Library Thing
I can’t remember how long ago it was when I set up my Library Thing account, but I don’t think I visited it again until today. I do remember Zette heroically loading her entire personal library into it (and became exhausted just thinking about the sheer volume of work that entailed for her and would entail for me). I also remember it was a post on Rosina Lippi’s page that prompted me to actually set up the account.
In fact, it was Rosina’s page that prompted me to return today. Today, I spent some time wandering around, added several more of my books (mostly from this year’s reading list). I uploaded an image (a polar bear, of course), played with my profile, checked out a few groups, and, of course, had to blog about it. I haven’t gone so far as to commit to a lifetime membership yet, but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time. Without going through the hassles of checking ISBNs, I know I don’t have all the correct editions.
Of the books I’ve loaded so far, I have two that nobody else lays claim to. I imagine this will be something to add to periodically as I get some downtime. About ten years ago, I cataloged my entire library into a flatfile database, but I’ve lost that long ago.
I was looking for The Leadership Moment last night and today. I know I have this book. I cannot find it. In the process of looking, I did find three (3!) copies of The Crisis of Islam. The Leadership Moment? It continues to elude me.
I did the same thing. I set upa Library Thing account, and ignored it for a looong time. I finally added some of my books. I have entire home library shelves that have yet to be entered. Most of the books have to do with religious studies and philosophy. I can’t force myself to dust them off.
And regarding the Crisis of Islam, did you recall buying 3, or just like the book so much that you kept buying it unknowingly?
I didn’t buy any of them. I got them from work. One advantage of being faculty and staff is having books available for the taking in many instances. Clearly, I walked by the “take me if you want me” shelf and forgot what I already had.
I found an easy way to add books — browse other people’s collections and press “Click to add.” I’m up to 1999, so I just paid up. I haven’t even begun to add my collection yet.
I wouldn’t be able to stay away from the “take me” shelf. I would take books just in case.
I still have several thousand more books to go into the listing, but I haven’t had the time to get to them. It might be fun to take some time next year and see if I can get more of them in. I really enjoy Library Thing. Wish I had the time to play there more often!
It’s certainly addictive, Zette. I’ve just input my Amazon orders for the last five years as well as the books I could think of off the top of my head. I’ve combed other people’s libraries and “clicked to add” books I know I have. The real work will come when I input what’s on my shelves and in boxes, and that will go more slowly. I couldn’t tear myself away from it yesterday.
And, yeah, Steve, the “take me” shelf keeps drawing me back. It’s been quiet there lately, though. It sounds like we think alike.