Member Resources

Programs > 2005-2006

Virtual Program

Always Fresh - Fast Content for Your Web Site and Users

Presented by Darlene Fichter, Data Library Coordinator, Univ of Saskatchewan Library
May 23 , 2006 - June 21, 2006

New this year, we will be offering free access to virtual programs to SLA MEMBERS ONLY of virtual programs. You will be able to view them from the comfort of your own desk at no charge!

The Course

Keeping a library Web site up to date with fresh content is a challenge for busy library staff and the library webmaster. RSS (rich site summary/RDF site summary/really simple syndication) feeds can help you keep your site current. Learn how to publish, merge, and convert RSS feeds into instant Web content. Discover how libraries have made specialized pages featuring article titles of current journal issues, new library acquisitions, book and movie reviews, and much more. Take away a list of sites that allow anyone to simply cut, paste and publish RSS content to their site in seconds. For the technologically daring in the audience, find out where to download free scripts that allow you to “shake and bake” your own combos. Dive in now and offer new services that auto-magically refresh and keep your audience coming back for more.

Targeted Learners

This presentation is designed for professionals who are interested in expanding their knowledge of RSS syndication and publishing. This session will be of particular interest to Web site developers, webmasters, individuals who maintain course or topical Web pages, anyone interested in marketing library services or creating new customized information services. No prior knowledge of RSS is needed for this seminar. No prior knowledge of computer programming languages is assumed. Some knowledge of HTML authoring and Web site development is needed to fully understand the publishing options with RSS.

Critical Learning Questions

• What is RSS?
• How can you use RSS to create services for library users?
• How are some libraries using RSS to provide up-to-date content?
• What are some simple tools to convert RSS to HTML (point and click) that you can use to get started?

For further information, see http://www.sla.org/content/learn/learnmore/distance/2006cul/051706cul/index.cfm.

If you would like to watch this virtual program, contact the program director for your region at the address below:

• Calgary: Marjorie Munroe at mamunroe@telusplanet.net
• Edmonton: Barb Storms at storms@arc.ab.ca
• Manitoba: Elva Simundsson at SimundssonE@DFO-MPO.GC.CA
• Saskatchewan: Susan McConkey at susan.mcconkey@usask.ca
• Vancouver: Deb Hutchison at dhutchison@westvanlib.org
• Vancouver Island: Karol Sinats at karol.sinats@gems7.gov.bc.ca or Susanne Barker at Susanne.Barker@gems7.gov.bc.ca
• Virtual Program Chair: Suzanne Nykoluk at nykoluks@bennettjones.ca - please contact if you have questions and suggestions relating to the Chapter's Virtual Programs and/or in the instance of a director's absence

Thanks to our program sponsor Micromedia ProQuest.