It was interesting to read the articles about LibraryThing and see how libraries are using it. The article by Wenzler showed some ways libraries are integrating LibraryThing into their OPAC. The recommendation of similar books could be useful for library users, who are already used to this from Amazon. I liked the fact that the tags in a record linked to other catalogue records with the same tag, and not back to LibraryThing. The local book search could also be useful for users if their library's copy of a book is out on loan/missing, particulary as this lists local bookshops and libraries.
If I was running a small cash-strapped library I would consider using LibraryThing as the library catalogue. This is just the kind of thing we were looking for when I was volunteering at a small student-run department library and we were trying to move away from the card catalogue while spending as little as possible. Unfortunately this was a few years before LibraryThing was launched!
I created a personal account, but I'm not sure whether I will continue using LibraryThing for my own books. Although I like the way it can lead to discovery of other similar books that you might like, cataloguing a library in my spare time seems a little too much like work!
I discovered that adding books to LibraryThing through the Amazon database is probably easier if you have the books in front of you and can search by ISBN. Looking up something like Pride and Prejudice brought up so many options to choose from that it was actually a bit daunting!
Overall, I liked LibraryThing. I found it easy to use and can see why it's popular.
