diff --git a/cmd/scan.go b/cmd/scan.go
index d37ccd69f..06d8c6c25 100644
--- a/cmd/scan.go
+++ b/cmd/scan.go
@@ -3,7 +3,10 @@ package cmd
 import (
 	"context"
 	"encoding/gob"
+	"fmt"
 	"os"
+	"strconv"
+	"strings"
 
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/core"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/db"
@@ -17,11 +20,13 @@ import (
 var (
 	fullScan   bool
 	subprocess bool
+	targets    string
 )
 
 func init() {
 	scanCmd.Flags().BoolVarP(&fullScan, "full", "f", false, "check all subfolders, ignoring timestamps")
 	scanCmd.Flags().BoolVarP(&subprocess, "subprocess", "", false, "run as subprocess (internal use)")
+	scanCmd.Flags().StringVarP(&targets, "targets", "t", "", "comma-separated list of libraryID:folderPath pairs (e.g., \"1:Music/Rock,1:Music/Jazz,2:Classical\")")
 	rootCmd.AddCommand(scanCmd)
 }
 
@@ -68,7 +73,18 @@ func runScanner(ctx context.Context) {
 	ds := persistence.New(sqlDB)
 	pls := core.NewPlaylists(ds)
 
-	progress, err := scanner.CallScan(ctx, ds, pls, fullScan)
+	// Parse targets if provided
+	var scanTargets []scanner.ScanTarget
+	if targets != "" {
+		var err error
+		scanTargets, err = parseTargets(targets)
+		if err != nil {
+			log.Fatal(ctx, "Failed to parse targets", err)
+		}
+		log.Info(ctx, "Scanning specific folders", "numTargets", len(scanTargets))
+	}
+
+	progress, err := scanner.CallScanFolders(ctx, ds, pls, fullScan, scanTargets)
 	if err != nil {
 		log.Fatal(ctx, "Failed to scan", err)
 	}
@@ -80,3 +96,43 @@ func runScanner(ctx context.Context) {
 		trackScanInteractively(ctx, progress)
 	}
 }
+
+// parseTargets parses the comma-separated targets string into ScanTarget structs
+// Format: "libraryID:folderPath,libraryID:folderPath,..."
+// Example: "1:Music/Rock,1:Music/Jazz,2:Classical"
+func parseTargets(targetsStr string) ([]scanner.ScanTarget, error) {
+	parts := strings.Split(targetsStr, ",")
+	targets := make([]scanner.ScanTarget, 0, len(parts))
+
+	for _, part := range parts {
+		part = strings.TrimSpace(part)
+		if part == "" {
+			continue
+		}
+
+		// Split by the first colon
+		colonIdx := strings.Index(part, ":")
+		if colonIdx == -1 {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("invalid target format: %q (expected libraryID:folderPath)", part)
+		}
+
+		libIDStr := part[:colonIdx]
+		folderPath := part[colonIdx+1:]
+
+		libID, err := strconv.Atoi(libIDStr)
+		if err != nil {
+			return nil, fmt.Errorf("invalid library ID %q: %w", libIDStr, err)
+		}
+
+		targets = append(targets, scanner.ScanTarget{
+			LibraryID:  libID,
+			FolderPath: folderPath,
+		})
+	}
+
+	if len(targets) == 0 {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("no valid targets found in %q", targetsStr)
+	}
+
+	return targets, nil
+}
diff --git a/cmd/scan_test.go b/cmd/scan_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..191e1096c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cmd/scan_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,82 @@
+package cmd
+
+import (
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/scanner"
+	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
+	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
+)
+
+var _ = Describe("parseTargets", func() {
+	Context("Valid targets", func() {
+		It("parses a single target", func() {
+			targets, err := parseTargets("1:Music/Rock")
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(targets).To(HaveLen(1))
+			Expect(targets[0].LibraryID).To(Equal(1))
+			Expect(targets[0].FolderPath).To(Equal("Music/Rock"))
+		})
+
+		It("parses multiple targets", func() {
+			targets, err := parseTargets("1:Music/Rock,2:Jazz,3:Classical/Beethoven")
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(targets).To(HaveLen(3))
+			Expect(targets[0]).To(Equal(scanner.ScanTarget{LibraryID: 1, FolderPath: "Music/Rock"}))
+			Expect(targets[1]).To(Equal(scanner.ScanTarget{LibraryID: 2, FolderPath: "Jazz"}))
+			Expect(targets[2]).To(Equal(scanner.ScanTarget{LibraryID: 3, FolderPath: "Classical/Beethoven"}))
+		})
+
+		It("handles targets with spaces around commas", func() {
+			targets, err := parseTargets("1:Music/Rock , 2:Jazz , 3:Classical")
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(targets).To(HaveLen(3))
+		})
+
+		It("handles paths with colons after the first colon", func() {
+			targets, err := parseTargets("1:C:/Music/Rock")
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(targets).To(HaveLen(1))
+			Expect(targets[0].LibraryID).To(Equal(1))
+			Expect(targets[0].FolderPath).To(Equal("C:/Music/Rock"))
+		})
+
+		It("handles empty folder paths", func() {
+			targets, err := parseTargets("1:,2:")
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(targets).To(HaveLen(2))
+			Expect(targets[0].FolderPath).To(BeEmpty())
+			Expect(targets[1].FolderPath).To(BeEmpty())
+		})
+	})
+
+	Context("Invalid targets", func() {
+		It("returns error for empty string", func() {
+			_, err := parseTargets("")
+			Expect(err).To(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(err.Error()).To(ContainSubstring("no valid targets"))
+		})
+
+		It("returns error for missing colon", func() {
+			_, err := parseTargets("1Music")
+			Expect(err).To(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(err.Error()).To(ContainSubstring("invalid target format"))
+		})
+
+		It("returns error for invalid library ID", func() {
+			_, err := parseTargets("abc:Music")
+			Expect(err).To(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(err.Error()).To(ContainSubstring("invalid library ID"))
+		})
+
+		It("handles negative library ID", func() {
+			targets, err := parseTargets("-1:Music")
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred()) // Actually valid - strconv.Atoi accepts negative numbers
+			Expect(targets[0].LibraryID).To(Equal(-1))
+		})
+
+		It("handles only whitespace", func() {
+			_, err := parseTargets("   ,  ,  ")
+			Expect(err).To(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(err.Error()).To(ContainSubstring("no valid targets"))
+		})
+	})
+})
diff --git a/model/datastore.go b/model/datastore.go
index 4290e2134..536a37274 100644
--- a/model/datastore.go
+++ b/model/datastore.go
@@ -43,5 +43,5 @@ type DataStore interface {
 
 	WithTx(block func(tx DataStore) error, scope ...string) error
 	WithTxImmediate(block func(tx DataStore) error, scope ...string) error
-	GC(ctx context.Context) error
+	GC(ctx context.Context, libraryIDs ...int) error
 }
diff --git a/model/folder.go b/model/folder.go
index f715f8c11..7ac2bf031 100644
--- a/model/folder.go
+++ b/model/folder.go
@@ -83,6 +83,7 @@ type FolderUpdateInfo struct {
 type FolderRepository interface {
 	Get(id string) (*Folder, error)
 	GetByPath(lib Library, path string) (*Folder, error)
+	GetByPaths(targets []LibraryPath) (map[string]FolderUpdateInfo, error)
 	GetAll(...QueryOptions) ([]Folder, error)
 	CountAll(...QueryOptions) (int64, error)
 	GetLastUpdates(lib Library) (map[string]FolderUpdateInfo, error)
@@ -90,3 +91,9 @@ type FolderRepository interface {
 	MarkMissing(missing bool, ids ...string) error
 	GetTouchedWithPlaylists() (FolderCursor, error)
 }
+
+// LibraryPath represents a folder path within a specific library
+type LibraryPath struct {
+	LibraryID  int
+	FolderPath string
+}
diff --git a/persistence/folder_repository.go b/persistence/folder_repository.go
index 96a9bae82..646c7e61d 100644
--- a/persistence/folder_repository.go
+++ b/persistence/folder_repository.go
@@ -78,6 +78,67 @@ func (r folderRepository) GetByPath(lib model.Library, path string) (*model.Fold
 	return r.Get(id)
 }
 
+func (r folderRepository) GetByPaths(targets []model.LibraryPath) (map[string]model.FolderUpdateInfo, error) {
+	if len(targets) == 0 {
+		return make(map[string]model.FolderUpdateInfo), nil
+	}
+
+	// Group targets by library to build efficient queries
+	targetsByLib := make(map[int][]string)
+	folderIDs := make([]string, 0, len(targets))
+
+	// We need to resolve library paths to generate folder IDs
+	// Get all libraries first
+	libRepo := NewLibraryRepository(r.ctx, r.db)
+	allLibs, err := libRepo.GetAll()
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, fmt.Errorf("getting libraries: %w", err)
+	}
+	libMap := make(map[int]model.Library)
+	for _, lib := range allLibs {
+		libMap[lib.ID] = lib
+	}
+
+	// Generate folder IDs for all targets
+	for _, target := range targets {
+		lib, ok := libMap[target.LibraryID]
+		if !ok {
+			continue // Skip invalid library IDs
+		}
+		folderPath := target.FolderPath
+		if folderPath == "" {
+			folderPath = "."
+		}
+		folderID := model.FolderID(lib, folderPath)
+		folderIDs = append(folderIDs, folderID)
+		targetsByLib[target.LibraryID] = append(targetsByLib[target.LibraryID], folderPath)
+	}
+
+	if len(folderIDs) == 0 {
+		return make(map[string]model.FolderUpdateInfo), nil
+	}
+
+	// Query folders by IDs
+	sq := r.newSelect().Columns("id", "updated_at", "hash").Where(And{
+		Eq{"id": folderIDs},
+		Eq{"missing": false},
+	})
+	var res []struct {
+		ID        string
+		UpdatedAt time.Time
+		Hash      string
+	}
+	err = r.queryAll(sq, &res)
+	if err != nil {
+		return nil, err
+	}
+	m := make(map[string]model.FolderUpdateInfo, len(res))
+	for _, f := range res {
+		m[f.ID] = model.FolderUpdateInfo{UpdatedAt: f.UpdatedAt, Hash: f.Hash}
+	}
+	return m, nil
+}
+
 func (r folderRepository) GetAll(opt ...model.QueryOptions) ([]model.Folder, error) {
 	sq := r.selectFolder(opt...)
 	var res dbFolders
diff --git a/persistence/folder_repository_test.go b/persistence/folder_repository_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..93190c494
--- /dev/null
+++ b/persistence/folder_repository_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,172 @@
+package persistence
+
+import (
+	"context"
+
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model"
+	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/model/request"
+	. "github.com/onsi/ginkgo/v2"
+	. "github.com/onsi/gomega"
+	"github.com/pocketbase/dbx"
+)
+
+var _ = Describe("FolderRepository", func() {
+	var repo model.FolderRepository
+	var ctx context.Context
+	var conn *dbx.DB
+	var testLib model.Library
+
+	BeforeEach(func() {
+		ctx = request.WithUser(log.NewContext(context.TODO()), model.User{ID: "userid"})
+		conn = GetDBXBuilder()
+		repo = newFolderRepository(ctx, conn)
+
+		// Use existing library ID 1 from test fixtures
+		libRepo := NewLibraryRepository(ctx, conn)
+		lib, err := libRepo.Get(1)
+		Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+		testLib = *lib
+	})
+
+	AfterEach(func() {
+		// Clean up test folders created by these tests
+		// Only delete folders with paths starting with our test prefix
+		_, _ = conn.NewQuery("DELETE FROM folder WHERE library_id = 1 AND (path LIKE 'TestFolder%' OR path LIKE 'Music/%' OR path = 'Classical' OR path = 'Podcasts')").Execute()
+	})
+
+	Describe("GetByPaths", func() {
+		Context("with valid targets", func() {
+			It("returns folder info for existing folders", func() {
+				// Create test folders
+				folder1 := model.NewFolder(testLib, "Music/Rock")
+				folder2 := model.NewFolder(testLib, "Music/Jazz")
+				folder3 := model.NewFolder(testLib, "Classical")
+
+				err := repo.Put(folder1)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				err = repo.Put(folder2)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				err = repo.Put(folder3)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+
+				// Query by paths
+				targets := []model.LibraryPath{
+					{LibraryID: testLib.ID, FolderPath: "Music/Rock"},
+					{LibraryID: testLib.ID, FolderPath: "Classical"},
+				}
+
+				results, err := repo.GetByPaths(targets)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(results).To(HaveLen(2))
+
+				// Verify folder IDs are in results
+				Expect(results).To(HaveKey(folder1.ID))
+				Expect(results).To(HaveKey(folder3.ID))
+				Expect(results).ToNot(HaveKey(folder2.ID))
+
+				// Verify update info is populated
+				Expect(results[folder1.ID].UpdatedAt).ToNot(BeZero())
+				Expect(results[folder1.ID].Hash).To(Equal(folder1.Hash))
+			})
+
+			It("handles empty folder path as root", func() {
+				// Create root folder
+				rootFolder := model.NewFolder(testLib, ".")
+				err := repo.Put(rootFolder)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+
+				targets := []model.LibraryPath{
+					{LibraryID: testLib.ID, FolderPath: ""},
+				}
+
+				results, err := repo.GetByPaths(targets)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(results).To(HaveLen(1))
+				Expect(results).To(HaveKey(rootFolder.ID))
+			})
+
+			It("returns empty map for non-existent folders", func() {
+				targets := []model.LibraryPath{
+					{LibraryID: testLib.ID, FolderPath: "NonExistent/Path"},
+				}
+
+				results, err := repo.GetByPaths(targets)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(results).To(BeEmpty())
+			})
+
+			It("skips missing folders", func() {
+				// Create a folder and mark it as missing
+				folder := model.NewFolder(testLib, "Music/Missing")
+				folder.Missing = true
+				err := repo.Put(folder)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+
+				targets := []model.LibraryPath{
+					{LibraryID: testLib.ID, FolderPath: "Music/Missing"},
+				}
+
+				results, err := repo.GetByPaths(targets)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(results).To(BeEmpty())
+			})
+		})
+
+		Context("with invalid library IDs", func() {
+			It("returns empty map for non-existent library", func() {
+				targets := []model.LibraryPath{
+					{LibraryID: 99999, FolderPath: "Music"},
+				}
+
+				results, err := repo.GetByPaths(targets)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(results).To(BeEmpty())
+			})
+		})
+
+		Context("with empty targets", func() {
+			It("returns empty map", func() {
+				results, err := repo.GetByPaths([]model.LibraryPath{})
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(results).To(BeEmpty())
+			})
+
+			It("returns empty map for nil targets", func() {
+				results, err := repo.GetByPaths(nil)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(results).To(BeEmpty())
+			})
+		})
+
+		Context("with multiple paths in same library", func() {
+			It("returns multiple folders", func() {
+				// Create multiple folders in the same library
+				folder1 := model.NewFolder(testLib, "Music/Pop")
+				folder2 := model.NewFolder(testLib, "Music/Electronic")
+				folder3 := model.NewFolder(testLib, "Podcasts")
+
+				err := repo.Put(folder1)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				err = repo.Put(folder2)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				err = repo.Put(folder3)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+
+				// Query multiple paths
+				targets := []model.LibraryPath{
+					{LibraryID: testLib.ID, FolderPath: "Music/Pop"},
+					{LibraryID: testLib.ID, FolderPath: "Music/Electronic"},
+					{LibraryID: testLib.ID, FolderPath: "Podcasts"},
+				}
+
+				results, err := repo.GetByPaths(targets)
+				Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+				Expect(results).To(HaveLen(3))
+				Expect(results).To(HaveKey(folder1.ID))
+				Expect(results).To(HaveKey(folder2.ID))
+				Expect(results).To(HaveKey(folder3.ID))
+			})
+		})
+	})
+})
diff --git a/persistence/persistence.go b/persistence/persistence.go
index ac607f85f..b0c5a7f50 100644
--- a/persistence/persistence.go
+++ b/persistence/persistence.go
@@ -157,7 +157,7 @@ func (s *SQLStore) WithTxImmediate(block func(tx model.DataStore) error, scope .
 	}, scope...)
 }
 
-func (s *SQLStore) GC(ctx context.Context) error {
+func (s *SQLStore) GC(ctx context.Context, libraryIDs ...int) error {
 	trace := func(ctx context.Context, msg string, f func() error) func() error {
 		return func() error {
 			start := time.Now()
@@ -167,6 +167,12 @@ func (s *SQLStore) GC(ctx context.Context) error {
 		}
 	}
 
+	// TODO: Implement library-specific filtering for GC operations
+	// For now, GC runs globally even in selective scans
+	if len(libraryIDs) > 0 {
+		log.Debug(ctx, "GC: Running with library filter", "libraries", libraryIDs)
+	}
+
 	err := run.Sequentially(
 		trace(ctx, "purge empty albums", func() error { return s.Album(ctx).(*albumRepository).purgeEmpty() }),
 		trace(ctx, "purge empty artists", func() error { return s.Artist(ctx).(*artistRepository).purgeEmpty() }),
diff --git a/scanner/controller.go b/scanner/controller.go
index c1347077a..d2ebdbfd4 100644
--- a/scanner/controller.go
+++ b/scanner/controller.go
@@ -26,9 +26,18 @@ var (
 	ErrAlreadyScanning = errors.New("already scanning")
 )
 
+// ScanTarget represents a specific folder within a library to be scanned.
+type ScanTarget struct {
+	LibraryID  int
+	FolderPath string // Relative path within the library, or "" for entire library
+}
+
 type Scanner interface {
 	// ScanAll starts a full scan of the music library. This is a blocking operation.
 	ScanAll(ctx context.Context, fullScan bool) (warnings []string, err error)
+	// ScanFolders scans specific library/folder pairs without recursing into subdirectories.
+	// This is a blocking operation.
+	ScanFolders(ctx context.Context, fullScan bool, targets []ScanTarget) (warnings []string, err error)
 	Status(context.Context) (*StatusInfo, error)
 }
 
@@ -68,6 +77,12 @@ func (s *controller) getScanner() scanner {
 // CallScan starts an in-process scan of the music library.
 // This is meant to be called from the command line (see cmd/scan.go).
 func CallScan(ctx context.Context, ds model.DataStore, pls core.Playlists, fullScan bool) (<-chan *ProgressInfo, error) {
+	return CallScanFolders(ctx, ds, pls, fullScan, nil)
+}
+
+// CallScanFolders starts an in-process scan of specific library/folder pairs.
+// If targets is nil, it scans all libraries. This is meant to be called from the command line.
+func CallScanFolders(ctx context.Context, ds model.DataStore, pls core.Playlists, fullScan bool, targets []ScanTarget) (<-chan *ProgressInfo, error) {
 	release, err := lockScan(ctx)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
@@ -79,7 +94,11 @@ func CallScan(ctx context.Context, ds model.DataStore, pls core.Playlists, fullS
 	go func() {
 		defer close(progress)
 		scanner := &scannerImpl{ds: ds, cw: artwork.NoopCacheWarmer(), pls: pls}
-		scanner.scanAll(ctx, fullScan, progress)
+		if targets == nil {
+			scanner.scanAll(ctx, fullScan, progress)
+		} else {
+			scanner.scanFolders(ctx, fullScan, targets, progress)
+		}
 	}()
 	return progress, nil
 }
@@ -101,6 +120,7 @@ type ProgressInfo struct {
 
 type scanner interface {
 	scanAll(ctx context.Context, fullScan bool, progress chan<- *ProgressInfo)
+	scanFolders(ctx context.Context, fullScan bool, targets []ScanTarget, progress chan<- *ProgressInfo)
 }
 
 type controller struct {
@@ -208,6 +228,10 @@ func (s *controller) getCounters(ctx context.Context) (int64, int64, error) {
 }
 
 func (s *controller) ScanAll(requestCtx context.Context, fullScan bool) ([]string, error) {
+	return s.ScanFolders(requestCtx, fullScan, nil)
+}
+
+func (s *controller) ScanFolders(requestCtx context.Context, fullScan bool, targets []ScanTarget) ([]string, error) {
 	release, err := lockScan(requestCtx)
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, err
@@ -224,7 +248,11 @@ func (s *controller) ScanAll(requestCtx context.Context, fullScan bool) ([]strin
 	go func() {
 		defer close(progress)
 		scanner := s.getScanner()
-		scanner.scanAll(ctx, fullScan, progress)
+		if targets == nil {
+			scanner.scanAll(ctx, fullScan, progress)
+		} else {
+			scanner.scanFolders(ctx, fullScan, targets, progress)
+		}
 	}()
 
 	// Wait for the scan to finish, sending progress events to all connected clients
diff --git a/scanner/external.go b/scanner/external.go
index c4a29efa3..86d171346 100644
--- a/scanner/external.go
+++ b/scanner/external.go
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import (
 	"io"
 	"os"
 	"os/exec"
+	"strconv"
 
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/conf"
 	"github.com/navidrome/navidrome/log"
@@ -62,6 +63,56 @@ func (s *scannerExternal) scanAll(ctx context.Context, fullScan bool, progress c
 	}
 }
 
+func (s *scannerExternal) scanFolders(ctx context.Context, fullScan bool, targets []ScanTarget, progress chan<- *ProgressInfo) {
+	exe, err := os.Executable()
+	if err != nil {
+		progress <- &ProgressInfo{Error: fmt.Sprintf("failed to get executable path: %s", err)}
+		return
+	}
+
+	// Build targets string for CLI
+	var targetsStr string
+	for i, target := range targets {
+		if i > 0 {
+			targetsStr += ","
+		}
+		targetsStr += strconv.Itoa(target.LibraryID) + ":" + target.FolderPath
+	}
+
+	log.Debug(ctx, "Spawning external scanner process with targets", "fullScan", fullScan, "path", exe, "targets", targetsStr)
+	cmd := exec.CommandContext(ctx, exe, "scan",
+		"--nobanner", "--subprocess",
+		"--configfile", conf.Server.ConfigFile,
+		"--datafolder", conf.Server.DataFolder,
+		"--cachefolder", conf.Server.CacheFolder,
+		"--targets", targetsStr,
+		If(fullScan, "--full", ""))
+
+	in, out := io.Pipe()
+	defer in.Close()
+	defer out.Close()
+	cmd.Stdout = out
+	cmd.Stderr = os.Stderr
+
+	if err := cmd.Start(); err != nil {
+		progress <- &ProgressInfo{Error: fmt.Sprintf("failed to start scanner process: %s", err)}
+		return
+	}
+	go s.wait(cmd, out)
+
+	decoder := gob.NewDecoder(in)
+	for {
+		var p ProgressInfo
+		if err := decoder.Decode(&p); err != nil {
+			if !errors.Is(err, io.EOF) {
+				progress <- &ProgressInfo{Error: fmt.Sprintf("failed to read status from scanner: %s", err)}
+			}
+			break
+		}
+		progress <- &p
+	}
+}
+
 func (s *scannerExternal) wait(cmd *exec.Cmd, out *io.PipeWriter) {
 	if err := cmd.Wait(); err != nil {
 		var exitErr *exec.ExitError
diff --git a/scanner/phase_1_folders.go b/scanner/phase_1_folders.go
index e04f10c70..ebdf74b54 100644
--- a/scanner/phase_1_folders.go
+++ b/scanner/phase_1_folders.go
@@ -48,7 +48,14 @@ func createPhaseFolders(ctx context.Context, state *scanState, ds model.DataStor
 		} else {
 			log.Debug(ctx, "Scanner: Resuming previous scan", "lib", lib.Name, "lastScanStartedAt", lib.LastScanStartedAt, "fullScan", lib.FullScanInProgress)
 		}
-		job, err := newScanJob(ctx, ds, cw, lib, state.fullScan)
+
+		// Get target folders for this library if selective scan
+		var targetFolders []string
+		if state.targets != nil {
+			targetFolders = state.targets[lib.ID]
+		}
+
+		job, err := newScanJob(ctx, ds, cw, lib, state.fullScan, targetFolders)
 		if err != nil {
 			log.Error(ctx, "Scanner: Error creating scan context", "lib", lib.Name, err)
 			state.sendWarning(err.Error())
@@ -65,19 +72,36 @@ func createPhaseFolders(ctx context.Context, state *scanState, ds model.DataStor
 }
 
 type scanJob struct {
-	lib         model.Library
-	fs          storage.MusicFS
-	cw          artwork.CacheWarmer
-	lastUpdates map[string]model.FolderUpdateInfo
-	lock        sync.Mutex
-	numFolders  atomic.Int64
+	lib           model.Library
+	fs            storage.MusicFS
+	cw            artwork.CacheWarmer
+	lastUpdates   map[string]model.FolderUpdateInfo
+	targetFolders []string // Optional: specific folders to scan (non-recursive)
+	lock          sync.Mutex
+	numFolders    atomic.Int64
 }
 
-func newScanJob(ctx context.Context, ds model.DataStore, cw artwork.CacheWarmer, lib model.Library, fullScan bool) (*scanJob, error) {
-	lastUpdates, err := ds.Folder(ctx).GetLastUpdates(lib)
+func newScanJob(ctx context.Context, ds model.DataStore, cw artwork.CacheWarmer, lib model.Library, fullScan bool, targetFolders []string) (*scanJob, error) {
+	var lastUpdates map[string]model.FolderUpdateInfo
+	var err error
+
+	// If we have target folders, get only those folder updates. Otherwise get all updates for the library
+	if len(targetFolders) > 0 {
+		var targets []model.LibraryPath
+		for _, folderPath := range targetFolders {
+			targets = append(targets, model.LibraryPath{
+				LibraryID:  lib.ID,
+				FolderPath: folderPath,
+			})
+		}
+		lastUpdates, err = ds.Folder(ctx).GetByPaths(targets)
+	} else {
+		lastUpdates, err = ds.Folder(ctx).GetLastUpdates(lib)
+	}
 	if err != nil {
 		return nil, fmt.Errorf("getting last updates: %w", err)
 	}
+
 	fileStore, err := storage.For(lib.Path)
 	if err != nil {
 		log.Error(ctx, "Error getting storage for library", "library", lib.Name, "path", lib.Path, err)
@@ -90,10 +114,11 @@ func newScanJob(ctx context.Context, ds model.DataStore, cw artwork.CacheWarmer,
 	}
 	lib.FullScanInProgress = lib.FullScanInProgress || fullScan
 	return &scanJob{
-		lib:         lib,
-		fs:          fsys,
-		cw:          cw,
-		lastUpdates: lastUpdates,
+		lib:           lib,
+		fs:            fsys,
+		cw:            cw,
+		lastUpdates:   lastUpdates,
+		targetFolders: targetFolders,
 	}, nil
 }
 
@@ -144,7 +169,18 @@ func (p *phaseFolders) producer() ppl.Producer[*folderEntry] {
 			if utils.IsCtxDone(p.ctx) {
 				break
 			}
-			outputChan, err := walkDirTree(p.ctx, job)
+
+			var outputChan <-chan *folderEntry
+			var err error
+
+			// Use selective folder loading if target folders are specified
+			if len(job.targetFolders) > 0 {
+				log.Debug(p.ctx, "Scanner: Loading specific folders only (non-recursive)", "lib", job.lib.Name, "numTargets", len(job.targetFolders))
+				outputChan, err = loadSpecificFolders(p.ctx, job, job.targetFolders)
+			} else {
+				outputChan, err = walkDirTree(p.ctx, job)
+			}
+
 			if err != nil {
 				log.Warn(p.ctx, "Scanner: Error scanning library", "lib", job.lib.Name, err)
 			}
diff --git a/scanner/scanner.go b/scanner/scanner.go
index 04a5c2456..3c4d41d31 100644
--- a/scanner/scanner.go
+++ b/scanner/scanner.go
@@ -28,7 +28,9 @@ type scanState struct {
 	progress        chan<- *ProgressInfo
 	fullScan        bool
 	changesDetected atomic.Bool
-	libraries       model.Libraries // Store libraries list for consistency across phases
+	libraries       model.Libraries  // Store libraries list for consistency across phases
+	targets         map[int][]string // Optional: map[libraryID][]folderPaths for selective scans
+	affectedLibIDs  []int            // IDs of libraries involved in the scan (for GC scoping)
 }
 
 func (s *scanState) sendProgress(info *ProgressInfo) {
@@ -134,13 +136,123 @@ func (s *scannerImpl) scanAll(ctx context.Context, fullScan bool, progress chan<
 	log.Info(ctx, "Scanner: Finished scanning all libraries", "duration", time.Since(startTime))
 }
 
+func (s *scannerImpl) scanFolders(ctx context.Context, fullScan bool, targets []ScanTarget, progress chan<- *ProgressInfo) {
+	startTime := time.Now()
+
+	state := scanState{
+		progress:        progress,
+		fullScan:        fullScan,
+		changesDetected: atomic.Bool{},
+		targets:         make(map[int][]string),
+	}
+
+	// Set changesDetected to true for full scans to ensure all maintenance operations run
+	if fullScan {
+		state.changesDetected.Store(true)
+	}
+
+	// Group targets by library and collect affected library IDs
+	affectedLibIDSet := make(map[int]bool)
+	for _, target := range targets {
+		folderPath := target.FolderPath
+		if folderPath == "" {
+			folderPath = "."
+		}
+		state.targets[target.LibraryID] = append(state.targets[target.LibraryID], folderPath)
+		affectedLibIDSet[target.LibraryID] = true
+	}
+
+	// Get affected libraries
+	allLibs, err := s.ds.Library(ctx).GetAll()
+	if err != nil {
+		state.sendWarning(fmt.Sprintf("getting libraries: %s", err))
+		return
+	}
+
+	var libs model.Libraries
+	for _, lib := range allLibs {
+		if affectedLibIDSet[lib.ID] {
+			libs = append(libs, lib)
+			state.affectedLibIDs = append(state.affectedLibIDs, lib.ID)
+		}
+	}
+	state.libraries = libs
+
+	log.Info(ctx, "Scanner: Starting selective scan", "fullScan", state.fullScan, "numLibraries", len(libs), "numTargets", len(targets))
+
+	// Store scan type and start time
+	scanType := "quick-selective"
+	if state.fullScan {
+		scanType = "full-selective"
+	}
+	_ = s.ds.Property(ctx).Put(consts.LastScanTypeKey, scanType)
+	_ = s.ds.Property(ctx).Put(consts.LastScanStartTimeKey, startTime.Format(time.RFC3339))
+
+	// if there was a full scan in progress, force a full scan
+	if !state.fullScan {
+		for _, lib := range libs {
+			if lib.FullScanInProgress {
+				log.Info(ctx, "Scanner: Interrupted full scan detected", "lib", lib.Name)
+				state.fullScan = true
+				_ = s.ds.Property(ctx).Put(consts.LastScanTypeKey, "full-selective")
+				break
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
+	err = run.Sequentially(
+		// Phase 1: Scan specified folders and import new/updated files
+		runPhase[*folderEntry](ctx, 1, createPhaseFolders(ctx, &state, s.ds, s.cw, libs)),
+
+		// Phase 2: Process missing files in scanned folders only
+		runPhase[*missingTracks](ctx, 2, createPhaseMissingTracks(ctx, &state, s.ds)),
+
+		// Phases 3 and 4 can be run in parallel
+		run.Parallel(
+			// Phase 3: Refresh all new/changed albums (from affected libraries only)
+			runPhase[*model.Album](ctx, 3, createPhaseRefreshAlbums(ctx, &state, s.ds, libs)),
+
+			// Phase 4: Import/update playlists (from affected libraries only)
+			runPhase[*model.Folder](ctx, 4, createPhasePlaylists(ctx, &state, s.ds, s.pls, s.cw)),
+		),
+
+		// Final Steps (cannot be parallelized):
+
+		// Run GC scoped to affected libraries only
+		s.runGC(ctx, &state),
+
+		// Refresh artist and tags stats
+		s.runRefreshStats(ctx, &state),
+
+		// Update last_scan_completed_at for affected libraries
+		s.runUpdateLibraries(ctx, &state),
+
+		// Optimize DB
+		s.runOptimize(ctx),
+	)
+	if err != nil {
+		log.Error(ctx, "Scanner: Finished with error", "duration", time.Since(startTime), err)
+		_ = s.ds.Property(ctx).Put(consts.LastScanErrorKey, err.Error())
+		state.sendError(err)
+		return
+	}
+
+	_ = s.ds.Property(ctx).Put(consts.LastScanErrorKey, "")
+
+	if state.changesDetected.Load() {
+		state.sendProgress(&ProgressInfo{ChangesDetected: true})
+	}
+
+	log.Info(ctx, "Scanner: Finished scanning selected folders", "duration", time.Since(startTime), "numTargets", len(targets))
+}
+
 func (s *scannerImpl) runGC(ctx context.Context, state *scanState) func() error {
 	return func() error {
 		state.sendProgress(&ProgressInfo{ForceUpdate: true})
 		return s.ds.WithTx(func(tx model.DataStore) error {
 			if state.changesDetected.Load() {
 				start := time.Now()
-				err := tx.GC(ctx)
+				err := tx.GC(ctx, state.affectedLibIDs...)
 				if err != nil {
 					log.Error(ctx, "Scanner: Error running GC", err)
 					return fmt.Errorf("running GC: %w", err)
diff --git a/scanner/scanner_test.go b/scanner/scanner_test.go
index e7e354f21..1e0614573 100644
--- a/scanner/scanner_test.go
+++ b/scanner/scanner_test.go
@@ -717,6 +717,61 @@ var _ = Describe("Scanner", Ordered, func() {
 			Expect(albumArtistStats.SongCount).To(Equal(3))  // 3 songs
 		})
 	})
+
+	Describe("ScanFolders", func() {
+		It("scans only specified folders without recursion", func() {
+			rock := template(_t{"albumartist": "Rock Artist", "album": "Rock Album"})
+			jazz := template(_t{"albumartist": "Jazz Artist", "album": "Jazz Album"})
+			pop := template(_t{"albumartist": "Pop Artist", "album": "Pop Album"})
+			createFS(fstest.MapFS{
+				"rock/track1.mp3":        rock(track(1, "Rock Track 1")),
+				"rock/track2.mp3":        rock(track(2, "Rock Track 2")),
+				"rock/subdir/track3.mp3": rock(track(3, "Rock Track 3")),
+				"jazz/track4.mp3":        jazz(track(1, "Jazz Track 1")),
+				"jazz/subdir/track5.mp3": jazz(track(2, "Jazz Track 2")),
+				"pop/track6.mp3":         pop(track(1, "Pop Track 1")),
+			})
+
+			// Use the existing library from BeforeEach
+			// (lib is already created with the path "fake:///music")
+
+			// Scan only the "rock" and "jazz" folders (not their subdirectories or pop)
+			targets := []scanner.ScanTarget{
+				{LibraryID: lib.ID, FolderPath: "rock"},
+				{LibraryID: lib.ID, FolderPath: "jazz"},
+			}
+
+			warnings, err := s.ScanFolders(ctx, false, targets)
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+			Expect(warnings).To(BeEmpty())
+
+			// Verify only track1, track2, and track4 were imported (not track3, track5, or track6)
+			allFiles, err := ds.MediaFile(ctx).GetAll()
+			Expect(err).ToNot(HaveOccurred())
+
+			// Should have exactly 3 tracks (rock/track1, rock/track2, jazz/track4)
+			Expect(allFiles).To(HaveLen(3))
+
+			// Get the file paths
+			paths := slice.Map(allFiles, func(mf model.MediaFile) string {
+				return filepath.ToSlash(mf.Path)
+			})
+
+			// Verify the correct files were scanned
+			Expect(paths).To(ContainElements(
+				"rock/track1.mp3",
+				"rock/track2.mp3",
+				"jazz/track4.mp3",
+			))
+
+			// Verify files in subdirectories and pop folder were NOT scanned
+			Expect(paths).ToNot(ContainElements(
+				"rock/subdir/track3.mp3",
+				"jazz/subdir/track5.mp3",
+				"pop/track6.mp3",
+			))
+		})
+	})
 })
 
 func createFindByPath(ctx context.Context, ds model.DataStore) func(string) (*model.MediaFile, error) {
diff --git a/scanner/walk_dir_tree.go b/scanner/walk_dir_tree.go
index 63854d262..6afe76755 100644
--- a/scanner/walk_dir_tree.go
+++ b/scanner/walk_dir_tree.go
@@ -32,6 +32,64 @@ func walkDirTree(ctx context.Context, job *scanJob) (<-chan *folderEntry, error)
 	return results, nil
 }
 
+// loadSpecificFolders loads only the specified folders without recursing into subdirectories
+func loadSpecificFolders(ctx context.Context, job *scanJob, targetFolders []string) (<-chan *folderEntry, error) {
+	results := make(chan *folderEntry)
+	go func() {
+		defer close(results)
+		for _, folderPath := range targetFolders {
+			if utils.IsCtxDone(ctx) {
+				return
+			}
+
+			// Load ignore patterns from parent directories up to this folder
+			ignorePatterns := loadIgnorePatternsForPath(ctx, job.fs, folderPath)
+
+			// Load only this specific folder (no recursion)
+			folder, _, err := loadDir(ctx, job, folderPath, ignorePatterns)
+			if err != nil {
+				log.Warn(ctx, "Scanner: Error loading target folder. Skipping", "path", folderPath, err)
+				continue
+			}
+
+			folder.path = path.Clean(folderPath)
+			folder.elapsed.Start()
+			log.Trace(ctx, "Scanner: Found target directory", " path", folder.path, "audioFiles", maps.Keys(folder.audioFiles),
+				"images", maps.Keys(folder.imageFiles), "playlists", folder.numPlaylists, "imagesUpdatedAt", folder.imagesUpdatedAt,
+				"updTime", folder.updTime, "modTime", folder.modTime)
+
+			results <- folder
+		}
+		log.Debug(ctx, "Scanner: Finished reading target folders", "lib", job.lib.Name, "path", job.lib.Path, "numFolders", len(targetFolders))
+	}()
+	return results, nil
+}
+
+// loadIgnorePatternsForPath loads all .ndignore patterns from the root down to the specified path
+func loadIgnorePatternsForPath(ctx context.Context, fsys fs.FS, targetPath string) []string {
+	var patterns []string
+	currentPath := "."
+
+	// If target is root, just check root
+	if targetPath == "." {
+		return loadIgnoredPatterns(ctx, fsys, ".", nil)
+	}
+
+	// Walk from root to target, collecting ignore patterns
+	parts := strings.Split(path.Clean(targetPath), "/")
+	for _, part := range parts {
+		if part == "." {
+			continue
+		}
+		patterns = loadIgnoredPatterns(ctx, fsys, currentPath, patterns)
+		currentPath = path.Join(currentPath, part)
+	}
+	// Load patterns from the target folder itself
+	patterns = loadIgnoredPatterns(ctx, fsys, currentPath, patterns)
+
+	return patterns
+}
+
 func walkFolder(ctx context.Context, job *scanJob, currentFolder string, ignorePatterns []string, results chan<- *folderEntry) error {
 	ignorePatterns = loadIgnoredPatterns(ctx, job.fs, currentFolder, ignorePatterns)
 
diff --git a/tests/mock_data_store.go b/tests/mock_data_store.go
index 56f68a74b..2c0c90f62 100644
--- a/tests/mock_data_store.go
+++ b/tests/mock_data_store.go
@@ -258,6 +258,6 @@ func (db *MockDataStore) Resource(ctx context.Context, m any) model.ResourceRepo
 	}
 }
 
-func (db *MockDataStore) GC(context.Context) error {
+func (db *MockDataStore) GC(context.Context, ...int) error {
 	return nil
 }