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Current Awareness

This guide aims to get you started with a selection of current awareness services to help you stay up-to-date in your research field.

What is RSS?

RSS, which stands for Rich Site Summary or Really Simple Syndication, is a method of delivering constantly changing web content to users.  An RSS document is called a 'feed' or 'channel'.  An RSS reader, or aggregator, allows you to organize and read RSS feeds from multiple sites in one place.

Why use RSS?

  • Stay up-to-date: RSS allows you to receive the latest content from the sites that interest you.  You can receive RSS feeds from specific sections of journals or searches that you have performed in databases.
  • Save time: Rather than frequently visiting multiple sites, RSS feeds deliver the content that you want to one place.
  • Note: some platforms no longer offer an RSS option (Web of Science/ Clarivate products). However, RSS is currently available on PubMed and Elsevier and EBSCO platforms including Science Direct and Scopus.

RSS

To get started using RSS, you will need an RSS reader.  RSS readers allow you to collect and organize your RSS feeds in one place. Some options are listed below.

 

Web-Based

Mobile

Read Offline

Cost

Link

Feedly Feedly

Yes

App for iOS and Android

No; need to use one of the supported apps

Free

 Feedly

The Old Reader

The Old Reader

Yes

No official app; provide a list of apps that support

No; need to use one of the supported apps

Free

 The Old Reader

RSSOwlRSSOwl

No, desktop for Windows and Mac

No

Yes

Free

 RSSOwl

OutlookOutlook

No, but accessible on the web

Yes, through email or OWA app for iOS (requires Office 365 subscription)

Yes

Free for Duke University faculty, staff and students

 Outlook

NewsBlurNewsBlur

Yes

App for iOS and Android

Yes

Free for up to 64 feeds; Premium account $24 per year

 NewsBlur

FlipboardFlipboard

No

App for iOS and Android

Yes

Free

 Flipboard

 

This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0