Library Thing is a free online cataloging tool and social networking site that allows users to catalog their personal book collections and connect with others. It also offers paid plans for libraries to integrate the tool's features, like crowdsourced reviews and tags, into their own catalogs. The document outlines how libraries can use Library Thing by having staff and patrons create free accounts to catalog books, write reviews, start discussion groups, and connect it with the library's website and mobile app for a more engaging online experience.

1. AN INTRODUCTION TO LIBRARY THING

2. What is Library Thing?
- Catalog Enhancer
- “Online Book Club”
- Metadata provider
- Crowd-sourced review site

3. Why use it?
- Cost effective way to expand
your OPAC features
- Engage your patrons through
book sharing and reviewing
- Easy cataloging of your
collection

4. HOW DO YOU USE IT?
Library Thing is for individuals
and institutions. The free
account allows for 200 book
profiles, but doesn’t give you
OPAC integration. Contact
Library Thing for the rates for
your library type and size. For
this exercise, we will use the
free service.

5. VISIT LIBRARYTHING.COM
And register an account. (email recommended, but not required)

6. Choose a book from your
collection. Use the “add
book” tab to enter it into LT

7. Choose the right
edition from the list

8. TAG TIME!

9. LT will add Library of
Congress catalog info for
you to your new record!

10. VERIFY YOUR DATA,
Then, rinse and repeat until you have a collection

11. Add reviews for your
items, and share through
your S.M. platforms

12. START A GROUP FOR YOUR PATRONS
Book Club, Young Readers Club, whatever works best for your community. Then, invite your
patrons to join up.

13. CONNECT WITH YOUR WEBSITE
LT provides a widget which can be incorporated with your web page or blog.

14. THE NEXT
LEVEL
INCORPORATING LIBRARY THING WITH
YOUR OPAC

15. Library Thing for Libraries is
an OPAC enhancement tool

16. ALLOWS YOU TO ADD LT FEATURES TO
YOUR OPAC

17. LIBRARY ANYWHERE PHONE APP
Access LT features and your library’s OPAC from your Smartphone.

18. LIBRARY THING IS A VERSATILE, AFFORDABLE
TOOL FOR SMALLER LIBRARIES. CHECK IT OUT
FOR YOURSELF AT WWW.LIBRARYTHING.COM