RSS

Okay, I have four major technologies to discuss that are commonly used in the library world. I chose to pick one I know quite a bit about since I participated in a group project on the topic and three others I am not as familiar with in the hopes that as I write about them they will become clearer for me as well!

First topic is RSS, or the commonly accepted name, Really Simple Syndication. Basically, in the simplest terms RSS keeps you up-to-date on your favorite websites. RSS files are an application of XML and are constructed with a set of standardized tags that allow an aggregator to subscribe to a syndicated feed. Whew, I didn't understand a word in that sentence, how about you? Let's see if I can make it easier for my poor little brain...

To view or read a RSS feed you need a feed "aggregator" or "reader". Its like needing a radio to interpret radio signals. The RSS feed reader translates the RSS feed from computer language into viewable text. RSS feed readers can be web-based like a customizable My Yahoo page or an account with Bloglines. They can also be downloaded software like RSS Bandit or FeedReader. Newer web browsers can also function as RSS feed readers letting you add feeds to your favorites list. So once you have a reader you can set up feeds from your favorite websites. New information added to those sites can be easily browsed by visiting a single web page, called the "news reader". For example, you can quickly skim headlines from your favorite news website and pick out items of interest or you can keep up-to-date on what is going on in the political races with RSS since it provides you with the latest news at one stop, rather than searching through multiple websites. RSS news readers also make it quick and easy to keep up with blog postings from your favorite blogs.


So how is RSS used in libraries? Well since I work in a public library I will mention some of the ways they use them. Many libraries are now offering free RSS feeds for patrons. For example, at the Hennepin County Library in Minnesota, patrons can subscribe to RSS feeds on library news and the latest goings-on at the Hennepin Library. There are also RSS feeds for news at local branches. Patrons can also set up personalized RSS feeds to their account to see what items they have out or when holds are available. There are RSS feeds for events and classes going at the Hennepin Library. There are RSS feeds available for booklists, subject guides and you can make any catalog search into an RSS feed. Nifty huh? I think so. The Phoenix Public Library offers RSS feeds on new fiction and nonfiction titles that come into the library. PPL also offers patrons secure notifications for their patron account such as courtesy reminders of when items are due. Patrons can search RSS feeds of their searches against the library catalog and be notified when an item is added to the catalog. In addition, at PPL patrons can use RSS to be notified when new events and programs are added to the calendar. So as you can see there are lots of fun ways libraries can use RSS to meet the needs of their patrons.

The social impact of this technology is that RSS is making it possible to get information to people quickly, efficiently and in a personalized manner. People want their news and information immediately and do not have time or the inclination to visit several websites a day to get what they want, RSS brings information right to their door! RSS also lets the library come to the patron instead of the other way around. It allows the library to meet the needs of the remote user. I think RSS can also have some negative consequences as well. While RSS provides immediate gratification it only gives the user a snapshot of information and they could be missing out on additional valuable information. But I still think RSS is way cool and I can't believe I have never used it before, I am going to go try and find one of these aggregators because I just found a feed for General Hospital fans! Don't judge me, yes, I have heard that soap operas kill brain cells and I don't care. I also just found a feed for People magazine headlines, you mean I can be informed when Britney Spears runs another red light or Lindsay Lohan heads back to rehab, or when JLo has the baby? This is too exciting....I swear I really am a intelligent woman who almost has her Masters, I can't help it I like celebrity gossip....