Using RSS feeds - the library's point of view, the patron's

RSS feeds sound like magic. After all, we can "push" information to our users: our class schedule, news about any system problems, new titles, and more. Libraries are burgeoning with information, and we would love to have our patrons get more of what we have to offer.

There's always a problem with overloading one's email inbox, rss reader, etc., so we do want to be careful and make it possible to customize what our patrons sign up for. Not everyone will want the list of new titles every week, but some will. Some will be glad to know about this week's classes.

Library staff could also make use of rss, by signing up for the new titles list, the classes list, etc. Also, for current awareness (journal table-of-contents, blog entries on library-related blogs, meeting notes, etc.).

Patrons would most obviously benefit from being notified of new titles and current classes. The most frequently requested type of rss feed is getting the tables of contents of journals; if we can simplify that process for our patrons, preserving their access to our licensed content, it should be very useful and popular.