Mailing Lists

E-Mail Discussion Groups or Mailing Lists are groups of people interested in the same topic - - once you subscribe, you can send one message and every other subscriber will get a copy in their e-mail. You will get messages from the other subscribers too in your e-mail box.

Mailing Lists are an excellent way to grow your network. As you participate, sharing information and helping others, you’ll begin to make friends and develop an electronic network.

Mailing Lists are also an excellent way to learn more about job openings and the companies in your field, as well as keeping you current on issues and trends affecting your profession.

One website, Topica, provides contact information for thousands of mailing lists.

Getting involved with these lists can be a wonderful addition to your job search effort as well as an easy way to grow your personal and professional network. Let’s cover some of the basics:

Explore Mailing Lists by Topic:

http://www.topica.com

A Yahoo-like collection focused on electronic mailing lists and discussions. Browse by topic or keyword search.

http://tile.net/

Search for mailing lists by keyword.

http://tile.net/lists/

Here you can select from 35 topical areas.

Many mailing lists are open to the public but some, in specialty areas, require that you get permission from the moderator to join. (As you search through the available lists, you will find any subscription limitations or requirements noted.)

General Mailing List Help:

LEARN THE NET Mailing Lists

Concise introduction to Internet Mailing Lists.

The Internet Companion Chapter 3 - 2 by Tracy LaQuey

A clear intro to Mailing List subscription for non-automated Mailing Lists.

The Internet Companion Chapter 3 - 3 by Tracy LaQuey

Guidance on subscription to automated (often called "LISTSERV") mailing lists.

Internet & Networking Internet Mailing Lists Guides and Resources

More information on the ins & outs of automated mailing lists from International Federation of Library Associations.