Guide Note

LibraryThing is a website that integrates social networking with a built-in application for cataloging a user's personal collection of books. The application syncs personal catalogs with major library databases around the world. Users can then choose to make their collections public in order for others to browse and discuss with them.

Fast Facts

1. Site launched: August 29, 2005
2. Founder: Tim Spalding
3. Over 440,000 registered members¹
4. More than 28.8 million books have been cataloged (more than 3.4 million are unique)¹
5. Users can catalog their libraries with information from the Library of Congress, Amazon.com, or 690 other international libraries²
6. Users can choose to keep their collections private, or make them public so they can interact with other members

On May 16, 2006, the online book retailer Abebooks.com acquired 40% of LibraryThing for an undisclosed amount of money. Founder Tim Spalding publicly stated that he retained majority control of the company, and that he agreed to the deal for the good of the site's growth and not for personal gain.³

Nearly a year after partnering with Abebooks.com, LibraryThing integrated with the public library in Danbury, Connecticut. It was the first public library to do so.⁴