Feed 2JS and OPML in Libaries

I asked myself when I finally understood how Feed 2JS and OPML work of what use these tools are to a library. RSS feeds are for content that is frequently updated. A simple hyperlink to a more static source such as a website would be sufficient. So, that begs the question, what do libraries need frequent updates about?

I can see the reference desk in a public library, and patrons using the library website, appreciating feeds that update them on current events, local, national, and international. The staff of the library would appreciate a feed from a good quality professional blog that updated them on issues related to libraries—new technologies, etc. A reader’s advisory service could be enhanced with feeds from various sources, such as a blog to which staff and patrons contributed. Feeds could just enhance the website with general information, such as local weather, or employment opportunities from an employment centre. The use of Feed2JS makes the process of syndicating this feed very simple for staff members.

OPML seems to serve the purpose of convenience for moving groups of links to sites instead of placing them one by one in an aggregator. For example, library staff could find sites for music, for radio stations, for local history, for groups affiliated with the library such as reading clubs, and add these in an OPML package easily for patron use.