Combating Information Overload with RSS Feeds Meghan Sitar Instruction and Outreach Librarian...
-
Upload
frederick-adam-black -
Category
Documents
-
view
216 -
download
1
Transcript of Combating Information Overload with RSS Feeds Meghan Sitar Instruction and Outreach Librarian...
Combating Information Overload
with RSS Feeds
Meghan SitarInstruction and Outreach Librarian
Library Instruction Services University of Texas Libraries
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/services/instructionMay 25, 2007
Goals for this Session
Develop an understanding of what RSS feeds are and how they can be used to keep up with new information on the Web
Become familiar with how to use an RSS reader/aggregator to subscribe to RSS feeds
Begin to consider ways that RSS can be used in the classroom
What is RSS?
Do you want to go to the newstand every day to check for the new issue of People or do you want it sent to your home when it’s published?
RSS = Really Simple SyndicationBehind-the-scenes code in a
language similar to HTML called XML
RSS = Really Simple Syndication
These content feeds exist for websites, blogs, and can even be created for your favorite searches
Unlike email subscriptions to a site, you don’t need to worry about spammers, identity theft, or contacting an administrator to end your relationship with that site
RSS = Really Simple Syndication
Most readers also allow you to create folders and categorize feeds, just like you would group your bookmarks.
When you finish reading that content, it is removed from your reader unless you save it.
Readers / Aggregators = Your inbox for Web content
Web-based Bloglines, http://www.bloglines.com Google Reader, http://www.google.com/reader Newsgator, http://www.newsgator.com Firefox Live Bookmarks:
http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/livebookmarks Google Personalized Home Page,
http://www.google.com/igOther Web-Based and Desktop Readers:
http://allrss.com/rssreaders.html
Step 1:
Choose a reader and create an account
www.bloglines.com
www.google.com/reader
Step 2: Identify Content
Clear out your browser bookmarks Which sites are you already visiting daily? Do they publish a feed?
Do the journals and databases in your field use RSS to provide news and search alerts?
Which sites publish new content that you need to follow? What are your interests? Start searching!
Google Blog Search, http://blogsearch.google.com Technorati, http://www.technorati.com Bloglines, http://www.bloglines.com/search Feedster, http://www.feedster.com College and University Feed Directory,
http://directory.edufeeds.com MiniBoxs RSS Magazine, http://www.miniboxs.com
Step 3: Subscribe to Content
Method 1: Click on feed icon
Step 3: Subscribe to Content
Method 1: Click on feed icon
Step 3: Subscribe to Content
Method 1: Click on feed icon
Step 3: Subscribe to Content
Method 1: Click on feed icon
Step 3: Subscribe to Content
Method 2: Paste the URL into Your Reader
Step 3: Subscribe to Content
Method 3: Use Subscription Tools Provided by the Website
Step 3: Subscribe to Content
Method 4: Use a Bookmarklet
Step 4: Manage Your Content
Create Folders Organize existing subscriptions into folders Add new subscriptions to existing folders Create new folders while adding subscriptions
Keep NewClip/Blog This
In the Classroom
Share Content Email content from your reader Make your blog or blogroll public in Bloglines Add to “Shared” in Google Reader Add syndicated content to your course website
In the Classroom
Create a folder housing your students’ blogs
In the Classroom
Have students subscribe to search alert RSS feeds from databases or other information sources as part of their research project
Use social bookmarking sites like Furl.net or del.icio.us to allow collaborative gathering of sites related to the course
Additional resources for finding, creating, and managing RSS feeds on handout
Please feel free to use the demo accountsContact me with any questions
AIM: meghanlibrarian
Questions?