Resource Review #3: Indiana Libraries talk about RSS

Helling, B. RSS Feeds. Indiana Libraries v. 27 no. 1 (2008) p. 46-54

Helling's article provided a very comprehensive view of RSS, featuring the history, definiton, and application of RSS. Helling puts RSS into context of other technical tools and forms, such as blogs, podcasts and vodcasts. The article was technically detailed enough so that a person with fairly unfamiliar with technology could easily understand the nature of how RSS works, while readers with more advanced knowledge could implement some of the processes of how to create RSS feeds with various tools.

The article starts with by explaining the origin of RSS, in that it was developed because there was a need for a simple way to gather information and make it accessible to read and easy to transmit for readers and creators. Helling explains that in the early days of web blogging, bloggers had to be very motivated and efficient in order to continuously update information on their blog, and could only hope that people would visit their site and make note of the updates, while readers had to be very motivated and efficient to continuously check each of their favorite sites for updates. RSS was created to make the transfer of information more effortless for each of the parties.

It then goes on to explain that RSS is actually an XML format used for blogs, podcasts, etc. This is elaborated in a section of the paper titled "Anatomy of an RSS Feed," in which instructions are provided for for how to create an RSS feed yourself. There are a variety of options, ranging from using a simple text editor to type the XML directly, using a feed generator such as ListGarden RSS Feed Generator, a commercial service such as blogger.com (just like me!), or through software downloaded on your computer. These technical explanations are very informative and easy to understand--ideal for someone with basic technology skills. However, this section may be rather esoteric for someone unfamiliar with technological jargon.

In the last section of the article, Helling finally answers the question we've all been waiting for: "What do libraries have to gain?" He explains that RSS is not simply a passing fad, but a useful way to deliver content to users wishing to keep up on their interests in an increasingly confusing technical environment. It is also mentioned that many Integrated Library Systems are providing RSS features into their catalogs.

Overall, the article gave a wonderful overview of the nature of RSS, and provided a compelling argument to learn and implement RSS into your library. Helling advocated for the adoption of this technology in a calm and rational light.