The Legal Services XML group has created a national RSS server to serve as a central database for legal aid RSS feeds. The RSS server supports news, events, and calendar feeds.

Currently, the server is home to feeds from NLADA, LSC, CLASP, MIE, Illinois Legal Aid Online, Massachussetts Legal Services.

For Feed Creators

Currently, the RSS server supports RSS 1.0, although it can work with RSS 2.0 using feedburner. If you have a feed that you would like to be included, you need to sign up for an account on the RSS server by contacting Steve Gray at grange[at]umich.edu. Once logged in, you can add or delete feeds.

For Webmasters and Web Developers

Webmasters can add feeds to their websites in two different ways: using raw XML and parsing the feed in or by pasting in a line of javascript where you want the feed to display.

Raw XML feeds are a better choice if you know how to parse XML within your web environment, want total control over the data and display, or want to merge feed data with other sources. Raw XML feeds are available in RSS .8, .9, 1.0, and 1.0 with Legal Services Metadata.

Use javascript for static HTML web sites or if you don't have the capability to parse raw XML, or just want to add individual feeds without any technical work. Javascript formatted feeds are pre-defined and do not include the Legal Services Metadata.

Custom feeds can be created based on keywords and are available in either raw XML or javascript.

For Individuals

Individuals can subscribe to any of the RSS feeds using an RSS aggregator of their choice. Individuals should subscribe to the 1.0 RSS versions. Custom feeds can be created based on keywords.