Basic set-up and functionality question

[TrevorKNelson]

I'm evaluating Bookends as a possible solution or part of my workflow for both an upcoming PhD program, and my ongoing business work.
Unfortunately, I've run into a few questions taht I can't seme to get clarification on. I'm hoping those here in the forums can help.

For a bit of context -
I have a library of research material in a variety of formats (pdfs, docs, ppt, epub, etc.) and in a variety of styles (academic papers, reports, white papers, articles, posts, etc.) that I routinely reference.
These are all saved in a top-level folder (Research Material) on OneDrive (and sync'd to several devices), with a set of nested folders (Academic, Reports, Presentations, Magazines, Books, etc.).

I currently use DevonThink 3 to bring it all into one place for review, search, connections, etc.
BUT, I pefer to have my information structured in the way I described above, in order to be able to make changes or further refine, and to also make it available to other apps. So, DevonThink indexes the material, but does not import.

So a few questions:
1. Can the Bookends library be an existing folder (my Research Material) or does it have to be the Bookends created folder? If so, how? When I try to point BE to OneDrive it defaults to creating a OD/BE folder.
2. If an existing folder can be used, can Bookends index sub-folders, as in my structure?
3. Can Bookends index a folder, rather than import?
4. Regarding the 'attachments' concept in Bookends - is this indexing, importing the material (ie. pdf), making a new copy, moving it from one folder to another, or ?? I can't quite figure out the actual workflow.

What I'm ultimately after is an app that will index and show my material, but without creating a new copy, or moving it from where I have filed it. Similar to what DevonThink does with indexing.

It may turn out that Bookends isn't the right app, and that's fine.
I'm just trying o be sure before I purchase.

Thanks in advance,
Trevor

[Jon]

1. Can the Bookends library be an existing folder (my Research Material) or does it have to be the Bookends created folder? If so, how? When I try to point BE to OneDrive it defaults to creating a OD/BE folder.
2. If an existing folder can be used, can Bookends index sub-folders, as in my structure?
3. Can Bookends index a folder, rather than import?
4. Regarding the 'attachments' concept in Bookends - is this indexing, importing the material (ie. pdf), making a new copy, moving it from one folder to another, or ?? I can't quite figure out the actual workflow.

What I'm ultimately after is an app that will index and show my material, but without creating a new copy, or moving it from where I have filed it. Similar to what DevonThink does with indexing.

1. Libraries are databases. I think you mean can Bookends access attachments in an existing folder. Yes. Use "Other" in preferences and choose the top level folder in OneDrive that contains the attachments. Bookends will use it.

2. Bookends doesn't index folders. It searches the folder (and subfolders) for the matching attachment name.

3. Bookends doesn't do either. Bookends imports metadata (author, title, etc.). The attachments are simply files on the HD (or OneDrive) that Bookends can open.

4. I think that's answered above, but if not please post again.

I don't know if Bookends will suit your needs. But as far as attachments go, Bookends can act as a central place where they can be associated with reference metadata (stored in the Bookends database) and opened when you need them (Bookends won't open ePub books, but can launch them in an app that can).

Jon
Sonny Software