Thing #9 - feed me

I used the Bloglines search tool to find the feeds for a couple of the library-related blogs I already knew were out there. I used Technorati when I was setting up the LPLS Learning 2.0 site, to find other local blogs for Thing #3.

I like how Technorati displays new blog posts in a rolling list. Neat! At Topix, I followed the link for the Nashville News page. Pretty straightforward. I like the traffic info, that could be helpful. A little confused on why they have Nashville listed as being in Williamson County... Feedster looks too hip for me. Anyway, did a couple of searches to compare results, found a few new blogs to read.

The most interesting thing I found using these sites, so far, was an ad for a new Coen brothers movie called No Country For Old Men. I didn't know they had a new movie coming out! I'm a big Coen brothers fan. (James Brolin is looking a little Charles Bronson, based on the IMDB photos. Weird.)

Thing #8 - RSS feeds

I've been using RSS feeds for a while to keep up with various library blogs and techy news (though I've been using something other than bloglines). It's an easy way to have lots of different kinds of information delivered to you in one place, which is a big time saver for me. Many of the feeds I get give a summary of the posted article, so if it's something that interests me, I follow the link and can read the whole thing. Otherwise, it's like scanning the headlines in a newspaper -- you get a feel, at least, for what's going on.

I think there is a big future for libraries using RSS feeds. I think it will be great when we finally have an OPAC that will allow patrons to sign up for RSS feeds for new books, new DVDs, etc., as well as for saved searches. Supposed you want to read every new book released about Princess Diana, or every new release by James Patterson. RSS feeds can give you a way to save your search and be notified when new items fitting your search criteria are added. Some of our online databases already offer RSS feeds -- including TEL, which lets you create a "search alert." This RSS feed will send you updates when new items meeting your search criteria are added to the digital collection. Isn't that swell? Great for people doing research or who are just curious about a particular topic. (In fact, I'm making a note on my to-do list to find ways to promote this on our library website.)

I've already shared my bloglines list, but here it is again.