LibraryThing

LibraryThing is a new service to me. I don't actually think that I need the service, personally, but I do believe that there are people out there that do. I tend to read books from the library, not purchase them. The only true collection I have is a collection of children's books because I teach 1st grade, which I guess, COULD use some cataloging! Maybe this site would be for me!

Basically, LibraryThing:

• creates a catalog of your books and shows you who else has the book
• allows you to search your books, sort your books, edit book information, and apply tags
• lets you write/view reviews and lets you rate your books
• lets you view other people's recommendations
• allows you to join or make a group (even a private group with just your friends)
• tells you of local bookstores, libraries, and book festivals and the events they host
• lets you post a LibraryThing blog widget
• lets you check your LibraryThing catalog from your cell phone
• lets you review pre-publication copies of books for free

I have just joined the site and viewed the tutorial so I have no insight into it yet, but I have been trying all of the different things it offers. I like the fact that you can view the books as a list or with a cover picture. I like the search feature and how you can print out a section of your collection or the entire thing. Tagging your books really lets you personalize your catalog. What I really liked was the fact that you could preview a book and write a review for it! Now THAT is something I might like to do in the future!