can i get an actual scanner like on amazon to be able to scan my books in?
Like one of these? Why not use your phone?
Sure, that will work fine. Any scanner that can emulate keyboard input will work (also called HID devices).
Most barcode scanners have this functionality, though for some scanners you will need to install additional “wedge software” to get keyboard emulation. Check your scanner’s specification and/or documentation for more information.