Monitoring technology trends with podcasts, RSS and Twitter

Purpose – This paper describes how information professionals can keep up with current technology news by incorporating podcasts, RSS feed readers, and the social messaging service Twitter into their daily routines.Design/methodology/approach – A general review of technologies and news sources.Findings – The rapid pace of technology innovation requires librarians to look for simple ways to monitor new trends that may affect library services. Podcasts, RSS readers and messaging networks like Twitter each represent low‐threshold tools that can serve as resources for breaking news, reviews, and technology journalism.Originality/value – The tools offered in this article provide simple strategies for information professionals to stay abreast of technology innovations as the revelations first emerge. Provides descriptions of technologies and reviews several technology podcasts, blogs, and journalists worth following.