OPML: an easier way to grab RSS feeds

In my latest post I implied that blogroll can be used to teach patrons about RSS. The best way to teach patrons about the value of using RSS for current awareness is to get them started using RSS aggregators. Once you have taught them how to add feeds to their aggregators give them the opportunity to import a collection of RSS feeds that you have evaluated and found useful given their subject area. The file format used to create these importable collections is called OPML. OPML stands for Outline Processor Markup Language and is an XML format for outlines. Not that this helps me a lot because I don't know anything about XML! OPML apparently has many uses according to Wikipedia "the most common being to exchange list of RSS feeds between RSS aggregators." You can use Bloglines and most other news aggregators to create OPML files. I say files because you can create a file for each subject area or specific patron group so that content is tailored to their needs. Once the files are created it is a matter of loading this file onto your web site and linking to it or sending it via e-mail. Creating an OPML file using Bloglines.

• Open and login to Bloglines.
• Click My Feeds
• Click Edit.
• Scroll to the bottom of your list of feeds.
• Click Export Subscriptions. This will open up an OPML file of all your feeds.
• Save this to your computer using your browser's File - Save As feature.
• Load this file onto your web site or send it via e-mail.

If you don't want to create a list of all your feeds you can edit this file by opening it up in Notepad or your HTML editing software. Don't freak out. Editing this file is very easy. You just have to know where to put stuff and it's actually quite easy to figure out. The file will open up with the following code: Most of this first part can be ignored. You may want to change the text within the tags to something relevant to the subject of your OPML file. Claim your ownership of your OPML file. Add your name inbetween the tags. Next if you have put your feeds into folders in Bloglines you will see the title of that folder. You can remove or change your folder titles but you must be careful to also remove the subsequent tag. You have to be very carefull with removing this because it could mess up your file. For newbies don't bother attempting to remove these tags. For experienced HTML hand coders you know what I am talking about. The RSS feed "record" for lack of a better word consists of the following tag: - refers to the type of XML tag htmlUrl="" - refers to the HTML version of the feed (use the URL) e.g. htmlUrl="http://technogeekery.blogspot.com/" title="" - refers to the title of the feed e.g. title="technogeekery for librarians" type="" - refers to the type of outline item e.g. type="rss" xmlUrl="" - refers to the URL of the actual feed e.g. xmlUrl="http://technogeekery.blogspot.com/atom.xml" All together the record looks like: If you wish to remove a feed from your listing simply get rid of the listed record from Yes, I recommend newbies try this. You can also add in feeds by copying in the basic tag from above and simply filling in the blanks. Importing an OPML file It's my understanding that most news aggregators have the ability to import OPML files it is just a matter of determining how to do this using your aggregator. Bloglines instructions

• Download the OPML file.
• Open and login to Bloglines.
• Click My Feeds
• Click Edit.
• Scroll to the bottom of your list of feeds.
• Click Import Subscriptions. Browse to the OPML file and click Import.

Why go to all this trouble? When you are finished introducing your patrons to the joys of current awareness with RSS you can provide them with a bonus at the end. A list of pre-selected RSS feeds to have at their finger tips in a snap. How's that for a bit of swag? :) You can add your library's feed(s) to each OPML file you create! Good promotion technique. To try and encourage the less technologically savvy to easily use new technologies. It is far easier to import a specially created listing of RSS feeds than it is to go out and find them all on your own.