Thing 14: GoodReads and Library Thing

Good Reads and LibraryThing are both social cataloging sites which allow users to create and maintain their own virtual bookshelves and reading lists. Users can rate and review books and connect with others who have similar reading interests. Many find these sites to be good tools for choosing books to read and readers' advisory services. Though the two sites have many similarities and differences, after using both you may develop a strong preference for one over the other.

This video, made by a guy who works with small businesses, walks you through registering with GoodReads and summarizes all the cool stuff that it can do!

And now, LibraryThing. This video directly addresses how libraries can use LibraryThing (it's also fun for your own personal reading too!)

There's plenty of information out there about these two sites, here are 2 especially good articles:

• LibraryThing and the Library Catalog: Adding Collective Intelligence to the OPAC by John Wenzler
• All About Reading: Web Sites for Book Lovers by Chris O'Nea

Many libraries are now incorporating features similar to those found on GoodReads and LibraryThing into their online catalogs allowing users to tag, create lists and post reviews. Like The Lighting Thief in the West Bloomfield Township Public Library catalog or Twilight in the Darien Library Catalog. Pretty cool, huh?

Go ahead and create an account in either site and add, review and tag at least five books. Try to create lists of books you have read and books you want to read. And go for broke, and search for some recommendations. Kelley from the CATC committee is on GoodReads if you'd like to connect.

If you're up for a challenge: incorporate your GoodReads bookshelf into your blog. Woa! That happens when you add a gadget and grab some HTML code from the GoodReads site.

After playing a bit, think about some of these questions:

• Which works better for your professional needs?
• What about for your personal interests?
• Which one gave you better reading recommendations?
• How could a library or school use an account to communicate with patrons or students?
• Which site would you recommend to kids and at what age?
• How do you think schools could use these tools to encourage reading?
• Can you think of a way to incorporate this into a summer reading program?