Group Email Distribution
There are many types of email lists. The most common example is a group entry in the address book of an email client, such as Outlook or Pine. These lists are private, since they are not available to the general public. Since the list is stored locally on a specific computer, or in a specific user's account, only people with access to that computer or account can access the email list initially. Other people on the list can respond to the list and view its members once they receive email, however. See the email client's documentation for help on setting up this type of email list.
Public Email Lists
Email lists are usually more useful when they are available to more people. There are many types of these email lists. Some are available for anyone to use, and some are moderated. Messages sent to moderated lists are reviewed by those in charge of the list before being distributed to the entire email list. At U-M, there are a few options available: U-M Online Directory groups and U-M Listserver groups. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The U-M Online Directory should typically be used for creating all public or moderated email groups at U-M. However, if for some reason this does not meet the group's needs, the U-M Listserver may also be an option.
U-M Online Directory Groups
The U-M Online Directory (UMOD) is the LDAP directory for the University of Michigan, available at http://directory.umich.edu/. UMOD groups are best suited for smaller email lists, and are often used for more personal purposes. UMOD groups have the following features:
- Lists are easy to create and update for U-M students, staff, and faculty.
- Each list has a listname@umich.edu email address.
- Anyone on the Internet can email the list, including unsolicited mailers.
- Multiple people (at U-M) can update the lists, if required.
- Lists can be set up to allow people to subscribe/unsubscribe themselves to the list.
- Moderation is possible, but messages must be tracked by the moderators.
- List members can be viewed by anyone with access to the U-M Online Directory.
- A web interface is available for modifying the lists.
U-M Listserver Groups
A listserver is an email server that is set up specifically to handle email distribution to groups. They are best suited for class email lists, and for discussion lists. Information on how to use the U-M Listserver can be found at http://www.umich.edu/~listsrvr/. Listserver email lists have the following features:
- A wide variety of options on how the list sends messages, and how users view them.
- Each list has a listname@umich.edu email address.
- Lists can be set up to allow/disallow specific people from emailing the list.
- Multiple people (anywhere) can update the lists, if required.
- Lists can be set up to allow people to subscribe/unsubscribe themselves to the list.
- Moderation is aided by the list server, and messages are tracked automatically.
- List members can only be viewed by list administrators.
- A web interface is available for modifying the lists, viewing messages, etc.
- Email commands available for common functions, such as subscribing/unsubscribing.
