LITA | LITA-L and Other Discussion Li

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LITA-L
An online discussion list sponsored by
LITA, the Library and Information Technology Association
a division of the American Library Association

Posting Policy and Guidelines

Purpose
LITA-L is an unmediated on-line discussion group for those interested in all aspects of information technology, particularly as they apply to libraries and information services, to exchange information, ask questions, and post employment opportunities and other announcements. Anyone with an email address may subscribe.

LITA-L serves LITA members and others interested in information technology topics. This is a good way to get LITA news, and to learn about programs, ALA and division conferences, discussion group topics, and issues of particular interest to ALA/LITA members. Job postings for library technical positions and conference or institute announcements are allowed, but PLEASE no commercial postings.
The list owners will unsubscribe those who make inappropriate postings.
Posting Policy

All messages should relate to the general topic of information technology, with particular reference to libraries and information services.

Advertisements are not permitted. However, a simple statement that offers a way to follow-up for more information on a service or product is tolerated if it accompanies a substantive message discussing a subject appropriate to the list.

Announcements of conferences, workshops, new publications, and position openings appropriate to the topic of the list are allowed.

Virus warnings (not bug reports), are strongly discouraged, and ONLY official CERT or CIAC advisories are acceptable. In addition, before forwarding any virus information you may wish to check Internet Hoaxes and Virus Hoaxes for hoax information and how to spot hoaxes.

Personal attacks such as name calling and personal insults will not be tolerated.

All postings must be free of copyright restrictions that limit distribution. For example, posting a significant amount of a copyrighted work verbatim requires the permission of the copyright holder. To verify that such permission was obtained, all postings of this nature must include a statement that this is the case.

Guidelines for participation

The following guidelines are offered as advice on how to best participate in this discussion list in a manner that will both contribute to the experience of all readers and also reflect well on you.

Say something substantial. Simply saying "I agree" (in so many words) or "I disagree" (in so many words) does not meet this guideline. Specific technical questions are, however, quite appropriate, as are brief answers to such questions.

Say something new. Mere redundancy will not convince an opponent of their error. Explaining the same argument differently in an attempt to make them see the light has not been proven to be an effective strategy.

Be careful with the "Reply" command. If you mean to reply only to the poster, address a new message to the individual's email address, do not reply to the LITA-L message.

Take "conversations" off the list. When list interaction becomes two-sided (two individuals trading comments or arguments) it is a sign that you should take the discussion off the list and correspond with that person directly. If the discussion was of interest to the general membership you will see others posting on the topic as well.

Agree to disagree. The likelihood of convincing someone to change a strongly held opinion is nil. State your case, but give up on the idea of converting the heathen.

Be civil. Treat others the way you wish to be treated.

Respect the rights of others. An electronic discussion is a commons. Your right to post ends at the right of others to not be insulted, badgered, or to have their time needlessly wasted.

How to use LITA-L:
To subscribe:

send e-mail to: sympa @ala.org

Enter "subscribe lita-l" in the subject line

Leave message body blank and send

Your email address will be picked up automatically

To post a message to LITA-L (you must be subscribed):

Send e-mail to: lita-l@ala.org
To remove your email address from the LITA-L list:

send e-mail to: sympa@ala.org
Enter "unsubscribe lita-l" in the subject line
Leave message body blank and send
Your email address will be matched from the header of the message so you must use the address from which you subscribed.

Problems:
If you encounter this or any other problems, send your current email address and old email address to: lita@ala.org (the Lita Office) and we will assist you with changing your mail settings. Be sure to tell us whether you are trying to postpone mail, or to unsubscribe completely.
To access LITA-L archive, go to http://lists.ala.org/wws/arc/lita-l

If you have a problem subscribing or unsubscribing to lita-l,
please contact the LITA office at lita@ala.org.