In a previous post I briefly discussed what RSS was and how simple it is to use. This post will explore how this simplicity can be harnessed for use by libraries and information agencies?
What does RSS do for the content producer and content aggregator?
From the content producers perspective RSS is considered a push technology for the dissemination of information (1). RSS alerts can range from the macro; whole of site, to the micro; discrete site elements such as changes in library opening hours or new library acquisitions (2).
Some content producers allow tailoring of RSS feeds; for example PubMed allows users to create an RSS feed of their search strategy, which is shown in the YouTube below. These tailored search feeds can then be incorporated into a relevant page on a library website.
RSS also allows content syndication or web syndication, which is a form of remixing and republishing of someone else's material onto your websites. For example, The German Central Medical Library provides on their home page, a news feed which is merged from syndicated scientific and medical web based content from across Germany (3). Another example is the creation of RSS lists for journal table of contents (4).
On step further in RSS aggregation is the remixing and mashup of data offered by Yahoo Pipes (5).
It should be noted that the use of external content to create RSS feed requires filtering, evaluation and organisation and therefore appropriate resources (skilled staff and time) are required.
These RSS services (granulation, tailoring, remixing) creates a relationship with the consumer and promotes the continued use of the information service.
What does RSS do for the content consumer
The provision of RSS feed by information services, such as those indicated below allows consumers to keep up to date on 'selective' content. The use of content aggregators, such as Google Readers, further allow users to customise different content streams (6) which can save time and reduce information overload.
RSS feed examples
Hart, L. G. (2007). Library 2.0: RSS feeds dynamic uses for Special Libraries. Retrieved from http://www.sla.org/pdfs/sla2007/hartrssfeeds.pdf
What does RSS do for the content producer and content aggregator?
From the content producers perspective RSS is considered a push technology for the dissemination of information (1). RSS alerts can range from the macro; whole of site, to the micro; discrete site elements such as changes in library opening hours or new library acquisitions (2).
Some content producers allow tailoring of RSS feeds; for example PubMed allows users to create an RSS feed of their search strategy, which is shown in the YouTube below. These tailored search feeds can then be incorporated into a relevant page on a library website.
RSS also allows content syndication or web syndication, which is a form of remixing and republishing of someone else's material onto your websites. For example, The German Central Medical Library provides on their home page, a news feed which is merged from syndicated scientific and medical web based content from across Germany (3). Another example is the creation of RSS lists for journal table of contents (4).
On step further in RSS aggregation is the remixing and mashup of data offered by Yahoo Pipes (5).
It should be noted that the use of external content to create RSS feed requires filtering, evaluation and organisation and therefore appropriate resources (skilled staff and time) are required.
These RSS services (granulation, tailoring, remixing) creates a relationship with the consumer and promotes the continued use of the information service.
What does RSS do for the content consumer
The provision of RSS feed by information services, such as those indicated below allows consumers to keep up to date on 'selective' content. The use of content aggregators, such as Google Readers, further allow users to customise different content streams (6) which can save time and reduce information overload.
RSS feed examples
- updates on library services or projects
- upcoming library events such as training programs
- new acquisitions (can be broken down by format and topic)
- featured resources
- latest resources catalogued
- library blogs
- current awareness services
- guideline updates
- library user notifications (eg: loans date due)
- table of contents service
- employment
- aggregation of external feeds
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Endnotes
References
Endnotes
- Hart, 2007, Abstract.
- Wusterman, 2004, p. 404, para. 2.
- Obst, 2009, p. 35, para. 1.
- Napolitan, 2009. p.9, para. 1.
- Examples of library pipes are available at http://pipes.yahoo.com/pipes/search?q=library&x=0&y=0
- Constantinides, 2008, p. 233, 235.
References
Constantinides, E., & Fountain, S.J. (2008). Web 2.0: conceptual foundations and marketing issues. Journal of Direct, Data and Digital Marketing Practice 9(3), 231–244. doi:10.1057/palgrave.dddmp.4350098.
Napolitan, F. (2009). RSS feed applications to libraries: a brief note. Journal of the European Association of Health Libraries, 5(2), 8-9. Retrieved from http://www.eahil.net/journal
Obst, O. (2009). RSS – The Swiss Army knife of the Internet. Journal of the European Association of Health Libraries, 5(1), 33-35. Retrieved from http://www.eahil.net/journal
Wusterman, J. (2004). RSS. The latest feed. Library Hi Tech 22(4), 404-414. doi:10.1108/07378830410570511. Also available from http://www.ucd.ie/wusteman/lht/wusteman-rss.html
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