In my last post I discussed how RSS feeds are used to subscribe to the content of websites. How can libraries use RSS feeds to better serve their customers?
Since becoming an RSS convert last summer, I have found myself getting increasingly annoyed at sites that do not offer RSS feeds. At this point, it’s simply how I want to approach the Internet. It’s just like how I get annoyed if I have to watch a TV show when the station wants it to air, rather than when I want to watch it recorded on a DVR. I feel like any site that has content that’s frequently updated, I should be able to subscribe to it, and have it sent to me!
Libraries update content on their websites all the time! Every program or event? New content! Every computer class or book club meeting? New content! Every book added to the catalog? New content!
Why should an avid mystery reader have to check the catalog to see if new mysteries have been added to the catalog? Why should someone doing research on the birds of NJ have to visit the website to search the catalog for new books on his topic? One of my guilty pleasures is reading romance novels. If I didn’t work in the library, I’d never have any idea when the new Nora Roberts or Suzanne Brockmann book was released. I want the library to tell me when they had those authors to the catalog.
I’ve also worked on programming committees that have had hard times promoting events. It can be really tough reaching an audience. Maybe having RSS feeds of what’s going on at the library could hel bridge the gap between the event and the audience.
I think it’s important for librarians to understand RSS and why people would want to use it, as I think it’s indicative of the greater trends in Internet use — people want information on their terms.
Also, from a librarian stand-point, RSS feeds are a great way to keep up on emerging trends. It’s hard enough keeping track of what’s going on now at your library, why make it harder by stressing about falling behind? By subscribing to feeds for sites that track emerging technologies, you’ve made being on the cutting edge (or at least knowing what the cutting edge is) a whole lot easier.
