How can librarians get their patrons to use RSS and/or understand the benefits of it? (Tags = blogpostwk5,blogpostwk5n3)
One way is to start offering short classes in the use of internet appliances such as tablets, and use that as a platform for teaching patrons about RSS. Some libraries are starting to provide tablets that can be checked out at the desk for use in reading newspapers and periodicals. If personal account logins on the tablets could be set up, it might make it possible for patrons to set up personal RSS feeds to recover the information they're specifically interested in following, right on the tablets themselves. By doing this, you can highlight the benefits of a much more dynamic, simple, and efficient way of finding the news articles and points of interest that they are most concerned with. Once patrons recognize the benefits of this, it becomes easier for them to adopt RSS feeds as a means of following news.
Another way, and also one that will no only save money, but also time, would be to phase out physical periodicals whenever possible and get an institutional digital subscription to replace them. Patrons may complain at first, but once they realize there's little choice, they generally make the transition.
I've seen quite a few folks come in at the libraries I work for asking about computer classes and coming in to actually take them. Technology courses are a great way to not only teach people about how to use things like a tablet or a Kindle Fire, but is also a way for the libraries to continue to market their services to the community.
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