RSS Feeds

Really Simple Syndication (RSS) also known as Rich Site Summary is an automatic alert system of currently added web content for subscribers. Users are able to collect information from several RSS services and aggregate the feeds allowing efficient review of new information in a field of interest.

RSS is a useful tool for professionals, encouraging a proactive role in the monitoring of technical information and enhancing the value of costly subscriptions to electronic content and newly acquired resources. RSS can also be used on a more general basis for event notification and news updates. RSS feeds target the need to easily access cutting edge information in an efficient and timely manner. As Internet technology allows the perpetual publication of content, users are able to select only the most relevant information, saving time and allowing a greater focus on their area of speciality.

The State Library of NSW has a range of RSS services found at http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au./rss/index.html?HomeLink=Quick_links directing the user to new information and publications acquired. The State Library of Queensland found at http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/whats-on/news/feeds has RSS for new acquisitions but has also added RSS feeds that incorporate local content (At our Table - Queensland People) and library blogs. Libraries can use this technology to promote their services and also to draw in connections with users. RSS feeds can be received through readers or aggregators, they can also be accessed through the library website.

The advantages of automated RSS feeds ranges from allowing small understaffed libraries with little time or resources to efficiently manage and increase the value of their collections, to assisting highly technical libraries dealing with massive volumes of new content to meet the demands highly specialised staff. Monitoring usefulness through surveys of user behaviour can combat the problems associated with RSS feeds which are its lack of use, lack of relevancy and expiry of links.

The use of RSS readers has been said in recent times to be in decline, however this appears to be from its use in the current affairs and news markets. If Libraries stay connected with their users and are aware of their needs, they can continue to push new and specific resources, events and important local content through RSS effectively and efficiently reaching users in a more permanent and formal manner than a posting on face book or twitter.


References

Hart, L. (n.d). Library 2.0:RSS Feeds Dynamic uses for Special Libraries. Accessed 8/8/2010 from http://www.sla.org/pdfs/sla2007/hartrssfeeds.pdf

Landau, R. (2010). Solo Librarian and Outreach to Hospital Staff using Web 2.0 Technologies. Medical Reference Services Quarterly, 29(1), 75-84

MacManus, R. (2009). RSS Reader Market in Disarray, Continues to Decline. Accessed 9/8/2010 from http://readwriteweb.com/archives/rss_reader_market_in_disarray.php

Miles, A. (2009). RIP RSS: Reviving Innovative Programs through Really Savvy Services. Journal of Hospital Librarianship, 9(4) 425-432.

Youngkin, A. (2010). Librarian controlled RSS: A Novel Approach to Literate Search Follow-up. Journal of Hospital Librarianship, 10(2), 123-131.