy the key and set it as GOOGLE_BOOKS_API_KEY in your .env

Note: Google Books API has usage limits. For most personal use, the free tier is sufficient. See Google's documentation for quota details.

Hardcover API

Enables Hardcover.app as an additional search source. Remember to also set HARDCOVER_IMPORT_SEARCH_ENABLED=true.

1. Sign in to hardcover.app
2. Go to your profile → Settings → API
3. Create a new API token
4. Copy the token and set it as HARDCOVER_APP_API_TOKEN in your .env