LIS 9763

I love RSS feeds because now everyone has the ability to be completely up to date on whatever it is they are interested in! I'm inclined to agree when Amanda states that RSS feeds and content aggregators are the backbone of web 2.0 technology. Instead of the user having to go to each information source individually, the information now feeds itself to the users. Yes, users have to find the initial feeds and websites, but they can build what is essentially a personalized resource centre of content directly tailored to their user needs. We're streamlining access to information!
 
I think Hennepin County Library's use of RSS Feeds as Subject Guides is pretty ingenious. I'm assuming that these subject guides are frequently sought after content  for that particular library. By allowing users the tool to be updated of new content in areas of interest, the library is encouraging lifelong learning, which I believe is very important. There are problems with Hennepin County Library's RSS feeds, one of which is the infrequency of updates. But that is another great thing about aggregators. It's less aggravating when a favourite blog or site is not updated frequently, when you are surrounded by others that are. In addition, it's less noticeable than going to each site (or subject guide, in this case) individually only to find that 4/5 haven't been updated in 3+ months.
 
I also like the Dublin City Public Libraries Portal. I think it would be interesting to see whether or not the portal is used in-library, or simply as a tool for users off-site.
 
On a personal note, I've been using Google Reader for a couple of years now. I have tried Bloglines and Rojo, as well as a couple of freestanding programs, but the fact is I am a sucker for Google products. I love the integration of my email,  docs, feeds, etc. And it's become so familiar to me that I can navigate it using solely keyboard shortcuts -- making me far less inclined to want to switch!