Frequently
Asked
Questions

RSS Feeds come to the ODU Libraries

What is RSS?

The acronym RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication (among other things!). You can think of an RSS "feed" as a dynamic headline service. If you see the RSS Feed or RSS Feed graphic it will let you know that content is available as a RSS feed.

Why is RSS valuable?

The main benefit of RSS is speed. For information that changes frequently you could check a web page every day to see if something had changed but that would require time and close attention to detail. Using a RSS reader you can save time by having new items automatically show up as new headline links from which you can go directly to the item.

What is a RSS reader?

To retrieve RSS feeds you will use a program called a RSS reader. One method is to install a separate reader program (such as SharpReader or RSS Reader) that displays RSS feeds from the sites you select. These programs vary in capability and ease of use but most allow multiple feeds to be added, enabling you to view hundreds of headlines at once.

Another method that does not require installing an additional program is to use a Web-based RSS reader. Google, for example, offers the Google Reader. Other examples such as Pluck, Bloglines and My Yahoo! users can now add RSS feeds directly to their personal page.

What RSS feeds are available?

The following RSS feeds are currently available from the ODU libraries

ODU Library News
http://www.lib.odu.edu/rss/odulibnews.xml
ODU Library Government Information Highlights
http://www.lib.odu.edu/rss/odulibgov.xml
Friends of the Library News and Events
http://www.lib.odu.edu/rss/odulibfol.xml
Resource Highlights
http://www.lib.odu.edu/resources/highlights/?feed=rss2
Services Highlights
http://www.lib.odu.edu/services/highlights/?feed=rss2