Social media communities are not the same as social networks. They’re online communities that consist of people whose only connection is a similar interest (i.e. minimalism), a cause or project (i.e. green living), or often a craft or hobby (i.e. photography).
In an online community, members can post content and engage with each other. In the world of books there are many such communities. They are usually places for both authors and readers to connect together.
In a sense, these types of communities are virtual libraries. You can browse books that members read and review to see what you may be interested in. In turn, you can share the books you like. You have a virtual bookshelf that lists the books you’ve read and want to read.
Here are some of the better-known communities:
Goodreads
Launched in 2007, Goodreads is the largest site for readers and book recommendations in the world with 13,000,000 members. Their goal is to find good books and share them with other book lovers. You can build a list of books, which you rate and review. It also allows you to find out what your friends are reading.
Shelfari
Founded in 2006 and funded by Amazon.com, this is a community of book lovers that encourages users to discuss and share their favorite books with friends and strangers. Their mission is to enhance the experience of reading by connecting readers in meaningful conversation about the published word.
LibraryThing
A home for your books with a community of 1,500,000 members. Create your own library of books and find other people with similar interests. It has author pages that can be used by writers to help promote their books. Their goal is to be the world’s largest book club.
weRead
Started in 2007 on Facebook as a social cataloging app. It is an online virtual bookshelf and a great community for book lovers. You can take/embed your bookshelf anywhere (Facebook, blog, etc.).
The Indie Bookshelf
A collaborative blog featuring readers and authors of Indie books. Their goal is to educate readers on all things Indie.
Whichever you choose to use, online communities for book lovers are great places to get book recommendations and connect with other readers and authors.
Photo Credit: Flickr user ewige
