Week 4 - Library thing

While I am killing time before lunch....tryingto "catch up" on the 23 things...I looked over the Library Thing. My dad has his collection on this site...I guess I will join, so I can read up on his postings. I would like to understand how this works for institutions? Is it another way to engage the general public...and if I find something on the VHS library thing - then I could come to the VHS and request the book for research? just wondering...