Backup

The default installation stores school data in:

db.sqlite3
media/

The SQLite database contains books, copies, borrowers, school settings, and loan history. The media directory contains uploaded covers and branding.

Download the database

Sign in as an administrator, open Settings, and select Download database backup. The backup endpoint is unavailable to signed-out kiosk users.

Complete backup

For a complete recovery point:

1. Stop Shelf-School so the database is not changing.
2. Copy db.sqlite3.
3. Copy the complete media/ directory.
4. Store both outside the application machine.

Test restoration on a separate installation before relying on a backup policy. Shelf-School intentionally does not provide one-click web restoration because replacing a live SQLite database is destructive and can corrupt active work.

Before upgrades

Create a backup before pulling code, installing dependencies, or applying new migrations:

source .venv/bin/activate
python manage.py migrate
python manage.py check