University of Alberta Libraries

What is RSS?

RSS stands for "Really Simple Syndication" and is an easy way to stay on top of everything that's happened on the web since your last visit.

How does this help me?

Monitoring RSS feeds will...

• Tell you what is new on your favorite web site
• Allow you to keep up with the latest developments in your area of study
• Keep you informed of new articles by select scholarly publishers
• Keep you up to date with local and international news
• Save you time!

How do I read RSS feeds?

RSS feeds are read with an application called an RSS reader or an aggregator. The following web-based readers are free, simple to use, and available from any place where you have Internet access:

• Bloglines
• Newsgator
• Google Reader

For a comprehensive list of web-based RSS readers please visit RSS Compendium.

Where can I find RSS feeds?

Although not every web site has an RSS feed, more and more feeds are coming online every day. Look for these buttons on your favourite websites:

    

In addition, RSS feeds are sometimes labeled "Get Headlines" or "Syndicated Content". Clicking on these buttons or links will take you to the feed itself or some instructions on how to subscribe to the feed. A number of RSS directories list available feeds. A few to try:

• RSSFeeds.com
• Syndic8

How do I subscribe to RSS feeds?

• If the site has one of the RSS buttons, just right click on it. 
• A new page will open up. 
• Copy the URL of this page.
• Go to your RSS reader and follow the instructions for adding a feed.  This will involve pasting the URL you copied.

 

What about University of Alberta Library feeds?

We currently maintain several RSS feeds including library news, New Books, and upcoming library instruction. If you have any suggestions for additional library feeds that would be useful for you please let us know by using our Suggestion Box.