I really think finding this is one of the many highlights of the summer.

I went downstairs earlier excitedly showing my family the Delicious Library 2.0. This downloadable program automatically sorts all of your iTunes CDs, movies, audiobooks, video games and software. The next few steps involve you scanning (yes, scanning) the barcodes of books and movies either via the camera on your Mac or a Bluetooth scanner. It’s pretty sweet. And it’s an incredibly simple way of organizing your personal library (we can come full circle). I love this program because it goes for all forms of media, not just books. The trial is free, and the full program/license are $40. After using it for just a few hours, bought the program. And thank God I have a Mac, because a wireless Bluetooth scanner costs over $200!

So why is this virtual bookshelf so great? I will tell you why. If your house/apartment is robbed, you will have a full, current catalogue to show your insurance agency. The next time I go to my grandmothers, I will scan in all of her movies so I do not accidentally buy her a second DVD of Mamma Mia (the world does not need one more person buying anything Mamma Mia related). Your library can by published online so your friends and family can see what you own and won’t buy you doubles. They can see what books and music you are currently enjoying. With just one click a gift-buyer can see similar items and purchase them with just one more click. You can do likewise. You can also sell an unwanted book, movie or video game on Amazon with one click. You have to go to a third party to put your new digital library on the web (like Twitpic), but it’s easy. You can make shelves, such as “My Recommendations” or “Science”  or “Poetry” or “Plays” or “Things I Have Read in the Past Year.” You can also make Smart Shelves, similar to a smart playlist on iTunes. If I wanted to see how many books I owned for my Darwin class in the fall, I just make a smart bookshelf with that tailored preferences. You can also keep track of what friend has what book and when said book is expected to return (it automatically uploads your address book, and you just drag an item to your friend’s name).

My Dad’s reaction: Cool!

My mother’s and sister’s reaction: Why would you need that? Have you seen that video of that wedding dance?

Anyway, I just noticed another feature. You can also scan in tools and apparel. I thought this was a little frivolous, but after reading further, I see it as quite necessary. What happens if you loan a $200 dress to someone and can’t remember who? What do you do when someone takes off with your nice, new cordless drill?? If you have these items documented in your digital library, you can see who is hoarding your belongings and get them back! Or worst-case scenario: what if your house or apartment burns down? You may have great insurance, but without cataloguing all of your stuff, how do you or the insurance company know what to replace? And the best part is, the Delicious Library can export your list o’ stuff to Excel, then you can email it to your agent.

Yes, go try it out, and then buy it. You won’t be able to resist.