TechInfo

What is RSS?

RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is an XML-based format for distributing and aggregating Web content (such as news headlines).

The little white-in-orange “XML” or “RSS” button indicates that a web site supports RSS. It usually points to the site’s RSS file. Typically, people use RSS to gather, read, or quickly scan frequently updated headlines from a variety of sources, such as multiple blogs.

RSS Aggregators

There are two ways to read RSS; online aggregators and software that you download and install on your computer. Online aggregators have the advantage that you can check for new blog content at work, at home, and on a mobile device.  Many online aggregators will integrate with your browser so that when you click on a “subscribe” button, the feed will automatically go to the aggregator.  Two of the most popular online aggregators are Google Reader and Bloglines.  To use Google Reader, all you need is a gmail account; Bloglines requires you to create an account.

Aggregator software that runs on your own computer may be a standalone program or integrate into a program that you already use, such as Microsoft Outlook and the Mozilla browser.  Often standalone programs offer more features than the browser aggregators, such as the ability download posts and read them offline, to post a clip of a blog post to your own blog, or star a blog post for later attention.  A few of the more popular free desktop aggregators are:

•    For Windows XP or Vista: FeedDemon and Sharp-Reader.
•    For Mac OS X Vienna and NetNewsWire.

There are several ways to add or subscribe to a RSS feed to an aggregator. The first time you click to subscribe to an RSS feed, your browser will ask you how you want to subscribe to the feed; such as an online aggregator, or the aggregator software that you installed.  You can also subscribe to an RSS feed by right clicking on the orange XML, RSS or subscribe button and selecting “Copy Shortcut.” Enter this link into your aggregator to subscribe to the feed.

For more information, contact Dan Harms at x4042 or Amanda Hollister at x5717

What is a blog?

A blog (short for “web log”) is a website that allows you to post news, thoughts, or other comments where others can read them.
What can I do with a blog?

You can use a blog to post announcements, let students know about employment opportunities, discuss scholarly issues, or give your students a public forum to present findings and air views.
How can I get a blog?

Cortland provides you with a free on-campus blog. Go to http://blog.cortland.edu and click on the “Create a blog” link on the right. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dan Harms, Coordinator of Instruction Librarian, at X4042 or harmsd@cortland.edu.

Dan Harms
Coordinator of Instruction Librarian
SUNY Cortland Memorial Library
P. O. Box 2000
Cortland, NY 13045

(607) 753-4042

Policy:

SUNY Cortland maintains a public blogging service at http://blog.cortland.edu for academic related blogging, writing, and communication. The contents of all blogs are readily accessible to all who use the Internet. The service is maintained according to the College’s network use policy http://www.cortland.edu/ir/networkuse.asp. Subscribers to the service are expected to follow these guidelines concerning copyright, privacy, and network use.

Procedures and Support:

Subscribe to the blog service at http://blog.cortland.edu and follow the directions. Support for blogging is available from Memorial Library. Contact Dan Harms at x4042 or Amanda Hollister at 5717.

Administrative Computing Services maintains backups of the server and software for recovery for the hardware and software; there is not backup for individual content. For purposes of academic challenges and other academic record keeping, faculty are encouraged to retain records in accordance with College Academic Records Policies.

Suggestions:

Faculty who wish to maintain a blog in a password protected environment are encouraged to use the class message board function on WebCT; this module operates like a blog but is available only to enrolled members of the course.

It is recommended that faculty wishing to incorporate blogging as a course-wide project have their students sign up as contributors to a blog established for the course.

Faculty, staff and students wishing to have a blog for personal writing or for subjects not related to their work at the College are encouraged to use free and publicly available software such as www.wordpress.com; www.blogger.com; www.typepad.com .

Memorial Library

SUNY Cortland

607-753-2221

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