Emory Report

October 5, 1998

 Volume 51, No. 7

Technology Source

LISTSERV offers convenient way to communicate

Emory has a variety of tools to facilitate effective communication. Because of its unique features and flexibility, LISTSERV is becoming more widely used. With nearly 100,000 subscribers, LISTSERV allows users to use, create and manage electronic "mailing lists" on the University network or the Internet. And now with a new web interface, LISTSERV is easier to use than ever before.

Emory's system currently supports 534 internal and external lists, with subjects varying from health care to web site development. The only criteria for the creation of a list is that it must support an official Emory function. Although you can develop your own mailing lists from your desktop, the advantages of maintaining a centrally located list via LISTSERV are numerous.

LISTSERV advantages

  • You can create your own lists to send e-mail to a number of people simultaneously. This is the perfect way to send e-mail to different groups. For example, you could create separate lists for departmental faculty, graduate students and majors. (See examples at <http://www.listserv.emory.edu/Archives>-many lists are already in existence.)
  • When you send a message to a mailing list, LISTSERV will distribute it immediately, and most Emory subscribers will receive their copy within a few minutes. LISTSERV currently processes about 50,000 messages per day.
  • Messages sent or posted to a mailing list are saved in list archives for future reference. For example, you could ask LISTSERV to send you all messages from March 1997.
  • You can use the database function to search the archives for messages related to a particular topic or messages sent by a certain person. LISTSERV will return a copy of the messages that match your search criteria.
  • When changes to the list are made, the changes are universal because there is only one version of the list.
  • Individuals can post new messages to the list or reply to messages from the list.
  • Those outside Emory can send messages to the list (unless you want the list to be internal only or private).
  • You can join and leave lists at any time. To do so, go to <http://www.listserv.emory.edu>.
  • All documentation for list owners is available online in a variety of formats (html, PDF, Word, RTF).

Create a list

Ready to create your own list? Just go to <http://www.listserv.emory.edu/

LISTSERV/ReqForm.htm>. Again, anyone may request a list, and most are approved as long as they support an official Emory function. Each list must have an individual at Emory responsible for monitoring the list and managing subscriptions.

Support

You will find much of the LISTSERV information you need at <http://www.listserv.emory.edu/>. However, if you have additional questions, you can call Information Technology Division's Customer Support Call Center at 404-727-7777 or send e-mail to <list-request@listserv.emory.edu>.

Shannon O'Daniel is a communications specialist in the Information Technology Division.

 

Editor's Note:

The Fall Local Support Conference will be held on Monday, Oct. 12, 11:30 - 4:15 p.m., in the Cox Hall Ballroom.

Emory College Dean Steven Sanderson will give the keynote address, "The Role of Information Technology in the Emory College of the Future." Following a buffet luncheon, there will be workshops and informational sessions on a variety of topics, including the Y2K (Year 2000) Project, Distance Learning and e-Learn, and various presentations on teaching with technology.

Local Support Conferences occur twice during the academic year and are sponsored by the Local Support Networking Team of Information Division.

If you are interested in attending or would like more information, you may send e-mail to Doug Seanor at <dseanor@emory.edu> or call 404-727-0040.

There is no charge for attending the conference, but seating is limited.

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