The acronym RSS stands for "Really Simple Syndication". It is a format that is used to publish frequently updated web-based information. Information is sent out using an XML web feed from blogs, podcasts, news sources or even library catalogues and publisher sites.

Users of RSS content subscribe to feeds using an RSS 'reader' or 'aggregator'. The reader allows you to view information from multiple feeds in a single interface. After you have subscribed to an RSS feed, your reader will check that website on a regular basis for new content and display it for you in the reader.

RSS can keep you up to date with research. Some examples of sources are:

Set up an RSS reader - There are many RSS readers available and many are free. Some are programs you download and install on your computer and others are web-based services that you access with your web browser.

Internet Explorer 7.0 and the latest version of Firefox have RSS Readers built into their tool bars. Just look for the icon.

Popular web-based RSS Readers are:

There is a comprehensive list of RSS readers maintained at the DMOZ Open Directory Project.

You will need to follow the subscription process for each individual reader. This process will involve copying and pasting the URL of the RSS feed into some sort of "location of feed" box. "Feed Location"

For UNSW the UNSW Library New Books Alerts

The following web-based services are available if you'd rather receive alerts via email.