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RSS: Keeping Up with Research 

Last update: Oct 06th, 2009 URL: http://libguides.mit.edu/rss  Print Guide  RSS Updates

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What is RSS and why should I use it?

What is RSS and why should I use it?


An RSS reader allows you to easily view new content from multiple web sites in a single interface, such as:

  • table of contents from new issues of journals
  • new articles on a specific topic from many journals
  • new books in the MIT Libraries
  • new patents in specific technology areas
  • news in science, technology, business, health, etc. from Google, New York Times, BBC, etc.
 

RSS Feeds vs. Email Alerts

Similar services are available via email through Table of Contents / Research Alert Services.

 

Aspect RSS Feeds
 Email Alerts

Login/registration with content provider

 Subscribing to feeds is (usually) anonymous. You must set up an account for each, so there are multiple logins to deal with and some lack of privacy.

Segregate or integrate

 Segregates your news so it doesn't get buried as you deal with more urgent emails. Integrates your news with your email so there is only one interface to check.

Managing news

 Items are automatically deleted or marked as read. Every news item that comes in has to be manually deleted/filed.

Interface

 Different readers allow different layouts and usually have customizable preferences. Email comes in standard format.

Availability

 Common for table of contents alerts, only some databases have RSS feeds for saved searches; however, you can convert email to RSS feeds using Bloglines. Common; however, you can also convert RSS feeds to email if that is your preferred format.
 

My profile

Profile ImageJ. Darcy Duke
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Contact Info:
Title: Engineering Librarian
617.253.9370
MIT Barker Engineering Library
Rm 10-500
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More Info:
I specialize in technology-based services (web pages, online interfaces, and more).

I help users with patents and more.

 

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