RSS feeds

RSS feeds allow you to see when web pages have added new content, regardless of media type, without needing to visit the individual pages. Thus, helping you save time and cope with information overload!

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary. It is basically a string of XML code linking the site providing the RSS feed and the subscribers´ RSS reader. Once the feed is added to the RSS reader any new information from the site automatically appears within the reader.

Any site displaying an RSS icon, either on the page or in the address bar, has an RSS feed. All you need to do is to set up a reader or add the feed to your favourites.

How to choose an RSS reader
Various options are available depending on how you wish to view your RSS feeds.

Web-based RSS readers
If you use several different computers, at work and at home, a web-based reader is probably your best option. Two of the most popular web-based RSS readers are Bloglines and Google Reader.

Take our interactive tutorial to guide you through setting up a Google Reader account to manage your RSS feeds and keep up to date with what is happening in the Library.

Web-browser readers
Most new versions of web browsers have RSS feed readers built-in. To add a feed to your favourites:

More RSS feed readers (of all types) can be found via the RSS Compendium.