# FAQ: Library For Owned Collection

While some platforms treat "Collections" as a simple binary toggle, SIMKL has revolutionized this into a scalable, high-utility ecosystem by utilizing the Custom List Collections.

Instead of just a static list, SIMKL uses a system-wide tagging logic that integrates your physical and digital ownership directly into the site's core discovery tools.

While traditional libraries often limit you to a simple "owned" toggle, **SIMKL’s Custom Lists** allow you to build a sophisticated, metadata-rich database of your physical and digital media.

*Here is how SIMKL has taken the concept of a "Library" and made it better, faster, and more scalable:*

{% content-ref url="" %}
[](https://docs.simkl.org/how-to-use-simkl/core-features/watchlists-and-custom-lists/custom-lists/custom-list-collections)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## SIMKL Custom List: <https://simkl.com/lists/>

<figure><img src="https://1063116720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkYIJb2JfKN8kBT29bf%2Fuploads%2F0Ve3OhS9vlmk8m4vkxz6%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=81a3bedf-d060-49d9-b33d-9f814b2bad40" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Why Custom Lists are Better than a Standard "Library"

SIMKL’s Custom Lists act as a "blank canvas" for your collection. Unlike standard watchlists, these are fully under your control:

<figure><img src="https://1063116720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkYIJb2JfKN8kBT29bf%2Fuploads%2Fpjzjk0BhiAfVTabJzuf1%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=f98906a9-80d4-4e34-b1fe-816282617550" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Total Customization: You can change the Title, add a Short Description for quick info, and a Full Markdown Description for detailed records.
* Granular Metadata: Use Public and Private Tags to categorize by format (e.g., `#4K`, `#Steelbook`, `#Criterion`).
* Private Notes: You can add notes to individual items to track missing seasons, disc conditions, or purchase prices.
* Privacy Control: Choose between Public, Unlisted (only people with the link can see), or Private (only you can see).
* Collaborative Owning: If you share a media room or a digital account with a partner, you can add them as Collaborators to manage the list together.

{% content-ref url="../creating-and-managing-custom-lists/multi-list-selection-feature" %}
[multi-list-selection-feature](https://docs.simkl.org/how-to-use-simkl/core-features/watchlists-and-custom-lists/custom-lists/creating-and-managing-custom-lists/multi-list-selection-feature)
{% endcontent-ref %}

***

## How to Build Your "Things I Own" Collection

If you are coming from another platform, you don’t have to start from scratch.

Use the Import Tool that SIMKL provides to paste a list of titles, a URL from IMDb/Letterboxd, or even a CSV file from your own spreadsheet.

<figure><img src="https://1063116720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkYIJb2JfKN8kBT29bf%2Fuploads%2FPZcdTctLlb4pTB25bye4%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e9be7622-151b-4c53-9c31-902976fd7149" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<mark style="color:$success;">**Example Setup for Physical Media Collectors:**</mark>

* <mark style="color:yellow;">List Name:</mark> "My Ultimate Physical Media Vault"
* <mark style="color:yellow;">Tags:</mark> `4K Ultra HD`, `Blu-ray`, `VHS`, `Special Edition`
* <mark style="color:yellow;">Detailed Notes:</mark> Include the shelf location, the date of purchase, or the "Digital Code" status.
* <mark style="color:yellow;">Customization:</mark> Upload a custom background image to make your collection stand out.

***

## Fresh Ideas for Your Custom Collections

Beyond a simple "Owned" list, here are two specific ideas for each media type to help you organize what you've purchased:

<figure><img src="https://1063116720-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MkYIJb2JfKN8kBT29bf%2Fuploads%2Ftu0a2ni2pDij1cWsPVaQ%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=79cdbc9e-bb18-4c62-b630-4afd8dc2994f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### **Collection list Ideas,&#x20;**<mark style="color:$success;">**For Movies**</mark>

**a) "The Criterion Corner"**

* A dedicated list for your Criterion Collection films, using the description to track the spine numbers and the notes to list which supplemental features you’ve watched.

**b) "Digital Sales Hunter":**

* &#x20;A list for movies you’ve purchased on Apple TV, Vudu, or Amazon. You can add tags for the price you paid (e.g., `#5-Dollar-Find`) to track your spending.

**c) The "Director’s Cut" Complete Series**

* Concept: For those who collect every version of a specific director's filmography on physical media.
* Title Ideas: `The Nolan 4K Masterclass`, `Scorsese on Celluloid`, `The Tarantino Trunk`.
* Description Tip: Use the full description to rank the quality of the transfers or to track which films still need a 4K restoration.

**d) The "Steelbook & Special Edition" Vault**

* Concept: A dedicated list for premium packaging and limited runs.
* Title Ideas: `Premium Metal: Steelbook Collection`, `Limited Edition Big Boxes`, `The Criterion Spine Tracker`.
* Description Tip: Use the Private Notes for each item to record the "Spine Number" or the current market value (e.g., *“Purchased for $30, currently valued at $120”*).

***

### **Collection list Ideas,&#x20;**<mark style="color:$success;">**For TV Shows**</mark>

**a) "Box Set Archive":**

* Track your complete series box sets. Use the notes to record which shows are "Missing Season 5" or have a "Scratched Disc 2" so you know what needs replacing.

**b) "Signed & Limited Editions":**

* A specialized list for TV shows where you own signed memorabilia or limited edition packaging, using the full description to tell the story of how you acquired them.

**c) The "Physical Box Set" Archive**

* Concept: Tracking complete series that you own on disc to ensure you always have access regardless of streaming licensing.
* Title Ideas: `Complete Series Box Sets`, `The Sitcom Shelf`, `Physical TV Archives`.
* Description Tip: Use the Collaborators feature to share this list with housemates so they know exactly what's available on the shelf for a rainy day.

**d) The "Missing Season" Hunting List**

* Concept: A utility list for shows where your physical collection is incomplete.
* Title Ideas: `TV Collection: Work in Progress`, `Hunting for Seasons`, `The Half-Finished Shelf`.
* Description Tip: Add tags like `#MissingS4` or `#NeedUpgrade` to quickly filter what you need to buy during the next sale.

***

### **Collection list Ideas,&#x20;**<mark style="color:$success;">**For Anime**</mark>

**a) "Imported Gems":**

A collection specifically for your Japanese imports or Region B Blu-rays. Use the tags to identify which ones require a region-free player.

**b) "Kickstarter & Crowdfunded":**

Track the anime projects you’ve backed. You can use the private notes to store your backer number and the estimated arrival date of the physical rewards.

**c) The "Region-Locked" Imports**

* Concept: For the serious collector who imports Japanese or Region-B discs.
* Title Ideas: `Nippon Imports: Japanese Editions`, `Region B Blu-ray Vault`, `Original Japanese Pressings`.
* Description Tip: Add a Private Tag for `#RegionFreePlayerRequired` so you remember which hardware you need to actually watch the disc.

**d) The "Limited Run & Crowdfunded" Gems**

* Concept: Tracking anime acquired through Kickstarter, Sentai Filmworks limited sets, or RightStuf exclusives.
* Title Ideas: `Anime Kickstarter Backer Rewards`, `Sentai Limited Editions`, `The Rare Anime Boutique`.
* Description Tip: In the Detailed Description, link to the original campaign URL or the "Source URL" of the storefront where the limited run was sold.