I must admit that I often have doubts about just how long some of these Web 2 tools are going to last. To have longevity I think a tool has to provide a useful service that didn't exist before (in any form). It has to really change what we do rather than simply entertain us. It has to be a fundamental shift rather than simply to cooler way of doing something. Otherwise it will be swept into insignificance by the next craze.
I think RSS is here to stay!
Not too long ago when you surfed the web there weren't that many breaks to choose from. New waves were a cause for excitement and much discussion. Today something new has to pretty special to make a splash.
As the edges of the web stretch further beyond the horizon, it is becoming more about personalisation than exploration. Rather than hunting down that exciting new surf break, we are cruising a vast ocean on time saving guided tours. Hoping our chosen vessel will deliver visits only to our ports of interest. If you can't see it all then spend more time visiting your favourite places.
If libraries can't do something with RSS that I think we need shooting! It seems to me that anything that is a tool for the selection and delivery of information has librarian written all over it. We have known for a long time that we inhabit an information hungry era. I think RSS is an opportunity for us to create a few menus. Perhaps one day every course, collection, or library community will have its own feed?
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