LISTSERV User and Subscriber Reference Manual
IT Client Support Services
The University of Montana
July 27, 2007
GETTING STARTED WITH LISTSERV: FOR LIST USERS AND SUBSCRIBERS
This document will cover the basics of using LISTSERV email mailing lists specific to The University of
Montana. For list owners, please see “Understanding and Managing a LISTSERV Mailing List Guide.”
Communicating with LISTSERV
There are two methods in which list owners and list subscribers communicate with the LISTSERV
program: by email, or by the LISTSERV web interface. The web interface provides convenient on-screen
information to help owners and subscribers use the program quickly and efficiently.
Using Email to Communicate with LISTSERV
There are two main email addresses that are used to work with LISTSERV lists. One is to communicate
with the LISTSERV program called a “command address.” The other is used to post mail to the list,
referred to as the “list address.”
1. To change a list configuration or subscription setting, you would send an email message to
listserv@lists.umt.edu.
2. To post a message to the list, you would send the message to the list address (ex.
techpart@lists.umt.edu).
Before you can send to a mailing list, there has to be a list to send to. Creating and maintaining the list is
a job for list owners. To request a list, submit an online application at the following web page.
Using the Web Interface to Communicate with LISTSERV
Sending email messages to LISTSERV can be confusing for people using the mailing list. LISTSERV’s web
interface offers a centralized location for interaction. Using the web interface, list owners can manage
their lists, post to their lists, review archives, and run reports on list activity. Subscribers can manage
their subscriptions, post to lists, and review archives.
The University of Montana’s web address for LISTSERV is: http://lists.umt.edu/
Once you enter the web address, the LISTSERV home page displays, listing a variety of menu selections.
Your access to these selections depends on your status: LISTSERV Site Administrator, List Owner, List
Moderator, or List Subscriber. The default LISTSERV homepage is always the Archive page.
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LISTSERV User and Subscriber Reference Manual
IT Client Support Services
The University of Montana
July 27, 2007
Most of the Web interface pages are divided into the following parts:
 Top Banner – The banner includes a UM header.
 Location Bar – Includes links to areas of the Web interface to which you have access which may
include any of the following: the Subscriber’s Corner, Server Archives, List Archives, and your
Email Lists
 LISTSERV Archives – The default LISTSERV home page is the LISTSERV Archive page
 Options – Shows options such as Log In, Get Password, Search Archives
 Resources – Information about LISTSERV, LISTSERV user documentation, browsing other Lists
through the Catalyst Email List Search.
 Public Lists – Listservs that are marked as public.
Navigating the Web Interface
This section provides a quick tour of the list subscriber part of the Web interface. For more information
about each page, you may refer to online help (Help in the navigation panel). For your convenience some
common tasks have been included in this section.
Getting Started - Logging in to LISTSERV
Follow these steps to login to LISTSERV for the first time:
1. Open a browser and enter the following address in the address line:
http://lists.umt.edu/
2. The LISTSERV Archives page (which is the home page) will display.
a. Next to Options, Click Get Password.
b. A Register LISTSERV Password web page will display. Enter your email address and a
password. Verify the password by retyping it.
c. Click Register. An “OK” confirmation will be sent to your email address for verification. You
must click on the web link in the email message to verify your identity. You will then be
routed back to the LISTSERV confirmation web page where you will see the following
message “Your new password was registered successfully.”
d. After you have confirmed your password, go back to the Welcome page (Click the back
button in the browser window) and next to Options, click Log In to sign in. on the Login
Required screen, enter your Email Address and password and click Log In.
e. You are now logged in to LISTSERV where you may perform various tasks, depending on
your LISTSERV role.
NOTE: If you are already registered and have forgotten your password, click on the Get Password
button link to create a new password. Follow steps b, c, and d above.
List Subscribing and Unsubscribing
To Subscribe to a List:
a. Go to http://lists.umt.edu/ and log in to LISTSERV.
b. After logging in, on the top banner click Subscriber’s Corner. Under the Search Options
Select Show All Lists in the Show All Lists option.
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LISTSERV User and Subscriber Reference Manual
IT Client Support Services
The University of Montana
July 27, 2007
c.
If the List Table does not automatically refresh, click on the Search button to refresh the List
Table.
d. Check the boxes next to the lists that you want to subscribe to.
e. At the bottom of the List Names column, select the Subscribe option.
f. Press the Submit button.
To Unsubscribe from a List
a. Go to http://lists.umt.edu/ and log in to LISTSERV
b. After logging in, on the top banner click on Subscribers’ Corner.
c. On the bottom of the screen you can see which lists you are subscribed to. Check the box
next to each list you want to leave.
d. At the bottom of the List Names column, select the Unsubscribe option.
e. Press the Submit button.
To Manage Your Subscription
a. Go to http://lists.umt.edu/ and log in to LISTSERV .
b. After logging in, on the top banner click on Subscribers’ Corner.
c. On the bottom of the screen the lists you are subscribed to are displayed.
d. Click on [Settings] next to the list you want to manage.
e. To select your preferences, select the Radio buttons next to the preferences.
f. Press the Update Options button.
How To Search The Message Archive
Messages sent to a LISTSERV list that have the web-archiving turned on, are saved on the server and can
be viewed by using the Search Archives function. The Search Archives function can be found via clicking
on the link in the Options category on the main page of LISTSERV.
To search the archives:
a. Fill in the appropriate fields under the Archive Search heading with your search criteria.
b. Select the list(s) you wish to search from in the List Names section by clicking in the boxes .
c. Click on the Search button when you are finished.
Getting Help
To obtain assistance with LISTSERV and using your list(s):
a. Click the ? button for a short description of the options available on the current screen.
b. Contact IT Central, 243-HELP (x4357). A staff member will be able to assist you with specific
questions.
c. You can also learn more by going to the LISTSERV document for LISTSERV managers
“Understanding and Managing a Listserv Mailing List: For List Owners.” This document is
available from the IT Listserv web page.
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