OLJ 2- RSS Feeds

                I’m always interested in how other librarians are using technology. I came across “The Moxie Librarian” www.moxielibrarian.wordpress.com who had a great post about “10 Ways Librarians can use RSS Feeds”. Her point initially that it is “perfectly natural for libraries to adapt this technology for library services” because we are in the business of sharing information and allowing users to access information. The suggestions given on using RSS feeds were spot on, and I shall refer to some of them here.

                The first and foremost application I see repeated and used on local, school and other library websites is to introduce new resources to the users ( students, teachers, other staff and the school community). Whether the latest novel in a series, an information book relevant to a particular unit of work a grade is studying, new digital equipment the school library has purchased and how to use it, this information can be highlighted with an RSS feed and all interested parties can find out this information.

                Another use is to disseminate information eg: library events coming up or sharing the success of a past event, library news, basic information- opening and closing hours, borrowing capabilities, notifications if a resource is available and even overdue information. The State Library of NSW have various headings with RSS feeds. Some include new titles added to the catalogue, new titles by subject, new titles by format (eg: digitised maps, large print, talking books), new titles by language.

                The applications for how RSS can enhance a library or information service’s ability to meet the information needs of its user are great. Obviously the initial advantage is that the user has up to date information on topics relevant to them. This is helpful to students for whom time is always an issue. It is there at their fingertips. They may have access to information that would not otherwise be available to them… the library is providing a service to them in this way. This must be one of the libraries main goals .. to bring relevant information to each of  its users. Whatever the link, if it provides needed information we are successful!