RSS stands for "Really Simple Syndication." It is a standard format used to share content on the Internet. Many websites provide RSS "feeds" that describe their latest updates. Most websites typically offer a link such as or to identify an RSS feed. Although RSS feeds are more common on news related sites, many other websites are utilizing syndicated feeds for sharing a wider variety of information.

How can you use RSS feeds?
You can use RSS to review updates from your favorite websites (that offer syndication) without having to visit each site. Using an RSS reader, you subscribe to the feed from a website, then scan headlines to find items of interest. If you find an something you like, click the link to read the complete article.

You always have the latest updates because your RSS reader periodically retrieves the RSS feeds.

Where can I get an RSS reader?
You can use an online RSS reader, which works from any web browser, or you can download software that runs on your computer. Some RSS readers are free, and some are available for a fee. Popular ones include:

• NewsGator (Online/PC, Free/$)
• Bloglines (Online, Free)
• My Yahoo! (Online, Free)
• My MSN (Online, Free)
• Pluck (PC, Free)
• SharpReader (PC, Free)
• FeedDemon (PC, $)
• Safari (Mac OS X, Free)
• NetNewsWire Lite (Mac, Free)
• NetNewsWire (Mac, $)

How does the Library use RSS feeds?
The Library currently offers the following rss feeds:

•  New Fiction Titles - RSS feed of newly added fiction titles ready for circulation.
•  New Non-Fiction Titles - RSS feed of newly added non-fiction titles ready for circulation.
•  New DVDs - RSS feed of newly added DVD titles ready for circulation.
•  New Music CDs - RSS feed of newly added music titles ready for circulation.
• Secure RSS Notifications of you patron account. You can now receive notifications to your RSS reader using any of the following feeds:
  • RSS of Hold requests that are available for pickup
  • Courtesy reminders 1 week and 1 day of any charged items before they become due
  • Notifications when items become overdue

    (To subscribe to any of these feeds, select the link next to the patron account page after you login to your account. Your RSS reader must support secure RSS feeds to subscribe to a secured RSS feed. )

• Search RSS feeds of your searches against the Library catalog. Get notified when the Library adds an item to the catalog.
• Custom Calendar Feed You can now receive customized alerts of Library programs using the customized calendar feed available from the "My Events" calendar page. Your RSS reader must support secured feeds to subscribe to this option.
• Calendar feed. Get notified when new programs are added to the Library calendar.
• Library Press Releases. Get notified when a press release is posted to the Library website.
• Library Media Advisories. Get notified when a media advisory is posted to the Library website.

The Phoenix Public Library also recognizes that RSS feeds are growing in popularity. Reference staff work to compile a variety of reference resources for your use, including RSS feeds, Podcasts (syndicated audio), and other syndicated links. Please browse through the Library Resource Guides to view an example of some of the types of resources we have to offer.