OLJ TASK: RSS

Attribution:Sharealike

Image Source: Smashing Magazine

RSS

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication and can be used in libraries and information services to provide,”…alerts of changes and for syndicating content” (Godwin & Parker, 2008, p.25).  In this ubiquitous information age, RSS functionality allows the user to tailor information that is relevant to them. This is achieved by the user subscribing to a feed and is sent information to either a feed reader, email or internet browser. 
It is important to point out the ever changing nature of these technologies has seen in recent weeks Google Reader (which was a very popular news aggregator) has chosen to cease operation due to decline in usage. This gave users a very short time to download a copy of their saved information before all was lost.

Information Organisations and their use of RSS.

To illustrate, as a way of meeting Information needs, Bond University have installed RSS feed on their e-publications (scholarly information and research webpage).  This notifies subscribers of recent papers that have been lodged. The feed is also embedded into maybe databases where the end-user and subscribe to topics of interest.  Alternatively, Brisbane City Council Library use RSS feeds as a broadcast mechanism for events being held over the City Libraries.  

Godwin, P.&Parker,J.(Eds.).(2008). Information Literacy meets Library 2.0,London:Facet Publishing.

Google Reader Dies(2013). Retrieved from, http://www.ibtimes.com/google-reader-dies-end-internet-1329741#