This article provides a glimpse into the popular world of lists, with a special focus on the current situation and offerings at the National Library of Canada. List Servers and Mailing List Managers Various software packages can be used to manage electronic mailing lists. The main purpose of a list server is to automatically distribute an e-mail message or posting that is sent to a list from one address, to all of the other addresses or subscribers linked to that list. A secondary function of the list server is to handle subscriptions, signoffs, and other customized commands requested by users, owners, or administrators of the list. Since one discussion list can attract hundreds or, indeed, thousands of subscribers, it is important that the software and hardware used to manage the list are adequate for the job.
Lists can be public or private, open or closed, moderated or unmoderated.
There can be one central list owner, or the responsibilities can be shared amongst several people, each having equal or varying levels of access. Popular user commands include subscription settings, getting help, options to postpone or digest your mail, seeing or reviewing the names of others who subscribe to the list, and concealing your e-mail address from other subscribers. You will need this information on future occasions, when you want to postpone receipt of messages during a holiday, or find out who else subscribes to the forum, or when you wish to leave the list. Keep in mind that message postings usually go to the entire mailing list, which could include hundreds or thousands of people. The owner's address varies depending on the list, so refer to the information provided upon subscription to find out the correct location.