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?
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