# Shelf — Full Documentation for LLMs > Shelf is an open-source asset management platform for modern teams. Track equipment, manage bookings, and prevent double-bookings — free for individuals, no credit card required. Shelf helps teams track physical assets — equipment, tools, devices, kits — with QR-based workflows, conflict-free bookings, custody tracking, and audit-ready reports. Used by universities, production studios, IT teams, and field operations worldwide. Website: https://www.shelf.nu App: https://app.shelf.nu Docs: https://docs.shelf.nu GitHub: https://github.com/Shelf-nu/shelf.nu --- ## Features ### Bookings https://www.shelf.nu/features/bookings Conflict-free equipment reservations that keep teams coordinated and ensure shared resources are available when needed. Prevents double-bookings automatically. Teams can reserve assets for specific time periods with approval workflows. ### Custody https://www.shelf.nu/features/custody Track who is responsible for each asset at every moment, with a clear audit trail and effortless handovers. Check assets in and out with QR scans. Full custody history shows every transfer. ### Audits https://www.shelf.nu/features/audits Run physical inventory audits with structured scan workflows, automatic found/missing/unexpected detection, and exportable reports. Mobile app supports barcode and QR scanning for fast audit completion. ### Location Tracking https://www.shelf.nu/features/location-tracking Know where every asset is — rooms, buildings, job sites, vehicles — with quick updates and clear visibility. Hierarchical locations let you organize by building, floor, room, or any custom structure. ### Asset Pages https://www.shelf.nu/features/asset-pages Rich detail pages for every asset — photos, custom fields, location history, availability status, notes, and QR tags. Every asset gets a dedicated page as a single source of truth. Supports seven custom field types. ### Kits https://www.shelf.nu/features/kits Group equipment and accessories so everything stays together — cameras with lenses, tools with components, and devices with chargers. Book entire kits as a single unit. ### Calendar https://www.shelf.nu/features/calendar Visual booking calendar with month, week, and day views for complete asset availability at a glance. See all reservations across your team in one place. ### Dashboard https://www.shelf.nu/features/dashboard A real-time view of bookings, custody, overdue items, and asset usage — giving teams clarity at a glance. Customizable overview of your asset operations. ### Asset Search https://www.shelf.nu/features/asset-search Full-database search across all asset fields — find any item by name, custodian, category, status, or custom field. Instant results at any scale. ### Asset Reminders https://www.shelf.nu/features/asset-reminders Automated reminders for returns, inspections, rentals, and maintenance events — keeping teams proactive and compliant. Notifications via email and in-app alerts. ### Workspaces https://www.shelf.nu/features/workspaces Organize assets and permissions across departments or teams, giving each group control while keeping administrators in sync. Separate inventories with shared visibility. --- ## Pricing ### Personal — Free Forever - 1 user - Unlimited assets - Mobile app (iOS & Android) - Basic QR codes - Custody tracking - No credit card required ### Plus — $34/month (or $190/year) - 1 user - Unlimited assets - Custom QR codes with branding - Email support - Maintenance schedules - CSV import/export ### Team — $67/month (or $370/year) - Unlimited users - Unlimited assets - Full bookings and calendar - Fixed-period checkout - Team permissions - SSO available as add-on - 7-day free trial ### Enterprise — Custom Pricing - Everything in Team - Dedicated account manager - SLA - SSO included - Custom onboarding - Priority support Pricing page: https://www.shelf.nu/pricing --- ## Solutions - [Asset Tracking](https://www.shelf.nu/solutions/asset-tracking): End-to-end tracking for physical assets with QR codes, location history, and real-time status. - [Equipment Management](https://www.shelf.nu/solutions/equipment-management): Manage equipment lifecycle from procurement to disposal. - [Equipment Reservations](https://www.shelf.nu/solutions/equipment-reservations): Conflict-free reservation system for shared equipment. - [Equipment Checkout Software](https://www.shelf.nu/solutions/equipment-check-in): Streamline check-in and check-out workflows with QR scanning. - [Camera Equipment Check-Out](https://www.shelf.nu/solutions/camera-equipment-check-out): Purpose-built for film, media, and AV equipment pools. - [Fixed Asset Tracking](https://www.shelf.nu/solutions/fixed-asset-tracking): Track fixed assets for accounting and compliance. - [IT Asset Tracking](https://www.shelf.nu/solutions/it-asset-tracking): Manage laptops, peripherals, and IT equipment assignments. - [Tool Tracking](https://www.shelf.nu/solutions/tool-tracking): Track tools across job sites, vehicles, and storage locations. - [Mobile Asset Auditing](https://www.shelf.nu/solutions/mobile-asset-auditing): Run audits from your phone with barcode and QR scanning. - [Open Source Asset Management](https://www.shelf.nu/solutions/open-source-asset-management): Self-hostable, transparent, no vendor lock-in. - [Home Inventory Management](https://www.shelf.nu/solutions/home-inventory-management): Track personal belongings for insurance and organization. - [Educational Resource Management](https://www.shelf.nu/solutions/educational-resource-management): Manage shared resources in schools and universities. --- ## Industries ### Construction https://www.shelf.nu/industries/construction Track tools, equipment, and job-site gear with fast, mobile-first workflows built for crews working across locations, vehicles, and storage areas. ### Education https://www.shelf.nu/industries/education Manage shared equipment — AV gear, cameras, laptops, lab resources — with simple workflows built for students and staff. Used by universities like Eastern Michigan University and Kansas City Art Institute. ### IT & Technology https://www.shelf.nu/industries/it-technology Track laptops, loaner devices, peripherals, and shared equipment with fast QR-first workflows, custody tracking, and conflict-free bookings. ### Media & Production https://www.shelf.nu/industries/media-production Manage cameras, lighting gear, audio kits, and accessories with simple, fast workflows designed for real-world shoots. Used by production studios like Fabel Film. --- ## Case Studies ### CES Utility Solutions — $70K Equipment Recovery https://www.shelf.nu/case-studies/ces-70k-recovery CES recovered $70,000 worth of lost drone equipment using Shelf's QR labels and location tracking. ### Fabel Film — Zero Double Bookings https://www.shelf.nu/case-studies/fabel-film-double-bookings Fabel Film eliminated double bookings entirely by moving from memory-based coordination to Shelf's booking system. ### ResQ — 4,000+ Devices Tracked https://www.shelf.nu/case-studies/resq-contact-center ResQ manages 4,000+ contact center assets across multiple sites with Shelf's workspace and custody features. ### HAARP — 7 Universities, 1 System https://www.shelf.nu/case-studies/haarp HAARP manages multi-university research assets across the Alaskan Arctic using a single Shelf workspace. ### Eastern Michigan University https://www.shelf.nu/case-studies/eastern-michigan-university Theatre and media equipment management for students and staff. ### Arellano Associates https://www.shelf.nu/case-studies/arellano-associates Transformed event equipment management from Outlook chaos to real-time clarity with Shelf. ### Kansas City Art Institute https://www.shelf.nu/case-studies/kcai Seamless migration from Cheqroom to Shelf for art equipment management. --- ## Competitor Comparisons Shelf provides detailed comparisons against these asset management platforms: - [vs Asset Panda](https://www.shelf.nu/alternatives/asset-panda) - [vs Sortly](https://www.shelf.nu/alternatives/sortly) - [vs Snipe-IT](https://www.shelf.nu/alternatives/snipe-it) - [vs Cheqroom](https://www.shelf.nu/alternatives/cheqroom) - [vs EZOfficeInventory](https://www.shelf.nu/alternatives/ezofficeinventory) - [vs AssetTiger](https://www.shelf.nu/alternatives/asset-tiger) - [vs BlueTally](https://www.shelf.nu/alternatives/blue-tally) - [vs Itemit](https://www.shelf.nu/alternatives/itemit) - [vs GoCodes](https://www.shelf.nu/alternatives/gocodes) - [vs Hardcat](https://www.shelf.nu/alternatives/hardcat) - [vs Timly](https://www.shelf.nu/alternatives/timly) - [vs UpKeep](https://www.shelf.nu/alternatives/upkeep) - [vs Limble CMMS](https://www.shelf.nu/alternatives/limble) - [vs WebCheckout](https://www.shelf.nu/alternatives/webcheckout) - [vs Hector](https://www.shelf.nu/alternatives/hector) - [vs ShareMyToolbox](https://www.shelf.nu/alternatives/share-my-toolbox) - [vs BriteCheck](https://www.shelf.nu/alternatives/brite-check) - [vs AssetGuru](https://www.shelf.nu/alternatives/asset-guru) - [vs Asset Infinity](https://www.shelf.nu/alternatives/asset-infinity) - [vs Wasp Barcode](https://www.shelf.nu/alternatives/wasp) --- ## Free Tools - [MACRS Depreciation Calculator](https://www.shelf.nu/tools/macrs-depreciation-calculator): Calculate tax depreciation using the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System. - [Equipment Depreciation Calculator](https://www.shelf.nu/tools/equipment-depreciation-calculator): Calculate straight-line and declining balance depreciation for equipment. - [Salvage Value Calculator](https://www.shelf.nu/tools/salvage-value-calculator): Estimate the residual value of assets at end of useful life. - [Asset ROI Calculator](https://www.shelf.nu/tools/asset-roi-calculator): Calculate return on investment for asset purchases. - [QR Code Generator](https://www.shelf.nu/tools/qr-code-generator): Generate free QR codes for any URL or text. - [Barcode Scanner](https://www.shelf.nu/tools/barcode-scanner): Scan and decode 1D and 2D barcodes from images — QR, UPC, EAN, Code 128, Data Matrix, and more. - [Asset Label Designer](https://www.shelf.nu/tools/asset-label-designer): Design and print custom asset labels with QR codes. --- ## Use Cases - [AV Equipment Management](https://www.shelf.nu/use-cases/av-equipment-management): How AV teams manage cameras, audio gear, lighting kits, and accessories. - [IT Asset Management](https://www.shelf.nu/use-cases/it-asset-management): Track laptops, chargers, carts, peripherals, and user-assigned equipment. - [Tool Tracking](https://www.shelf.nu/use-cases/tool-tracking): Track tools across job sites, technicians, vehicles, and storage. --- ## About Shelf Mission: Asset tracking for everyone. Shelf is an open-source platform built for people who need clarity over what they own, where it is, and who has it. Physical assets are still managed with fragile tools — spreadsheets, clipboards, and disconnected systems. Shelf exists to make asset management simple, transparent, and accessible without lock-in or hidden complexity. Led by Carlos Virreira and Nikolay Bonev, supported by an open-source community. Core values: - Open Source: No black boxes. Verify the code, self-host, or use managed cloud. - Community Driven: Built with feedback from real users in education, logistics, and tech. Links: - [About](https://www.shelf.nu/about) - [Contact](https://www.shelf.nu/contact) - [Security](https://www.shelf.nu/security) - [Terms](https://www.shelf.nu/terms) - [Privacy](https://www.shelf.nu/privacy) - [Blog](https://www.shelf.nu/blog) - [Knowledge Base](https://www.shelf.nu/knowledge-base) - [Glossary](https://www.shelf.nu/glossary) - [Updates](https://www.shelf.nu/updates)