Library FAQ

In some of our subscription databases, you can create an RSS feed for a particular publication (like a journal or magazine), or for a search. RSS stands for "Really Simple Syndication." Whenever a website updates, the feed updates too. A publication RSS feed will update every time a new issue comes out. A search RSS feed will update every time there is new content that matches the criteria set by your search. 

Many of our databases come from two vendors: ProQuest and EBSCOhost. Below you'll find instructions on how to create an RSS feed in each.

ProQuest

After you log into the ProQuest database with your university login and password, you will need to log into your ProQuest My Research account. If you have not created one before, you will need to create one. (It is free.) Here is more detailed information on the My Research Account.

Publication RSS Feed

• Do a Publication Search by going to top navigation bar and clicking Publications.
• Enter the title, enclosed in quotation marks, into the search bar. This will probably be a journal or magazine title.
• When the publication loads, click the RSS feed button on the far right side of the page.
• A dialog box will appear with the name of the feed and other details.
• Feed updates load automatically, and you can log into your My Research account to access them or modify your settings.

Search RSS Feed

• Do a keyword search for the exact topic that you want. You may find Creating A Concept Chart and Boolean Operators helpful in crafting a search that yields precise results.
• On the far right side of your search results page, click "Save Search/Alert," and select "Create RSS Feed."
• A dialog box will appear that allows you to name the RSS feed and identify other preferences.
• Make your choices and click "Create Feed."
• Feed updates load automatically, and you can log into your My Research account to access them or modify your settings.

EBSCOhost

After you log into the EBSCOhost database with your university login and password, you will need to create a My EBSCO account if you don't already have one. (It is free.) Here is more information on the My EBSCO Account.

Publication RSS Feed

• Perform a Publication Search by going to the top navigation menu, expanding the "Browse by" menu, and clicking "Publications." 
• Scroll to the search bar above the A-Z menu (look for a short orange bar underlining the "Publications" tab), enter the journal title in quotation marks (i.e., "Higher Education"), and click the magnifying glass. 
• In the search results list, click the correct journal title and look for three vertical dots on the far right side.
• Click the three dots and from the drop-down menu, choose "Create alert."
• "Alerts" load automatically, and you can log into your MyEBSCO to access them.
• If there is no option to "Share" or "Create Alert" option, it is likely because new content is embargoed - meaning that the library does not have access to newly-released issues, only those that were published 6-12 months prior.

Search RSS Feed

• Do a keyword search for the exact topic that you want. You may find Creating A Concept Chart and Boolean Operators helpful in crafting a search that provides the results you want, without too many irrelevant ones.
• On your search results page, go through the same process to "Create Alert."
• "Alerts" load automatically, and you can log into your MyEBSCO to access them.