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University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

RSS Readers / Google Reader Alternatives

Offering alternatives to Google Reader--find the perfect RSS Reader to fit your needs!

What is it?

If you're looking for a plain and simple reader, this is the one for you. The Old Reader is an in-browser reader that allows you to keep up with the latest via RSS feeds. This reader has a clean layout and is easy to use!

The Old Reader logo.

Pros

Benefits of using The Old Reader:

  • Web-based (compatible with all major browsers)
  • Clean layout
  • Easy to use navigation
  • Possible to upload feeds from another reader
  • Fantastic social and sharing features (add and follow friends from Google or Facebook accounts!)

Cons

Challenges with The Old Reader:

  • App is currently in development
  • Limited number of feeds on free account

How do I get started?

1. Create an account or Sign-In using your Google Account or Facebook. Since The Old Reader works in-browser, you will not need to download anything.

2. If you were previously a different RSS Reader you can import your feeds.

Import

3. A view of the left-side navigation. You can view: All items, Liked items, Shared items, and Trending items as well as your various subscriptions.

Navigating the Old Reader

4. To add a feed or blog:

  1. Copy the feed URL (right click--copy)
  2. Click the "Add A Subscription" button
  3. Paste the feed URL  into the box (right click--paste)
  4. Click the [+] and your feed will be added!

Add a subscription

Not sure where to find the feed URL? Look for the RSS symbol RSS icon on your favorite blog or news site. Want to get the latest articles from a library database via RSS? Learn how on our Current Awareness guide.

5. Using The Old Reader:

  • Chose between two different views "List" (shown below) and "Full" (offers a preview of the article or post).
  • Unread items have the green bar.
  • Navigate through articles using the up and down arrows.

Viewing the Old Reader

 

Want more information about what you can do with The Old Reader? Check out The Old Reader tour.