Week Four: RSS

I've had limited experience with RSS feeds thus far, but first stumbled upon them last fall during my first term in MLIS, through another classmate who was known to be very keen on the cutting edge of library news. I definitely saw the benefits of having software that brings together all of my favourite websites...it certainly makes surfing the net more efficient, especially for someone who reads various newssites frequently. Although I have to say that I do enjoy the information hunt, as many people around me are inclined to have me "look this up!" and I get a sort of satisfaction out of seeing how fast I can find what they need.

One problem that I've had in my experimenting with RSS is that of being sure that the sites I subscribe to are indeed the "best" ones...I often go through the struggle of being selective in reading from only the most authoritative source, and having the most information possible available and then choosing. The latter pertains to what Cohen identified as "information overload" and perhaps this is an extension of my overall problem with the internet of not being satisfied with just one website...I feel like I need to check them all in order to make the best decision and acquire the most information. This is probably a common compulsion among other information professionals, however,..does anyone else have this problem? Anyways I can see other people identifying with this problem and was happy to read that RSS directories and news aggregators are available with brief descriptions to guide people in narrowing down their options.

Whether people jump on the bandwagon or not, I think it's important for all librarians to be aware of how RSS works and its benefits in making information more accessible, organized, immediate, and current. This would add value to any library. It's certainly clear that the majority of people are still unfamiliar with RSS, however, and oftentimes I have had to explain how it works (this usually begins with, "you know that little orange button..?" which is followed by a "no" response). This is why if libraries are to implement feeds on their websites for patrons, there should also be a section explaining what it is why they might use one. I think the Kansas City PL does a good job by calling feeds "guides", a simple, more understandable term. In contrast, the Dublin City PL merely has a small icon that says "select RSS feeds, " with no accompanying guidance for less tech-savvy patrons. NHMCCD and Tacoma PL also provide an online tutorial and an FAQ, respectively. I think this is the most important aspect of using RSS feeds in any form for customers/patrons at the moment, until people are more familiar with them. But I do see many ways people would enjoy RSS in the library...from getting updates on new collection additions, special guests, events, subject-specific feeds, etc. Librarians could also benefit themselves, by keeping updated on a multitude of happenings in the library including such things as suggestion box additions and changes occurring in different departments.