My library consists of nearly 700 books and I often have a difficult time remembering what I already have and/or don't have. I have Bookpedia on my computer and I love the program. It's helped me keep track of everything. however, it's not on on-line program, so all of my data is at home, where I have no access to it if I'm abroad. This is why I recently joined a couple of on-line library programs, namely The Library Thing and Shelfari. The Library Thing looked good to me, what with it's import program and the way the data base is set up. On the other hand, I had several friends on Shelfari and I didn't want to miss anything there. Seeing as how Shelfari is free, I thought, why not.
Now that I've worked with both of them a bit, I've decided I like The Library Thing a lot better. It's easier to use, has more and better features and it's faster. Now, I'm not knocking Shelfari. It's a good program if you're looking for a freebie (The Libraray Thing is free only up to 200 books). However, it's import program is poor, it didn't recognize over 100 of my titles/ISBN nos., it slow to react when you search for something, it lacks a search in your own library (necessary when you have 600+ books) and there are few tools and is just generally not as easy to use as The Library Thing. However, it is free and you can keep in contact with friends. I think I'll continue to use it for that reason, but not as a main source. I'll update what I buy and keep up with groups, but I'm not going to bother going back to fill in the gaps from my import.
Does anyone else have any thoughts on this?
3 comments:
Thanks for dropping by my blog. I am so happy you are a fellow Discworld lover. I am also loving that you knit as well! I enjoyed your opinions on Shelfari and LibraryThing. I am fairly new to both communities and found your comparison interesting. I find Shelfair to be more user friendly, and the interface is less intimidating than LibraryThing. I do have to agree with you that I have been surprised at some books Shelfari has not recognized.
I will have to check out your library on LT. Have yet to check out Shelfari but I think I am good with LT and Goodreads. I probably don't need any others. :)
I'm very happy with Library Thing. And, (unless they've changed it) the fee to have more than 200 books on there is pretty minimal- I think it was a one-time fee of $20. For life. Worth it, for me (and I only have 600 books so far)
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