Combating Information Overload with RSS Feeds Meghan Sitar Instruction and Outreach Librarian Library Instruction Services University of Texas Libraries May 25, 2007

Goals for this Session Develop an understanding of what RSS feeds are and how they can be used to keep up with new information on the Web Become familiar with how to use an RSS reader/aggregator to subscribe to RSS feeds Begin to consider ways that RSS can be used in the classroom

What is RSS? Do you want to go to the newstand every day to check for the new issue of People or do you want it sent to your home when it’s published? RSS = Really Simple Syndication Behind-the-scenes code in a language similar to HTML called XML

RSS = Really Simple Syndication These content feeds exist for websites, blogs, and can even be created for your favorite searches Unlike subscriptions to a site, you don’t need to worry about spammers, identity theft, or contacting an administrator to end your relationship with that site

RSS = Really Simple Syndication Most readers also allow you to create folders and categorize feeds, just like you would group your bookmarks. When you finish reading that content, it is removed from your reader unless you save it.

Readers / Aggregators = Your inbox for Web content Web-based  Bloglines,  Google Reader,  Newsgator,  Firefox Live Bookmarks:  Google Personalized Home Page, Other Web-Based and Desktop Readers: 

Step 1: Choose a reader and create an account

Step 2: Identify Content Clear out your browser bookmarks  Which sites are you already visiting daily?  Do they publish a feed? Do the journals and databases in your field use RSS to provide news and search alerts? Which sites publish new content that you need to follow? What are your interests? Start searching!  Google Blog Search,  Technorati,  Bloglines,  Feedster,  College and University Feed Directory,  MiniBoxs RSS Magazine,

Step 3: Subscribe to Content Method 1: Click on feed icon

Step 3: Subscribe to Content Method 1: Click on feed icon

Step 3: Subscribe to Content Method 1: Click on feed icon

Step 3: Subscribe to Content Method 1: Click on feed icon

Step 3: Subscribe to Content Method 2: Paste the URL into Your Reader

Step 3: Subscribe to Content Method 3: Use Subscription Tools Provided by the Website

Step 3: Subscribe to Content Method 4: Use a Bookmarklet

Step 4: Manage Your Content Create Folders  Organize existing subscriptions into folders  Add new subscriptions to existing folders  Create new folders while adding subscriptions Keep New Clip/Blog This

In the Classroom Share Content  content from your reader  Make your blog or blogroll public in Bloglines  Add to “Shared” in Google Reader  Add syndicated content to your course website

In the Classroom Create a folder housing your students’ blogs

In the Classroom Have students subscribe to search alert RSS feeds from databases or other information sources as part of their research project Use social bookmarking sites like Furl.net or del.icio.us to allow collaborative gathering of sites related to the course

Additional resources for finding, creating, and managing RSS feeds on handout Please feel free to use the demo accounts Contact me with any questions AIM: meghanlibrarian Questions?