RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a popular way to receive updates and news about changes in websites. Initially common among bloggers, it has spread into the news media (like the New York Times) and organizations where there is rapid change. When you think of change, think of the library, where we regularly acquire new books and databases, swap print for electronic versions, offer workshops, post new student resources, and more. It's natural that libraries are moving to RSS delivery of their news.
What is RSS?
Really Simple Syndication, aka Rich Site Summary, is a standard for reading Web pages that are written in XML (Extensible Markup Language). Such pages are called “feeds” or “channels.” Special readers, called “feed readers” or “aggregators,” are often used for this, though some standard Web browsers already do or will offer this capability. The Firefox browser, for example, currently handles RSS with its Sage plug-in.
Microsoft promises that Internet Explorer version 7, due for release this fall, will include an RSS feed reader. Reader software can also be downloaded as separate products, often for free. My Yahoo and Google's personal accounts include RSS service. Services like Wikipedia provide lists of reader software.
Why Use RSS? It's All About Getting Back in Control
- Custom News
Using an RSS reader allows you to choose a set of news resources and essentially build your own online newspaper, delivered to your desktop so you don't have to visit Web sites yourself.
- Convenient Timing
You choose when to look at the news your reader has collected for you.
- No Spam
RSS feeds do not get blocked by email filters, nor do they clutter up your email box. Because you control your RSS subscriptions, there is no spam.
- Headline Format
News is delivered as quick headlines with links to further information. You choose what to pursue in depth.
How to Find News Feeds
Once you have a feed reader, you'll want to choose some news feeds to read. Some reader software comes with suggestions.
Whenever you visit a site and see an 
or 
button, you can collect a feed to add to your reader. Usually it involves clicking the button, copying the address that appears in your browser's address box, and pasting the address into your feed reader as a new subscription.
Another easy way to collect news feeds is from lists of feeds. AllRSS.com organizes feeds by topic, including health. The Feedster search engine is devoted to searching RSS feeds. Search it for topics of interest to you and subscribe to the feeds that discuss your topics.
Be sure to include AISR's new feed in your subscription list. The address is http://jeffline.jefferson.edu/rss.xml. Our initial experiment will include all AISR topics, but if demand warrants, we will add specialized feeds for specific audiences or topics over time.
Need Help?
Contact the Reference Desk at 215-8150 or AskaLibrarian@jefferson.edu for advice about feed readers and feed selection.
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