Jelu

Jelu is an open-source, self-hosted web application used to track reading habits and manage personal book collections. It allows users to maintain detailed lists of books they have read, are currently reading, or intend to read in the future. The software is deployed as a server application and can be installed via a Java JAR file, Docker, or Kubernetes, providing a centralized hub for literary tracking.

Users manage their library through a web browser interface. The application stores all data in a single-file database, ensuring that users maintain full control over their reading history and metadata. It supports multiple users and integrates with external metadata providers to automate the process of adding new titles to a collection, reducing the need for manual data entry.

Key features

• Import reading history via CSV files or lists of ISBNs
• Automatic metadata retrieval using title, author, or ISBN
• Tagging system to organize books into custom shelves
• ISBN scanning via mobile camera for quick entry
• Multi user support with LDAP and proxy authentication
• Generation of embed code snippets for blogs or markdown notes
• Author pages with details and linked books imported from Wikipedia
• Data export functionality via CSV files
• API for scripting and third party integrations

The application is built using Kotlin and Vue 3. It utilizes a Calibre tool called fetch-ebook-metadata for its automatic online search capabilities, which fetches data from sources such as Google Books, Amazon, and LibraryThings. For those who prefer manual entry, the software allows for the manual import of books and the modification of cover images from local files or URLs. It also includes a review system where users can write and share their thoughts on specific titles within their instance, and provides reading statistics to help users visualize their progress over months and years.

Jelu is designed for readers who want a private, self-managed system for tracking their literary history without relying on external cloud services.