How many books do you have cataloged in your LibraryThing account? How do you decide what to include- everything you have, everything you’ve read- and are there things you leave off?
I opened my LibraryThing account only last month, when I became intrigued with the concept of organizing my books – being able to search and create lists by tag (author, subject … that was child’s play; now I can search by the novel’s location, whether it has won an award or is on a particular “must read” list). Being organized (in bits and pieces) really satisfies me, you should see my spice cabinet!
I started pulling books off my shelves and entering them, beginning with some of my non-fiction titles. I entered my first 199 “free” books, loved the system, and signed up for a lifetime membership. I have 254 books listed as of this morning; I got side-tracked mid-way through the fiction shelves, and need to spend some more time inputting.
I’m including all the books in my bookcases, as well as books I’ve borrowed from the library (not owned) and read since I joined LibraryThing. The few children’s books I’ve catalogued are either remnants from my own childhood, or children’s books that I’ve reviewed.
I’ve rated about half the books; any newly-read books have ratings, most recent reads have reviews. I’ve listed some books I own but didn’t like; I think it’s time to clear the shelves of those offenders!
I want to be able to refer back and give a non-recommendation if a friend asks about a book I don’t think is worth reading. Aside from a low rating and an appropriate comment or review, how do you handle these books in your online library?
just the bad review and low rating. that’s usually enough. and sometimes i don’t like a book but i would suggest it to a friend- if i think it’s something that person might like. not everyone has my taste (and i think most people don’t!) so i try not to let what i think get in the way of what i’d suggest to someone else.
I would say that the bad rating is enough. I also have a tag called “Hated It” – I used to use that one a lot for book club picks that I sure wouldn’t have picked.
I really admire your organizational skills! And I think it’s a wonderful idea to tag books as to location, awards won, etc. I’m going to have to go back and try that with mine. But I’m afraid my spice cabinet will always be a disaster!
I gave my daughter 5 bucks to straighten up my spice shelves, and it was the best 5 bucks I ever spent! She went to town labeling, alphabetizing, organizing. I don’t know where she gets it because I am just not that good at it!!
Hilarious do u want to come over and organize my shelves?
Can I hire you? I have good intentions when it comes to organizing and then about a month later it is complete chaos again. My husband is worse than me which is why I think I have given up, not wanting to clean up after him!
Lol love your spice organization!
I have a spice rack with the herbs and spices arranged in a-z order. I wish my books were as easy to organise. Lt has helped me and I really should be more organised in tagging and rating my books – but it is so time-consuming. I started off like you and decided when I got to 199 that I just had to sign up – I love it.
I haven’t rated my books except for the ones I’ve reviewed, all in all that would be 11. I’m not sure about rating stars and the like. I usually put a comment in my review about the book being disappointing or a really good read or whatever. That seems good enough to me.
Thanks for visiting my blog! I know having over a thousand books seems like a lot, but given my many years on the planets, it works out almost perfectly as accumulating one book a month for my entire life. Now that’s not that bad
Love your spice cabinet! A bit of hope slips into my day when I see others succeed at things at which I’m a complete failure.
I had such fun adding in my books initially–and still do.
I only use LT as a catalog for books I actually own, with the exception of Early Review books that I may part with. I keep a running reading journal and then there is my blog where I post reviews of all the books I read, including ones I do not own.
Oh gosh! For all who commented on my spice cabinet (which my daughter calls “verging on OCD”), you’ve boosted my confidence today, but do know that this is *not* typical of the entire house! You should see the top of my desk!