Social Cataloguing

A lot of people come up to the perch asking me if I can tell them which books they've checked out in the past.  The simple answer is no.  There are a couple of reasons why.  First, our program for checking out books deletes a library patron's record once items are returned.  Second, and most importantly, the library doesn't keep a record of what a patron has checked out in the past to protect his or her privacy.  The library only has a record of current checkouts.

Although the library doesn't keep lists of books previously borrowed, that doesn't mean you can't.  There are social cataloguing websites to help you keep track of what you've read, rate books, and write reviews.  You can also see what other people are reading and recommending, or you can join a virtual book club discussing a selection you liked (or disliked).

LibraryThing and Goodreads are probably the most popular and well known social cataloguing websites.  I've had an account with LibraryThing for years (as perchlibrarian, naturally), and it's personally enriched my reading experience.  My list of books includes those I've finished reading and those I'm currently reading.  Sometimes I like looking through my list to see what I've read before (because I can't remember everything I've read) and to see how many books I usually read in a year.  Other times I like seeing recommended books and occasionally find a few new reads.

Social cataloguing websites are just one way to enhance your reading experience.  For more ideas on how to add to your reading enjoyment, stop by the library--it won't cost you much!

Ever yours in reading from the perch.