What is RSS?
RSS stands
for Really Simple Syndication, and it's a type of
web feed. Using an RSS
reader or aggregator, you can use this technology to keep updated on news
headlines, blog postings,
podcasts, or really
anything else that offers RSS. Instead of visiting a site, the information
is sent directly to you; you "subscribe" it to your RSS reader.
RSS is akin to newspaper home delivery: information is delivered directly
to your Internet doorstep instead of having to go to anywhere for the
information. All of your information is in one place, and so it's a
time-saver for those who visit many sites daily or weekly, and for keeping
track of sites that are updated infrequently.
RSS works by using XML--to find more technical details on how an RSS feed
works, you can read more about it from XML.com
here.
The Seattle Public Library also has a
great explanation of RSS available
here.
Who offers RSS feeds?
Many news sites offer RSS feeds now, including
CNN,
Google News, The New York Times
and more. Other types of sites like blogs also offer RSS feeds as well. You
can even track your UPS or
Federal Express package with RSS.
You should look for a symbol, usually orange, that looks something like
this  or this
 on the page you visit, to find out if
they will let you subscribe via RSS.
What RSS reader should I use?
We don't endorse any particular reader or aggregator, but here are some
suggestions:
How do I subscribe to an RSS feed?
Once you're set up with an RSS aggregator or reader, you can usually
search the sites you want in your reader; it will usually detect the RSS
feed and then ask you to click a button to add it to your list. You can also
visit a site and click on the RSS button, symbol or link--this will give you
the address of your feed that you can enter into the reader.
When the site content is changed, you will get an update in your reader.
If you're having trouble with subscribing to an RSS feed, or you want to
know more, you can email us, visit
us at the reference desk whenever the library is open, or call us at
extension 3232.
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