RSS

The Google RSS Reader allows me to access current information in library science to allow me to read breaking articles of interest to school librarians. The delivery system allows me to pick and choose from one convienent location what I will read at any given time. I subscribed to two library oriented sources and the School Library Journal feed had an interesting article promoting Library Media Teachers as Highly Qualified to the No Child Left Behind revision committee. There is a lot of talk about recognizing Information Literacy as a core subject. The information articulated in this article helps me to be a more informed advocate. This is a new resource to me and I can see that I need to remember its availabity. I can think of two instances this last week that a subscription might have provided information more readily; students researching stem cell legislation, and how to advocate for more LMTs. There are reoccuring themes that come up that would be helpful to know current thinking: collection mapping, weeding, collection development, databases, periodicals. I can see that I need to think in terms of checking the RSS Reader at least weekly. Honestly, I think if I subscribed to a couple of my favorite comic strips I would be inclined to check it often. At least that would get me into the habit. It is also an excellent means of professional growth material to pass on to fellow LMTs and even staff and administration.

Currently we can not subscribe to RSS subscriptions at our schools. However, I plan to introduce the topic as an inservice to our Middle School Staff in September. Many of our students do have access to the internet at home and would benefit from the use of this tool. We would need to supplement those students that do not have access to maintain equity to information and resources. Seeing that I received pertinent current information concerning the No Child Left Behind revisions, I know this could be an excellent means of on-going current information for our students. The flexibility of subscribing by keyword culls through an impossible number of hits even using a database. Students will typically not go further than four mouse-clicks into keyword "hit" list. Finding the appropriate RSS feed brings the information directly to the user. It would be particularly helpful for Middle School current event assignments that require the student to see changes over time or analyze trends. Even though our district blocks access to this type of activity, I do feel it is an important informational tool to which our staff and students should have access.