Why libraries should care about RSS:
An important aspect of librarianship entails helping users to tap and navigate through reservoirs of information. With much information in society now flowing through digital means, librarians must find ways to easily deliver and aggregate content to their patrons and themselves. RSS can provide numerous ways for libraries to simplify the task of, and perhaps even advance the method in which they are able to provide effective service to its users.
By subscribing to RSS feeds, users can save time by having one access point for all information that is of interest sent to them, rather than visiting numerous sites individually for the latest information. Libraries that regularly publicize upcoming events and programs on their website can include links for patrons to subscribe to the RSS feed so that they can be regularly updated with the latest information on what is to come. Libraries are also always adding new materials to their collection, and can offer an RSS feed for patrons to be appraised of their newest additions. Libraries and Librarians themselves can subscribe to various RSS feeds and be up to date and knowledgeable on the latest in literature, as well as various aspects of the industry. Libraries that have accounts for blogs and Twitter can even dedicate a portion of their website to receive RSS feeds and feature content from these forums rather than having to repost the same information a number of times.
RSS essentially allows individuals to save time by allowing them to aggregate information through personalized and selective means. Libraries finding ways to best serve their patrons may find that utilizing RSS helps them show the care they put into sharing information with them.
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