What is RSS and Why Should You Care

What is RSS and Why Should You Care?

RSS files are most commonly used for news, current awareness, and other chronologically ordered websites like “’blogs” (web logs). RSS (Real Simple Syndication) is a text-based format, a type of XML. RSS files (which are also called RSS feeds or channels) simply contain a list of items. Usually, each item contains a title, summary, and a link to a URL (e.g. a web page) for more content. Other information, such as the date, creator’s name, etc., may also be available

How could you use RSS?

Some libraries are providing RSS feeds for their patrons, students and communities – they feel it is more current and less burdensome than a newsletter. The bonus is that it enhances the library’s image as a leading edge place for information. Library users will receive the news as soon as it is posted, and can have only one or two updates to review, with links to further information if they want it.

Libraries offering RSS content

o St. Joseph County Public Library http://lishost.org/~sjcpl/

o Cornell Research Blog http://researchblog.ecornell.com/

o Binghamton University Libraries http://library.lib.binghamton.edu/mt/librarynews/

o NN/LM (National Network Library of Medicine http://nnlm.gov/mar/blog/

Many library staffers are using RSS to “graze” rapidly through many information sources to keep up to date on news, technology, library community issues – you name it, it’s probably available! The most popular way to use RSS is in RSS aggregator. Also known as newsreaders or news aggregators, these are dedicated programs which allow you to read RSS files (somewhat like using Adobe Reader for PDF files). Most people want their own personalized aggregator; being able to select sources to make your own customized "newspaper" is one of the big advantages of RSS. Aggregators come in two types: online aggregators and software that you install on your own computer. One of the most popular online aggregators is Bloglines (http://www.bloglines.com/). Others are listed below.

For general information about RSS, you may want to go to –

o http://www.faganfinder.com/search/rss.shtml

o http://www.llrx.com/features/rssforlibrarians.htm

Library-oriented RSS aggregator --

o LISFeeds.com http://www.lisfeeds.com/ "We scrape headlines from sites and services that specialize in library oriented news, and present them in a convenient one stop shop for library oriented headlines."