This extended abstract summarizes the findings of a study that examined nine scholar-focused public electronic discussion groups (EDGs) on BITNET. The roles, rules, and responsibilities of EDG owners are discussed, and several suggestions for enhancing the relationship between the EDG owner and membership are offered. (MES)

Includes "The Internet: Where Few Trainers Have Gone Before" (Rubin); "The Attractions of the Internet" (Sorohan); and "Trainers' Network on the Net," a discussion of the Training and Development listserv (TRDEV-L) with its founder, David Passmore. (SK)

Provides definitions for 71 terms related to the Internet, including Archie, bulletin board system, cyberspace, e-mail (electronic mail), file transfer protocol, gopher, hypertext, integrated services digital network, local area network, listserv, modem, packet switching, server, telnet, UNIX, WAIS (wide area information servers), and World Wide…

Provides a brief description of Usenet, the computer network, and discusses how it may be applied in library settings. How to become a Usenet user, when to choose Usenet instead of a listserv group, and its use as a discussion and reference tool are covered. Six examples of Usenet communications are included. (nine references) (KRN)

Discusses newsgroups, listservs, and Web-based discussion groups. Highlights include major categories of international USENET discussion groups; newsgroups versus mailing lists; newsreaders; news servers; newsgroup subscriptions; newsgroups versus Web discussion groups; linking newsgroups, mailing lists, and the Web; and setting up a news host. A…

Provides a basic introduction to computer networks and networking terminology. Topics addressed include modems; the Internet; TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol); transmission lines; Internet Protocol numbers; network traffic; Fidonet; file transfer protocol (FTP); TELNET; electronic mail; discussion groups; LISTSERV; USENET;…

Discusses librarians and electronic mail, use of Listservs by librarians, libraries on the Internet, redefining online public catalogs, searching databases on the Internet, finding a personal librarian in hyperspace, and the future of libraries on the Internet. (SR)

Explains how the Usenet network's dissemination model differs from electronic-mail-based discussion groups in terms of how users can choose which information best fits their needs. Various methods of limiting excessive numbers of unwanted messages are explained. (EAM)

This directory is a compilation of entries for nearly 2,500 scholarly discussion lists and 675 electronic journals, newsletters, and related titles such as newsletter-digests, available on the Internet. Instructions are provided for accessing each publication. Part 1 is an introduction to electronic scholarly publications, followed by the articles…

Examines the use of chaos theory in modelling time series data generated by computer-mediated communication (CMC). Data generated by CMC discussion groups are examined for the presence of chaotic behavior and to assess the variance which can be accounted for by the deterministic mechanism. (Author/LRW)

As communities develop in cyberspace, distance education facilitators should recognize that, although community cannot be mandated, there are ways to foster a sense of community in distance learning environments: focus on human interaction, learning partnership, regular and consistent feedback, and course-based listservs. (SK)

The LISTSERV program on the BITNET computer network started as a simple mailing list program for electronic group communication. A revised version of LISTSERV now offers sophisticated new functions and help for users, including file-server functions. Problems with the revised version are noted, and computer commands are provided. (six references)…

Describes the World-Wide Web (WWW), a network information resource based on hypertext. How to access WWW browsers through remote login (telnet) or though free browser software, such as Mosaic, is provided. Eight information sources that can be accessed through the WWW are listed. The address of a listserv reporting on Internet developments is…

Discusses the use of the Internet for electronic publishing. Topics addressed include electronic mail; Telenet; file transfer protocol and Archie; Gopher; World Wide Web; LISTSERVS; and USENET. Four case studies are presented that illustrate how people can use the Internet to make information available to large numbers of people. (Contains 15…

Discussion of the use of dynamic data resources, such as Internet LISTSERVs or Usenet newsgroups, focuses on an experiment using an automated filtering system with Usenet newsgroups. Highlights include user satisfaction, based on retrieval size, data sources, and user interface and the need for some human mediation. (Contains two references.) (LRW)