A listserv is a type of asynchronous communication tool that allows users to send correspondence to everyone on a particular list with a single e-mail message. They are tens of thousands of lists available for you to join. They are an extremely useful educational tool in that they can provide you with information on a subject or subjects relevant to your teaching assignment. So how do you find lists that are relevant to your particular subject area?

One way is by searching a database to find ones that are of particular interest to you. They are several to choose from:

  • Catalists, the Official Catalog of Listserv lists

    This searchable database provides approximately 40,000 lists to choose from which you can search in several different ways. The easiest way to carry out a search is to type in a topic after linking to "Search" for a mailing list of interest. The following screen will be displayed which will help you through the search process.
A search done on the term "physics education," returns a list entitled, "NTWFORUM@LISTSERV.IUPUI.EDU-New Technologies in Physics Education" (130 subscribers). The number of subscribers is also listed in parentheses after the name of the list. The list name is a clickable link which takes you to a page which explains how to subscribe to that particular list. The following is an example of the information that will be displayed.

Once you subscribe, you will receive an e-mail telling you that you are subscribed to the listserv and also directions on how to unsubscribe if the need arises. How much mail you receive from a list depends on the number of subscribers and the type of list. An educational listserv is usually fairly inactive in the summer months, but will pick up once the school year begins.

Several other sites also offer searchable lists:

This list can be searched by typing in a topic or picking from one of the topics listed. It has over 90,000 lists to choose from.

This list can be searched by name, description, domain or by typing in a topic or subject.

Why not set up your own listserv? Yahoo!Groups makes it easy! Go to the Yahoo!Groups page and click on "Start a new group." A registration page will be displayed. Fill out the form and you are ready to start inviting members to join your group.

Yahoo!Groups also gives you the option to search their database to join groups which have already been formed. Just put in a keyword search and start communicating with people who share similar interests.

Additional Informational About Listservs:

  • Tips on Handling Your Listservs

    • Recommended Listservs to Join:

    • Edupage-an abridged version of the recent developments in information technology.
    • Tourbus-useful information about search engines, spam, viruses, cookies, urban legends, and web sites.
    ©2000-2002 April A. Cleveland for Science Junction, NC State University.
    All rights reserved.
    URL: http://www.ncsu.edu/sciencejunction/route/usetech/electcomm/listservs.html
    Last updated 01/23/02

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