Tagging with LibraryThing
In this exercise, we will tag our books.. LibraryThing not only allows you to easily create an online catalog of your own, but it
also connects you to other people who have similar libraries and
reading tastes. Add a book to your catalog by just entering the title
-- It’s so easy that you don’t even need MARC record training to do it
– or connect with other users through your similar reading tastes.
There are lots of ways to use LibraryThing. You can even view your
books on a virtual shelf, ,to display titles that are in your catalog or install a LT Search box on your blog.
LibraryThing for Libraries is a service that incorporates LibraryThing tags and recommendations into your online catalog. It is being used by several libraries the Danbury Library in Danbury, CT and C/W MARS in Massachusetts.
Exercise:
- For this exercise, you will explore LibraryThing.
- Create an account(Click the "Join Now" button from the LibraryThing home page) and add at least three books to your account.
- Be sure to add me as a friend - http://www.librarything.com/profile/kmlussier so that I can see your collection. You can always remove me when the class is over if you don't want me to stalk your reading habits.
OK, I set up an account but not sure if I managed to invite Kathy as a friend correctly. I found that option confusing only because I think they are trying to make it easier by creating steps but I just wanted to bypass all that and couldn't find out how. One cool thing was I joined an needle work group as a personal interest and could view everyone else's books and get into their discussion. Also I like the fact that you can connect locally.
P.S. What I want to do is join a group and then map their location so I can see if anyone local has similar interests -- does that sound a bit stalkerish?
Hi Chris,
You did send the invitation correctly. However, I didn't see it right away when I logged in, and, in the process of trying to figure out how to add you, I accidentally sent an invitation to your SAILS address. You can ignore it! :-)
Kathy,
I am having trouble adding you as a friend. Can you help.
Debbie W.
Hi Debbie,
When you get to my profile, there should be a link in the upper right to corner (to the right of the Jane Austen image) to "Add to friends." You must be logged in to see this link. Once you click on the link, an invitation will be sent to add me to your friend list. If you clicked on my profile before creating or signing into your account, you may need to exit out of your browser and go back again to see that link display. Sorry! I didn't realize this would be a problem until I started troubleshooting your question.
Kathy
Kathy,
I followed your directions, but I'm not sure it worked. Am I supposed to see you listed as my friend when I log onto my account? It currently lists friends as 0.
Debbie W.
Hi Debbie. I just needed to accept your invitation. You should see it now.
Kathy, I tried adding you as a friend in LibraryThing but it didn't work.
Cynthia
Kathy - I'm confused about the Friend thing. I can't find how to do this. Can you help? Eden
Wait a minute. I almost sent you an invitation. I'll go back and do this. Eden
No, it's no working for me. Eden
Okay, now I've sent you an invitation. I think. I helps to read the other comments.
Cynthia - I didn't see a Friend invitation from you. What happened when you tried to add me? Did you find the "Add to Friends" link? If so, what happened when you clicked on it?
I will remember next session to add something to the instructions about the need for a friend to accept your invitation. We'll come across other Web 2.0 sites in this class that do the same thing.
Sorry, I do not understand how to add a friend. When prompted to choose a service, I don't know which one to use. You gave us a url. Then when I choose to enter it manually, and enter the url, it goes no where. This is not very intuitive. I've spent 2 hours over the past 2 days trying to figure it out. help!
Judy
Hi Judy,
Before trying to add me as a friend, make sure you are logged into LibraryThing.
Click on the link in step 3 of the above exercise to get to my Profile.
This link should bring you to my profile. There is a pinkish box in the upper right corner of my profile with various links. Click on the link that says "Add to Friends"
At that point, LibraryThing will send the friend request to me. I will need to approve it before I show up as one of your friends.
If, at any point in the process, your screen doesn't show what any of the links I mentioned in my steps, please let me know and we'll troubleshoot from there. There shouldn't be any point in the process where you need to pick a service.
Hope this helps!
Kathy