An introduction to LISTSERVE...

LISTSERVE is a system that makes it possible to create, manage and control electronic "mailing lists" on the Internet. LISTSERVE allows for the easy widespread distribution of information to many Internet users at one time. It is similar to a Distribution Group (DG), but typically includes the following four elements:

• a list of email addresses
• subscribers receiving mail at those addresses
• email messages sent to those addresses
• a "reflector", which is a single email address that, when designated as the recipient of a message, will send a copy of that message to all of the subscribers

A primary use of these lists is for shared discussion around a common topic (e.g., a class of students and their professor), where all participants of the list receive all messages sent to the list. The LISTSERVE can allow email to be used more in the fashion of a chat session, where all members receive the email automatically, without having to click the "reply to all" button.

Setting up a LISTSERVE

If you wish to set up an email LISTSERVE, please contact the IRT Tech Desk.

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