Problem
Some books in my library are licensed/DRM-protected or sensitive (e.g., pre-release copies, private documents).
Currently, Calibre-Web lacks a way to:
Mark books as "restricted" (hidden/locked from normal users).
Allow users to request access to these books.
Let admins approve/deny requests and send the file directly (avoiding public exposure).
Proposed Solution
Admin Options:
New metadata toggle: "Restrict access" (per book).
Restricted books are hidden or grayed out in user views, with a "Request Access" button.
Admin dashboard shows pending requests (user, book, timestamp).
User Flow:
Users click "Request Access" on a restricted book, optionally adding a reason.
Admins approve/deny via email or in-app notification.
If approved: Book becomes temporarily visible/downloadable or admin can send file manually.
Security:
Optional IP/device restrictions for approved access.
Logs of access requests/grants (for auditing).
Alternatives Considered
Manual Workaround: Share passwords/links outside Calibre-Web (insecure).
Separate Libraries: Duplicates effort and fragments the catalog.
Additional Context
Use cases:
Sharing licensed textbooks with students.
Distributing sensitive manuscripts to beta readers.
Problem
Some books in my library are licensed/DRM-protected or sensitive (e.g., pre-release copies, private documents).
Currently, Calibre-Web lacks a way to:
Mark books as "restricted" (hidden/locked from normal users).
Allow users to request access to these books.
Let admins approve/deny requests and send the file directly (avoiding public exposure).
Proposed Solution
Admin Options:
New metadata toggle: "Restrict access" (per book).
Restricted books are hidden or grayed out in user views, with a "Request Access" button.
Admin dashboard shows pending requests (user, book, timestamp).
User Flow:
Users click "Request Access" on a restricted book, optionally adding a reason.
Admins approve/deny via email or in-app notification.
If approved: Book becomes temporarily visible/downloadable or admin can send file manually.
Security:
Optional IP/device restrictions for approved access.
Logs of access requests/grants (for auditing).
Alternatives Considered
Manual Workaround: Share passwords/links outside Calibre-Web (insecure).
Separate Libraries: Duplicates effort and fragments the catalog.
Additional Context
Use cases:
Sharing licensed textbooks with students.
Distributing sensitive manuscripts to beta readers.