If you don't know about Library Thing, and you are currently in library school, then you need to (as I did) get with the program and start it up. Or if you are just nerdy and like books a lot, well, you can come too. It's way too fun for those of us who have slightly compulsive needs to organize (or "catalog") things and, along the way, brag about how well read you are.I'm not saying everyone feels that particular need. But be honest: you probably do.
Essentially Library Thing is a place to catalog your personal bookshelf by searching for books and adding them into your collection. (See also: Delicious Library) You can search via Amazon or the LOC, or a long list of other search engines. I found the best results for mine on the Amazon search, though I suppose if you were going for a more textbook or rare book collection, a library catalog would be more your speed.
Inevitably, the edition of the book may matter to some, so there is also the option to manually enter books into your library. You can even scan your own cover and attach it to the record. The best part about this feature is that the scanned covers are shared with the community, which enables anyone to select the cover of their choice. I like buying used books, and I find that the old covers for things are often better than the newer post-2000 reprints of books. It also helps to mimic your actual bookshelf at home, if you're into that sort of thing.
As any good Web 2.0 tool does, Library Thing allows you to tag your books, which enters them into the collective consciousness. You can also recommend books to other Library Thing members. I entered "The Loved One" by Evelyn Waugh, and it turns out that MichaelPNaughton has recommended that I read a book called "Deathryde: Rebel without a Corpse." Maybe next time, Mike, but thanks for the offer anyway.
Bottom line: Library Thing is a lot of fun for nerds. I expect that this summer much of my time will be spent adding and "browsing" books. I had a so-so reaction to GoodReads, because I tend not to dig on internet people's recommendations of books, but the ability to make your own bookshelf online? Sign me up.
I have heard of Library Thing, but honestly have not had the time to put into finding out what it was really all about. Your post has inspired me to "get with the program" especially since I am in library school! You can be sure that I will be visiting this site very soon.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering how you have organized your personal library of books. I wrestled with this as a classroom teacher and ended up grouping them by themes in the sequence of the school year. However, I realize I am the only one who knew the method to this madness.
It sounds like Library Thing allows you to catalog a personal collection of books, but I wonder about physical organization. I guess these questions are why I need to head to Library Thing! Thanks for an interesting post!
I, too, need to get with the program. I had briefly heard of Library Thing before, but not Goodreads (which is what I reviewed). To me, Goodreads looked like fun, but now after reading your review I can see how Library Thing might be "better." Love that you can scan covers--this is great especially if you have a first edition or special copy of the book. Does Library Thing host swaps like Goodreads does?
ReplyDeleteWas planning to sign-up to "Good Reads" with all the good that I've heard about it, but your stellar review of "Library Thing" may just have changed my mind....
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