Thing # 9 RSS and newsreaders

Hey all,

Back with more Library 2.0 thoughts. This blog's topic: RSS and Newsreaders

So, I had no idea what RSS meant before the training for Web 2.0...embarrassing maybe...but I admit it. I am amazed at how many sites have this feature available. Sure, you expect major news networks to have a feed, but even the History Channel has feeds to choose from. The World Wide Web is such an amazing place...and it's changing and growing every second.

I have been using Google Reader and love that all my news is in one place. No longer do I have to bookmark articles and websites. I also like that you can star articles to make returning to them easier. The Trends option is cool too...Google Reader is set up so that you can see not only how many articles you have read, but the time at which you read them...not that this information is vital to our survival...but stats are always fun!

Libraries can, and should use these newsreaders and RSS feeds to improve customer service. Mostly, I see these newsreaders popular in an academic setting, though. However, in a public library setting these readers can be used to keep up with library trends and ideas for the collection...Imagine all reviews in one place.

Well, until next time...Keep reading and keep blogging!