It is vital for researchers to keep up-to-date with recently published information and  developments.

Using alerts can save you valuable time and help you stay current!  A selection of  alert and current-awareness services are outlined in this guide.

While the names and set-up of alert services vary, they generally operate in the same manner.  You can specify search terms or journal titles within databases and/or search engines and results are delivered automatically via email or RSS feed.

Note: some alert services will provide links to information that is restricted to WUSTL faculty, students and staff. To access those links from off-campus, you will need to go through the WU Libraries' proxy server.

While most of us structure alert services to be delivered to our emails, this is an example of an RSS feed of the latest headlines from The Chronicle of Higher Education.

If you are interested in having alerts results delivered to an RSS Feed Reader instead of your email, there is an introduction on Using RSS to Keep up with Psychology.