Xavier University Library: 26 Steps to Information Fluency: Step 9: Listservs

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26 Steps to Infromation Fluency

Step 9: Listservs

A listserv is a special type of electronic mailing list. It allows for the widespread distribution of information to many Internet users. Once you "subscribe" to the listserv you receive all email messages posted to the email list server. When you send a message to the listserv all subscribers of the listserv get your message. Some listservs generate a lot of email messages, so it is important to know how to "unsubscribe" from the listserv.

With some listservs you subscribe by sending a special type of email message with commands to the email list server. After you have subscribed you then send your email messages to the listserv. The list server and the listserv have different email addresses.

Other list servers allow you to subscribe and unsubscribe via a website which is much easier.

There are thousands of listservs worldwide on various topics. You can find some by searching Google, Yahoo, and other Internet search engines. Complete the following tasks:

Go to Google.
Search for: listservs
Find a listserv that interests you.
Subscribe to the listserv.
Make sure you know how to unsubscribe.
Send a message to the listserv.
Create a new entry in your Blackboard e-portfolio.
Copy and paste a message you receive from the listserv into your new Blackboard e-portfolio entry.
If you need help with e-portfolio refer to these instructions.
After a few days, unsubscribe from the listserv.