Montana State Library Uses RSS to Keep Patrons Informed
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2007
Contact: Sara Groves
(406) 444-5357
(HELENA) -- The Montana State Library announced today that it will now be able to update Montanans via Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds about the latest additions to its collection. The State Library's collection includes new state publications from all Montana state agencies, library professional development materials, and other nonfiction books and materials related to Montana.
RSS is a format for delivering regularly changing digital content, such as blogs, news feeds, or podcasts. Individuals use an RSS aggregator or reader to subscribe to a variety of sites that interest them. The RSS aggregator then updates the individual whenever new material is posted on a site. RSS aggregators save Internet users time because users no longer have to search the Web for information that interests them; the RSS aggregator automatically notifies the user of any updates on the sites to which they have subscribed.
"We wanted to provide our users with the latest and best technology to keep them informed of changes in our collection that might interest them," said James Kammerer, supervisor for Library Information Services at the Montana State Library. "Offering this exciting new service is another way that we are working hard to keep our patrons informed of the many new items that we add to our collection on a daily basis."
Individuals may subscribe to receive updates to the State Library's collection that would include any new publications from all of Montana's state agencies or they may select to receive updates on new publications from only the state agencies that most interest them. Individuals may also subscribe to receive updates on new materials related to library development or on any general Montana non-fiction items that are added to the State Library's collection.
"By breaking it down so that people may select exactly what most interests them, we are essentially providing a personalized library right to an individual's desktop," said Kammerer.
Additionally, if the digital version of the publication is available, the link in the RSS Feed will bring up the publication in its entirety, which can then be read, downloaded, or printed - all from a personal computer. If the publication is available only in hard copy or other physical format, the link in the RSS Feed will go to the publication's record in the State Library's catalog. From there, an individual may request that information, and the State Library will send it to the interested party.
To access and subscribe to the State Library's list of RSS Feeds, please visit: http://msl.mt.gov/rss. The State Library's catalog RSS feed is updated on a weekly basis every Sunday.
Through its statewide programs, the Montana State Library empowers Montanans; enhances learning in families and communities; builds 21st Century skills; and provides opportunities for civic participation. For more information, visit http://msl.mt.gov.
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