Source Citation:
Random House unveils book groups website. (2009, May). The Bookseller, 7(1).
In the magazine article Random House unveils book groups website in the May issue of The Bookseller, Random House announces the launch of a new social networking website for book clubs called ReadersPlace. Here, adult book clubs can interact with other clubs, even internationally, to share ideas and opinions about books they are reading. This site was developed from AuthorsPlace which allowed authors post their own profiles online.
This site encompasses all of the “Social Software Building Blocks” described by Gene Smith in Michael Stephens’s “The Ongoing Web Revolution.” 1) Identity- users create user names and personalized accounts. 2) Presence- users can see what speakers will be nearby. 3) Conversations- users can connect directly with the authors to ask questions about their work. 4) Groups- Book clubs can post their profiles on the ReadersPlace site. 5) Reputation- users can compete to win a visit from an author. 6) Sharing- Users can share their insights and comments to fellow readers as well as to the author.
This is the type of tool that the tech savvy readers would gravitate to especially if geared toward the public libraries. It is an easy way for patrons to interact with other readers of the same genre as well as have a direct discussion with the author in some cases. It could also serve as an adult Summer Reading Program incentive for those libraries that do not provide one. Branches can publicize programs and reminders to patrons and how fun would it be to have a live author chat with your favorite author. I know I would have a few questions to ask.
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