As Napolitani (2009) describes, RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a “web 2.0 tool that enables users to subscribe from favourite websites and collect updates from them all in one single page created through RSS reader.” Upon subscription, library users or even the library itself will automatically receive information about topics of interest to them. Information will be delivered into their device and will keep them updated.
Libraries may use RSS to share current resources and information about the library. For example, users at Cambridge University Library (CUL) can subscribe to feeds about new acquisitions, electronic resources on trial, accessible online resources, maintenance activities that might affect library services, newly-catalogued books and even, library loans. Meanwhile, the Library of Congress (LOC) gives options for the users to be updated about the library newsletters, events, employment opportunities and broad range of information on different topics covered in their collection.
Furthermore, libraries may use RSS to connect their users to other sources of interest. Libraries may also subscribe to RSS of other online sources such as news, journals, and magazines and these may be embedded in the library webpage for automatic updates. As illustrated in HCT LibGuides on nuclear power, the library subscribes to RSS feeds of World Nuclear News and Science Daily Magazine which may be helpful for users who have preference in science, physics or nuclear energy. Through the library webpage, users may subscribe to these RSS feeds or just go to the same library webpage for updates. LOC also provides RSS feed particularly for librarians (i.e. changes in LCC and LCSH) and teachers (i.e. teaching techniques, lesson plans, teacher resources) in support of their professional development.
While users can filter the information they need or prefer through RSS, libraries may improve their services either by providing or subscribing to RSS feeds to share and deliver information. Hence, RSS is a web 2.0 tool for information dissemination and current awareness.
References:
Napolitani, F. (2009). RSS feed applications in libraries: a brief note. Journal of the European Association for Health Information and Libraries, 5(2), 8.
http://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/toolbox/rss.html
http://libguides.hct.ac.ae/content.php?pid=313918&sid=2569674
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