RSS (i.e., Really Simple Syndication or, its precursor RDF Site Summary) feeds allows headlines from other websites to be automatically delivered (fed)to a reader's email, blog or website. To collect the feeds, the readers' computer must have RSS "reader" software, which aggregates the information flow coming in into one spot.
Advantages include decreased time in surfing each favorite website regularly as information is "pushed" to the reader each time new stories or articles are published.
Another big advantage is for us as researchers. In our work, it's critical for us to keep up with the latest information on one's area of interest. So, I believe RSS feeds and readers can make this easy as hot-off-the-press information is handed to us, keeping us abreast with the latest discoveries. Obviously for the information to be research-worthy, the quality of the feed source must be a major consideration.
Next week: What are some of the top RSS Feed?
