Book Communities

Want a way to organize your books? 

 Maybe keep a list of books you've read, or want to read.  An online book community is one way to do that.  Here are four online book communities that you could use.

Shelfari by Amazon

I really like Shelfari.  It was very user friendly.  It did not have direct instructions, but it was very easy to figure out how to use it.  I like the organized display. The user is able to mark books they plan to read, are reading, and have read.  The user can also rate the books on a star scale.  I like that you can see what your books are rated while they are on the shelves.  I like that you can also attach your shelf to your blog.  I will definitely be using Shelfari in the future.

Goodreads

Goodreads was somewhat user friendly.  It took a little more work to figure out how to use than Shelfari.  However, once you figure it out, it is very simple Although the bookshelf is not as attractive as Shelfari, I like how you can see more of your books.  Goodreads also lets you rate the books, and I really like that.  Goodreads will also recommend books to read based on your "to read" shelf.  This site also gives you chances to win giveaways, usually free books, regularly.  I think this site lends itself more to the adult reader, rather than young adult or children.

Library Thing

Library Thing is not near as user friendly as Goodreads or Shelfari.  The user has to find and add books one at a time.  It does not categorize books into read, reading, and want to read.  It is also harder to rate books on this website.  Although it is a good website, I find that it is not worth the trouble when there are two other communities that do the same thing and are much easier to use.

Book Likes

This is another site that I thought was not very user friendly.  Initially is it difficult to get started.  Book Likes really needs a step by step tutorial to get going.  Finding the books you want it fairly easy once you do figure out how to get going.  I do not like how the dashboard comes up when you log in.  After logging in, then you have to look for your shelf.  The other communities automatically log in at your book shelf.  One thing I do like about Book Likes is after you log in a box pops up that says "Book Blog Directory".  You can mark what genres you like and it will take you there. Book Likes would not be good for young readers, and with more user friendly communities out there, I will not use it either.  

Biblionasium

WOW!  WOW! WOW!
I absolutely LOVE this website!  It does take a little more time to put together and work with, but I think it is so worth it.  It is very user friendly.  I love that you can make challenges for you kids, or have them blog or review a book.  Our district stopped paying for Accelerated Reader, and since then I have been looking for something to go in its place.  This website is perfect.  I am already making plans on how I am going to incorporate the website in my fourth grade classroom.

And the winners are...........

Shelfari and Biblionasium!
I had to pick both.  As an adult reader I find Shelfari to be the winner.  It is very user friendly and attractive.  I will definitely continue to use Shelfari in the future.  However, from a teacher and student point of view, Biblionasium wins.  As a student, I would like the look and activities I could do with the website.  As a teacher, I like how I can use it in my classroom.