Really Simple Syndication ( ) is an XML-based format for content distribution for use in news readers and Web logs (blogs).  This feed includes up-to-date information and links back to the website for more information.  RSS feeds are free.

There are a number of ways to access RSS feeds.

• Here at USI you can subscribe to a channel in MyUSI.  The procedure is explained under the Tutorial tab in MyUSI.
• You can install a news reader that displays RSS feeds from the Web sites you select, enabling you to view hundreds of headlines at once. After installing the news reader, you can add each feed manually from the Web site by copying and pasting the desired url below.  Here is a link  to a free RSS reader:
  • RssReader
• An alternative to downloading a dedicated news reader is to use a Web-based news reader.
  • My Yahoo! users can now add RSS feeds directly to their personal page.
  • Bloglines is a free online RSS feed aggragator.

For more information about RSS read the following articles:

• New York Times, "Fine-Tuning Your Filter for Online Information."
• PC World, "RSS FAQ for End Users"

How do I access a RSS news feed with my newsreader?

You need the URL of the RSS feed page.

1. Copy the URL of the desired feed
   
     Liberal Arts:  http://www.usi.edu/libarts/rss/libarts.rss
     USI Theatre:  http://www.usi.edu/libarts/rss/usitheatre.rss
     820 The Edge WSWI:  http://www.usi.edu/libarts/rss/820-the-edge.rss
     Access USI:  http://www.usi.edu/libarts/rss/accessusi.rss
    
2. Open up your newsreader software and paste that URL into the appropriate place.
3. The new feed will appear with an appropriate name.
4. Click on the links in the rss feed to be sent to the website for more information on the topic.