Feed Me: RSS Feeds & the Library

What is RSS?

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication.

But what does that mean, you ask?

Think of RSS as the ability to create your own personal newspaper. Each feed you subscribe to shows you the headlines for your favorite columnists, products, or news updates.

RSS gives you the ability to subscribe to the newest content on the web, similar to an email newsletter.

Your Personal Newspaper Might Look Something Like This:

But I Don’t Wanna Subscribe!

Don’t want to go through all of those steps just to see the newest content on the Web?

Don’t worry! RSS feeds can be viewed like any other webpage. Simply click on the button to view the feed.

Troubleshooting Tip: But what if I get a page that looks like this:

1. Click the Reload or Refresh button on your browser.

2. Try updating your browser to the newest version.

1. Click the Reload or Refresh button on your browser.

2. Try updating your browser to the newest version.

Don’t Panic!

But I Wanna Subscribe!

Choosing a reader for your personal newspaper:

• As with most products, different companies offer different features, so you will want to pick the one that best fits your needs.

• For convenience, many companies such as Yahoo!, Microsoft Outlook 2007, Internet Explorer and Google offer readers as part of an existing account or product.

• Be sure to choose a reader that will fit into your daily routine.

I’m Hungry! Feed Me Some Feeds!

1. Find a RSS reader.

2. Decide what content you’re interested in.

3. Browse the web.

4. Look for this symbol:

5. Subscribe to the feed.

The Library’s Feeds

• Most are updated at midnight on Monday night

• The library’s blog feeds and “other” feeds such as Upcoming Events, Twitter, and GoodReads feeds update in real time.

• Each feed includes all of the new items that went on the shelves in the past week.

• You can find all of the library’s RSS feeds at http://catalog.westervillelibrary.org/screens/feeds.html

Feed the Masses

• Point out our New Materials lists to patrons who express frustration with not being able to find new books on the shelf.

• If patrons are frustrated because they’re 200th on the list for the newest blockbuster, suggest that they monitor our Upcoming DVDs feed.

• Keep in mind that a large portion of our new website will feature items from these feeds, making it easier for patrons to browse new items.

Adding an RSS FeedOutlook 2007 example

Why Feeds?

• Helps organize the massive amount of information that can be found on the Internet.

• Eliminates email overload, allowing for the most important information to come through.

• You no longer have to seek out new information from your favorite sites.

• You can keep up-to-date on what is most important to you.

Wiki-Wiki-Wiki Whack:Wikis 101

What is a Wiki?

• A wiki is a website that is easy to edit.

• Wikis were built by techie people to help non-techie people publish content to the web.

• Wikis help people share information.

• Wikis make it easy to link to related information.

Examples of Wikis

• Wikipedia - a free encyclopedia covering topics from world politics to pop culture

• Lostpedia - an entire wiki devoted to the TV show Lost

• Wikitravel - a travel guide wiki

• Wikihow - a how-to wiki

Why Wiki?

• Unclogs your email

• Helps us contribute and collaborate

• Provides easy access to information

• Centralizes information

• Helps with training

Why Do Wikis Get a Bad Rap?

• Forces of Evil Some people get drunk on the power, and like to add misinformation or inappropriate content. These are the

same people responsible for computer viruses.

• When the Elves go on Strike If no one within the wiki community takes responsibility for adding and/or updating content, the wiki will no

longer be useful.

Wikis at the Library

Staffipedia Only accessible from within the library. The link to Staffipedia can be found on the left-hand

pane of the library’s Intranet.

SearchOhio Wiki This wiki is used and edited by SearchOhio members. It covers procedures and how-to’s about SearchOhio. The link to the SearchOhio wiki can also be found on

the left-hand page of the library’s Intranet.

How to Find What You Need

• Keyword SearchBe aware that 3 letter words cannot be searched.

• Browse PagesAllows you to see all pages at once.

• Recent ChangesLets you see what’s new on the wiki.

• CategoriesIncludes Adult Services, Computer Services, Computer

Training, Customer Services, Librarian in Charge and Youth Services

Examples of Things You Can Find on Our Wiki

• Librarian-in-Charge instructions and tips

• Add-a-printer instructions

• Microsoft Office 2007 training documents from today’s presentations

• Laptop policies and procedures

• Claims Returned instructions

How to Add a Page

• Make sure the content doesn’t already exist on the wiki by searching or browsing.

• Type the title of the page you want to create in the search box and click search.

• Click Create This Page at the top of the screen.

• Add content and click Save Page at the bottom when done.

How to Edit a Page

• Find the page you want to edit and click the Edit button.

• Use the editing toolbar to include Bold and Italics text.

• Add internal links (links to other pages in the wiki), external links, headings or images.

• To attach documents or include more formatting, contact Computer Services.

Wiki Etiquette

• Be bold! Make changes!

• Include notes to explain changes.

• Be professional.

• Stay on topic.

• Make sure that you are not duplicating content.

• Don’t delete useful content.

• Add your initials and the date to all articles you add or edit.

Thank you!

Presented by: TamaraWesterville Public Library

In-Service, October 13th, 2008

All links can be found at: http://del.icio.us/westervillelibrary/

All slideshows can be found at: http://www.slideshare.net/westervillelibrary/