A guide to using RSS

RSS is part of the umbrella of web 2.0 second generation web based services.   Publishers, news organisations and individuals are taking advantage of RSS as a method of syndicating news, information and personal opinions via RSS feeds from their websites and blogs.

These web pages aim to explain how RSS works, how it can be of value to support teaching and research and to highlight which library resources are using RSS to provide information, in written and audio format.

What is RSS?
RSS (Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary) is a string of XML code which provides a “feed” or link between the site providing the RSS feed and the subscribers RSS reader which displays the information.   Once the feed is added to the RSS reader any new information from the site automatically appears within the reader.   

RSS is used to syndicate information regardless of media type, for example, via text (news items, table of content alerts or blogs) or audio (podcasts or music downloads).

How can RSS help me?

How to set up an RSS reader and find RSS feeds

Which library resources (e-journals, databases and websites) provide RSS feeds?

Further information sources

RSS news feeds from the BBC 
This site provides a very useful “how-to” guide for RSS feeds and instructions on how to receive feeds from the BBC website.

How RSS Works
Wikipedia provide a detailed explanation of the history and technical applications of RSS.

MacLeod, Roddy. RSS Update: It's RSS, Jim, but Not as We Know It, FreePint, No. 234, 26th July 2007.
Provides an engaging overview of RSS use at present, including links to RSS feeds of potential interest to academics.