LibraryThing

LibraryThing is an online cataloging and social cataloging service for book lovers. It was launched in 2005 by Tim Spalding to help individuals organize their personal book collections while contributing to a shared pool of bibliographic data. Users create accounts, add books to their virtual libraries by ISBN, title, or author, and optionally upload cover images. Catalog entries can be enriched with metadata, tags, and user reviews, and users can rate titles.

A notable aspect of LibraryThing is its social dimension. Members can tag each other's books, join discussion groups, and participate in forums. The site supports discovery through community-generated lists, recommendations, and a folksonomy-based approach to organizing literature. This combination of personal cataloging and social features aims to make it easier to find and explore books aligned with individual tastes.

LibraryThing also operates a separate product called LibraryThing for Libraries. This service provides library-style cataloging and discovery tools for libraries and their patrons, including integration with existing catalogs and support for library metadata workflows.

In addition to cataloging, LibraryThing runs programs such as Early Reviewers, which offers members advance copies of forthcoming books in exchange for reviews. The platform supports data portability, allowing exports of catalog data, and offers both free and paid accounts with different feature limits.

Overall, LibraryThing blends personal cataloging with social engagement to aid discovery, metadata enrichment, and community interaction around books. It serves individual readers, book groups, and libraries seeking broader access to bibliographic information.