RSS Feeds

What is an RSS Feed?

An RSS feed is a simple text document that describes content on web pages, like a news site, or in our case, pages on our web site where we post information about books, movies and music. RSS feeds are usually used for information that changes on a regular basis. A news aggregator reads the RSS feed and displays links for you.

By subscribing to an RSS feed you get automatic updates each time the page changes - each time we add new materials to our collection or post new reviews.

Wherever you see this orange RSS button on our site, there is an RSS feed you can subscribe to.

Do I need software for this?

Yes, you do, and you have a lot of choices. There are "standalone" aggregators, which manage your subscription and display the web page when you click on the titles. There are also aggregators which will deliver updates via email. Use the links below to find an aggregator that suits you.

• Reviews of popular news aggregators from CNet
• Google Directory Listing of news aggregators

If you're using Firefox or Internet Explorer 7 you don't need additional software.

In Firefox any page with an RSS feed should show a square orange button in the lower right-hand corner of Firefox, or up in the address box. Click the button to add the feed to your bookmarks. These Live Bookmarks will be updated every time you open Firefox.

• Get Firefox
• Mozillazine: Help with Live Bookmarks

In Internet Explorer 7 the "Subscribe to this feed" icon () appears in the menu at the top of the browser, on the right hand side.

• Get Internet Explorer 7

What do I do with this weird file that opens when I click the orange RSS button?

The only thing you need is the URL of the file, to paste into your aggregator. If you are on a page that offers RSS feeds, your aggregator may detect and fill in the URL automatically.

What does RSS mean?

Depends on who you ask. It can stand for Really Simple Syndication, Rich Site Summary, or RDF Site Summary.

So, what do you have that I can subscribe to?

Programs
Kids programs
New books
New music
New audiobooks
New DVDs
Monthly featured DVDs
Pearl's Picks

We have podcasts too.

I need more help.

• RSS in Plain English
• CNet: RSS: news you choose
• Wikipedia: RSS (file format)
• Feedburner: Feed 101