OCLC and Goodreads, the world's largest site for readers and book recommendations, have teamed up to provide greater visibility for public libraries. We've been working together since 2007, as Goodreads has referred more than 5 million Web users to WorldCat.org. But we both thought we could do more.

New for libraries: Library group pages

Goodreads has pledged to help libraries receive greater visibility with their more than 12 million site members. How? Now libraries can create their own "Group" pages, and a library group page will be listed first in a reader's group listings. In the future, they'll also highlight libraries that are geographically close to a reader's IP range, encouraging them to find their next read at their local library.

Goodreads members can join online reading-circle groups for specific genres, subjects, authors or geographical locations. When your library creates its own group page—with spaces for promoting library events, uploading photos or video, and web-based discussion—members can join it as well. On a member's "My Groups" page, library-affiliated groups bubble to the top of the list (above).

Since Goodreads already provides the "libraries" link to WorldCat.org, you've been receiving traffic from Goodreads all along. This new enhancement lets you create more of a direct connection with this voracious reading community, who may or may not be currently using your library. You'll expand your patron base, without having to expend many resources.

Members find your content, services and community

Goodreads site members can affiliate with you—their local library—and find their next great read. Plus they're also likely to find other passionate readers in your area and be able to connect with them through social media. Made possible by your library.

How to make it happen

Just a few simple steps help get your library going on Goodreads:

1. Make sure your library information is up-to-date in the WorldCat Registry. The Registry has now been incorporated into OCLC Service Configuration, but any library regardless of OCLC status is encouraged to maintain a free profile. Be sure to check your location coordinates and OpenURL information, because this is what powers the "library look up" functionality and provide potential links to your e-books from WorldCat.org traffic partners like Goodreads. (Goodreads is still working on adding this functionality to their site, so be ready for it now!)
   
2. Create your library Groups page on Goodreads. Learn how at our recorded webinar, or check out the Goodreads blog.
3. Participate in the Goodreads Choice Awards 2012. The Goodreads Choice Awards are the only major book awards decided by actual readers. Which gives you as a library staff member the opportunity to both play up the voting through your online channels (there are multiple rounds of voting—all potential reasons to tweet/Facebook/e-mail your patrons), and create in-library displays of the top 10 Best Fiction picks, Best Memoir, Best Romance, etc., and then have your patrons vote online.
4. Tell us what you think. The idea of this partnership is to help libraries gain visibility online and connect with new library supporters. But is it working at your library? We want to know. You can always send e-mail, of course, and we'll also be at ALA Midwinter in Seattle to have an informal discussion session about the partnership and get your feedback.