Beyond Method #5

I like how the author of the article "Online Collections & Libraries" put it when she said "If you’re looking for a vast community of other book-nerds (a good portion of them probably academics) then LibraryThing is the obvious choice. But, if you’re like me and enjoy books on a more recreational level, and simply want to be able to catalog your books to keep track of them and display them on your site…I’m going to have to say that Shelfari or Goodreads are much better services." That was the same way I felt. LibraryThing seems to carry a much larger domain of information relating to books, all kinds of books. Their scope is technically aimed at anyone and everyone but how can you tell? Their site is still "horrid" looking and few library patrons (as well as a few librarians) may find it difficult to begin and then navigate. Goodreads provides a much better format. Not only does it offer the basics of what a website should, it promotes interaction within its site. In the true objective scope of a social networking tool, it offers readers a chance to say what they want about certain books and get the gist of what others think. If usability is key within social cataloging and readers advisory then what is required is accessibility and appeal, an online community which invites commentary but maintains a structure of organization. A few months back I actually posted on my other blog a bit about Goodreads and I usually include it in reference interviews and conversations about readers advisory when speaking with patrons about books they like and books they might like. Shelfari was good, the graphics and javascript issues I found frustrating (I had to jump through a few hoops to get certain apps working). Overally my allegiance is still with Goodreads. Although LibraryThing and Shelfari aren't that bad, they're just not as mainstream savvy as Goodreads.