Virtual Book Groups

Fayetteville Free Library

Search online for: ◦ Virtual book groups

◦ Online book clubs

◦ Online book discussion groups

There are dozens of groups out there. Look at the options that you find via searching or the links on the following page for one that seems to be a good match for you

Some notable sites that have virtual book discussions are:◦ Library Thing◦ Yahoo groups such as crgII◦ www.booktalk.org◦ www.book-clubs-resource.com/online

Generally you will have to create a user profile (user id and password) in order to participate in the discussions

Some groups are more active than others, and you may have to try a few before you find a good fit.

This will vary from site to site, but generally you will either start a new thread (discussion) or contribute to one that is already in the forum with your thoughts.◦ Most sites have forum guidelines/rules as far as

language, staying on topic, when to start a new thread, whether you can insert a URL, etc.

◦ Most discussions take place over weeks or months as opposed to a live group taking place on a single afternoon/evening.

Just as with any other website, be cautious about sharing personal information

Some forums will notify you of new postings via email. It is generally safer (to avoid a virus) to log in to the site than to click on links in the emails.

Netiquette (such as not using all caps, not cursing, avoiding ‘posters’ (other participants) who try to pick fights

Be prepared… starting a new book group can be a lot of work. Here are some sites that provide some tips:

http://book-clubs.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_start_an_online_book_club

http://www.book-clubs-resource.com/online/rachel.php

Many times, book groups use discussion guides to provide members with ideas for the discussion. ◦ FFL Databases: Novelist

◦ ReadingGroupGuides(http://www.readinggroupguides.com)

◦ BookBrowse(http://www.bookbrowse.com/bookclubs/)

◦ Books Club Resources (noted previously) (http://www.book-clubs-resource.com/guides/)

Sometimes, people join book clubs just to get out of a reading rut and are looking for book suggestions

In addition to the other sites noted previously, you can try the following:

◦ Check out Webrary on our home page (http://www.fayettevillefreelibrary.org/)

◦ Facebook’s GoodReads application

◦ Overbooked (http://www.overbooked.org/ra/index.html)

◦ Shelfari (http://www.shelfari.com/books)