UBC Japanese Library Resources Blog

What’s an RSS Feed?
Certain websites and databases allow users to subscribe to their RSS feeds. RSS feeds send subscribers alerts about newly-published information as it becomes available on the sites.

Types of web resources that have this feature include blogs, news agency websites and scholarly e-journals and databases. Some sites have many RSS feeds, with specific feeds for specific topics of interest (such as a newspaper website having a feed for its health-related articles); while other sites have only one RSS feed, which sends information on every item published on the site.

What’s an RSS Reader?
RSS Readers are used to store, sort and share the information you receive from your RSS feed subscriptions.

What does it look like?
To see RSS in action, click here.

What’s the point?
RSS feeds are useful for learning about newly published web content that is pertinent to you, without having to search through information that you’re not interested in. Almost like a newspaper that only has articles on subjects that you’re interested in, RSS feeds let you know what’s new in your subject area.

Can I get Japanese-language content through RSS feeds?
Yes! Many Japanese news agencies have started using RSS feeds, as well as blogs and other web resources.

How do I get started?
If you’re interested in setting up an RSS Reader and subscribing to feeds, please contact me, and we can set it up together. You can also check out the help pages of any RSS Reader application. I use Google Reader.

There will be three instructional workshops this fall related to Japanese resources at Asian Library. The schedule is as follows:

Introduction to Japanese Language Learning Resources
October 22 (Mon)
10:00 – 11:00am
Learn about all the print and electronic resources available to UBC students learning Japanese. A tour of the library is included, and you can try out our language-learning software!
Register

Overview of Library and Electronic Resources in Japanese Studies
October 25 (Thu)
10:00 – 11:00am
Discover the Japanese resources at Asian Library. The session will include tips on searching the catalogue and an introduction to Japanese-language electronic resources, such as the JapanKnowledge database.
Register

RefWorks for Japanese Studies
October 26 (Fri)
10:00 – 11:00am
Learn how to use RefWorks for citations, bibliography management and collaboration. Includes tips on using the program for citing Japanese language materials.
Register

If you cannot make it to the above sessions, but are interested in learning more about any of these tools and resources, please contact me.