Users access these materials through a device called a "feed reader" or "aggregator," often contained in another program. Most web browsers now include an aggregator in the program, further simplifying availability for users. iTunes also includes a built-in feed reader to retrieve podcasts. The drawback to using one embedded in a web browser or program is that the feeds are only accessible on the local computer. In order to get around that, many savvy users are members of an online aggregator service, because these services make feeds available from any internet connection.
Some of the advantages of RSS feeds for use in libraries include:
- Simple to set up
- It is a recognizable and widely used tool of net-savvy patrons
- Easy to update
- Easy use for patrons, one request sets up information flow until the feed is discontinued
- Posting content unrelated to the RSS feed's purpose
- "Spamming" content by repeatedly posting duplicate or identical information
- Seeing RSS as a limited asset- be creative and involve as many departments or divisions in training and use as possible! (Create a different feed for each group, however, to keep focus.)
This blog post inspired by:
Helling, B. (2008). RSS Feeds. Indiana Libraries, 27(1). Retrieved June 18, 2008 from HWWilson database.
5 comments:
Thanks for the summary of RSS its usefulness in libraries. As a newbie to web 2.0 and blogging, I am not familiar with RSS. It sounds like something I’d be interested in trying. My only question is what is a "feed reader" or "aggregator?” How do I sign up for this or use it?
It is the technical "receiver" of the feed- the way you get the content from the original site.
I have it as part of my web browser, Mozilla Firefox. I believe there is also a built in one in Internet Explorer. You can also sign up for an online one at Google Reader.
Thanks. I started looking into RSS and noticed there is an icon in Internet Explorer. I will have to try it out.
I absolutely love my rss feeds... I read a ton of info everyday from my favorite websites thanks to these handy feeds. I am wanting to set up a feed for a little special library I volunteer at, but the challenge there seems to be a lack of new content (and currently, visitors to the website in general). But I am a fan of the technology, and I'm going to make it work somehow... its worthwhile to me because I know that people are inherently lazy, and getting people to use the feed will be easier than getting them to regularly come to the website.
Thanks for the interesting postings!
Thanks for this summary. Interestingly, I went looking RSS this AM. This would possibly be a useful tool for healthcare with their time limitations.
Post a Comment