LibraryThing vs. Shelfari

In comparing LibraryThing and Shelfari, LibraryThing reminds me more of a public library. It offers a personal collection of catalogued and organized books with the opportunity to share those books and make recommendations, similar to a librarian's book display cart. The Book Suggester reminds me of my own book list, "If you enjoy Buffy the Vampire Slayer, then check out these titles...." The LibraryThing Groups are similar to book clubs that meet every Wednesday at the library. Science Fiction fans having the opportunity to meet and discuss the latest title. On first glance, I thought LibraryThing would be first and foremost a great tool to organize my library, which is unorganized and stacked on book shelves. I also have trouble remembering what I have read. Secondary, would be its social aspect.

Shelfari, on the other hand, reminds me more of a Barnes and Noble dotted with book displays of staff recommendations. It seems more about the social aspect first, cataloging and organizing second. For example, on the homepage, Shelfari encourages you to "show off your shelf." Whereas, LibraryThing's homepage advertises you to "catalog your library online." For me that is two very different aspects. Shelfari also lets its users know that it receives revenue from Amazon when a user buys a book based on recommendations from that site. LibraryThing allows free use up to 200 books, then a cost of $10 a year to add more. (LibraryThing also uses Amazon.)

To determine which site is best for you, think about what your primary reason is for joining: you want your own public library or a book club at the Starbucks in Barnes and Noble.