Introduction One of the many ways in which the Internet has expanded possibilities for researchers is in providing them with ready access to electronic conferences and discussions. Mailing lists can be divided into a number of categories, depending on whether they are used for discussion or for the one-way dissemination of information, and whether they are open to the public or only to particular groups, such as members of a professional organization. Some mailing lists are used only to disseminate information - these include electronic newsletters, lists used to inform users of particular web sites about changes or additions to those sites, and publishers' alerting services. Scout offers a fortnightly e-mail report. Mailing list software can be configured so that lists are open or closed, moderated or unmoderated.
Open lists are open to anyone interested in a particular topic.
The range of open discussion lists cover just about every topic under the sun. Closed lists are open only to members of particular groups. Examples of closed lists include those used by classes to discuss assignments, online tutorial groups, working groups and lists used by members of particular organizations. In an unmoderated list, messages sent to the list are automatically distributed to each list member or subscriber. The levels of moderation vary from list to list.