A LISTSERV, short for List Server, is an automated electronic mailing list management system used to distribute information to subscribers via email. It serves as a software program that manages and facilitates the sending, receiving, and archiving of messages to and from a group of individuals who have subscribed to a specific discussion or distribution list.
Listservs are operated by a central server, which stores the list of subscribers' email addresses and handles the distribution of messages. This server software allows subscribers to join or leave the list, receive and send messages to other participants, and manage their subscription settings. It works by simply sending an email to the list's unique email address, and the system automatically disseminates the message to all subscribed individuals.
Listservs are commonly used for various purposes, such as discussion forums, announcement lists, support groups, and collaborative communication within organizations or communities. They provide an efficient way to reach a large number of individuals simultaneously without the need for individual email addresses. Additionally, they often include features like message archiving, digest mode (compiling messages into a daily or weekly bundle), and options for moderating discussions.
In summary, a LISTSERV is an automated mailing list management system that allows for the easy dissemination of messages to a specific group of subscribers, facilitating efficient communication and collaboration among individuals with shared interests or purposes.
