Calibre-Web-Automated is a self-hosted ebook library server that watches file system folders for new ebook files, automatically converts them to a target format, enriches their metadata from online sources, and inserts them into a Calibre-managed library. It provides a web interface for browsing, reading in-browser, searching full text, and managing collections, while also supporting user authentication through multiple protocols including OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, LDAP, magic links, and reverse proxy headers.
The server integrates directly with Kobo e-reader devices, synchronizing books, covers, reading progress, and deletions bidirectionally, and can proxy unfulfilled Kobo requests to the Kobo Store. It also synchronizes reading position with KOReader and Hardcover accounts, and mirrors read status back to a Calibre custom column. Metadata enrichment draws from multiple online sources via a pluggable provider interface, and the system includes a background task queue that handles format conversion, metadata fetching, and backup compression independently of web requests.
Deployment supports custom Docker image building, SSL/TLS encryption, and operation behind common reverse proxies. Daily compressed backups preserve original processed files, and the server provides interactive analytics on library usage and authentication events.
