Merge & Delete

This page explains when and how to merge or delete book entries in the Kaguya database.

When in doubt, ask in the #librarians channel on our Discord before taking action.

Merge Book

Rule:
If there are duplicate versions of the same work (including series entries, translations, box sets, or alternate editions), use the merge book option (found beside the Edit icon on the book page).

How merging works:

• When you merge, all reviews and ratings from the duplicate are moved to the canonical book entry.
• The duplicate entry is then removed from the database.
• This keeps all user data intact and avoids losing any reviews or ratings.

Best Practices:

• Translations: Merge into the English version (if it exists; otherwise, leave as-is).
• Box Sets/Omnibuses: Merge into the first/main book in the set.
• Series Entries: Merge generic series entries (like “His Dark Materials #1”) into the actual book (“Northern Lights”).
• Alternate Editions: Merge illustrated, anniversary, and special editions unless there’s major new story content.

Kaguya tracks books by their canonical work, not by edition or translation. Cover and format selection is planned for the future.

Examples of When to Merge:

🔀 His Dark Materials #1
Reason: Series entry; merge into the main book (“Northern Lights”).

🔀 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Spanish Edition)
Reason: Translation; merge into the English edition.

🔀 Harry Potter Box Set (Books 1–7)
Reason: Box set; merge into the first book.

🔀 A Series Of Unfortunate Events Pack (Books 5–8)
Reason: Box set/bundle; merge into the first book (“The Austere Academy”).

What to Merge

Delete Book

Only delete a book if it is truly invalid and should not exist in the database (e.g., excerpts, previews, duplicate non-books). For what counts as a valid book, see Allowed Works.

Important:

• The delete option (🗑️) is found beside Edit and Merge on the book page.
• Deleting a book is permanent. All reviews and ratings will be removed.
• The book will be marked as a verified invalid book by librarians.
• It cannot be re-added by users using the “Add Book” option or by importing from Goodreads.

Examples of When to Delete:

❌ Cinder: Chapters 1–5
Reason: Excerpt, not a complete book.

❌ The Bucket List
Reason: Unpublished/self-posted fanfiction (not an officially published book).

❌ Not Rejected Just Unwanted
Reason: Unpublished/self-posted Wattpad story (not an officially published book).

❌ All The Young Dudes
Reason: Unpublished/self-posted fanfiction, not an officially published book (even if an ASIN exists).

What to Delete

Summary:

• Merge: If it’s a duplicate of a valid work, keep the reviews, merge into the main entry.
• Delete: If it’s not a valid book (see Allowed Works), remove it permanently.