Managing and sharing information:

using RSS and web tools

Jo AlcockResources Librarian

Session Aims

• Introduce RSS and how to use

• Introduce bookmarking, tagging, sharing

• Share my experiences

• Have a go of using these technologies

• Discuss how they can be used in teaching and research

What is RSS?

RSS = Really Simple Syndication

RSS enables you to subscribe to many web sources so that updated information comes directly to you.

How can I use RSS?

Web-based reader• Check RSS feeds from any

internet connection• Use web browser to check for

new items• Greater social options e.g.

sharing, following, tagging

Desktop-based reader• Located on a particular

computer (e.g. home PC)• Use desktop software to

check for new items• Greater customisation options

e.g. filtering, personalisation

What can I use RSS for?

Example RSS sources

Google Reader

Bookmarking, Tagging and Sharing

• Bookmarking: saving favourite web links

• Tagging: descriptive words to help locate links again

• Sharing: with students, colleagues, research partners

Sharing from RSS

• Use Google Reader to share items with friends– Tag items from RSS feeds– Add notes – useful for referring back to– Publish shared items on the web for others to

see– Enable comments to discuss useful articles

with those you share with

Sharing from RSS

Sharing web resources

• Delicious to share web resources– Tag with general tags (e.g. education)– Tag with specific tags (e.g. cofhe09)– Send to other delicious users (or email)

http://www.delicious.com

Sharing academic resources

• EndNote Web to share academic resources– Create groups of resources to share– Set permission levels so that other can add

and edit group resources

http://www.myendnoteweb.com

Have a go!

Managing and sharing information exercises

References and useful URLs• Common Craft (2007) RSS in Plain English [online]. [Accessed 17 January

2010]. Available at: <http://www.youtube.com/user/leelefever#p/u/15/0klgLsSxGsU> .

• Google Reader – http://www.google.com/reader

• FeedDemon - http://www.newsgator.com/individuals/default.aspx

• Tictocs – http://www.tictocs.ac.uk

• Zetoc RSS - http://zetoc.mimas.ac.uk/rssjnllist.html

• BBC RSS - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/help/3223484.stm

• Google Alerts – http://www.google.com/alerts

• Delicious – http://www.delicious.com

• EndNote Web – http://www.myendnoteweb.com

• Digital literacy wiki – http://www.wlvdiglit.pbworks.com