Week 4: RSS & Newsreaders continued...

#9 Finding Feeds
I have played with all of the recommended searching tools; Feedster, Topix.net, Google Blog Search & Technorati. Feedster I found most challenging, mainly because my search results seemed to provide page upon page of irrelevant results, no matter how much I tried to limit my search requests. Possibly more play time is required on this tool. Otherwise, I liked the look and feel and functionality of Topix.net, Google Blog Search and Technorati. (I couldn't resist linking my blog to Technorati).

Some of the Library related feeds I located using the aforementioned searching tools include:

LISnews.org Public Library news (via Topix.net)
librariesinteract.info (with Google Blog Search)
Tame the Web: Libraries & Technology (* see note below)(through Technorati)

Other feeds, like iLibrarian and ResourceShelf I found simply by clicking on the 'related feeds' link when adding RSS subscriptions to my Bloglines account.

I also looked at the Ebsco database and have a clear understanding of how a search request RSS feed can become a specific subject alert or SDI (a selected dissemination of information - possibly old library and information management language?).

Recommended readings (or is that blogging?) - * Tame the Web and other blogs, like LibraryCrunch produced by Michael Stephens and Michael Casey are worth a look, especially in relation to this program and to gain a greater incite into how Web 2.0 technologies do and can influence the provision of library services. Happy reading.

All feeds discussed are located in my blogroll.

Finally, I just wanted to report that I was lucky enough to be able to reinforce my own learning this week by assisting a colleague subscribe to an RSS feed and give them tips on how to manipulate their Blog template.

Technorati tags RSS feeds library 2.0 Technorati

Week 4: RSS & Newsreaders (to be continued)

#8 Make life 'really simple' with RSS & newsreader
I have had some experience with RSS, so felt pretty confident setting up my Bloglines account and adding feeds. My public Bloglines URL is as follows: http://www.bloglines.com/public/VirgoBlue

Previously I have used RSS feeds to receive updates on professional development topics, events and employment opportunities. However, eventually I returned to my comfort zone, using my home email account as my 'one stop shop' for receiving e-news and the like. However, I am aware that a key advantage of using RSS over email subscriptions is that you're not likely to have anything bounce because you've reached a capacity limit.

In regards to the public library arena, an advantage of RSS and newsreaders as information disseminating technology is that subscribers are opting into the service, providing us (The Library) with an interested audience. While the City of Greater Dandenong Libraries does not, at present, offer information via RSS, the options are endless. For example, the library could notify patrons of upcoming events & programs, new books & subscriptions, reviews, end user education, general library news, and possibly in the future, Reservation & Overdue Notices? In a broader sense, why not highlight to the same community group other local events and services offered by our Local Council, which may suit their needs?

Anyway, I've been thinking about the last question posed for this task: Why make your RSS feeds public? To be honest, I thought it was a trick question! The only answer I could think of was if someone had similar interests to me then they maybe interested in the feeds I'm reviewing? So, I then thought of an interest group scenario and wondered if by sharing feeds (access to information) there is an assumption that everyone in that interest group has the ability to receive the same up-to-the-minute information and therefore discussions and comments (and social networking) is more interactive. Just a thought.

#9 Finding Feeds...comments coming soon!

Technorati tags Bloglines RSS feeds