LISTSERV / Join or subscribe to a list

Objective

• To provide instruction on joining or subscribing to a LISTSERV list via email or web interface

Environment

• 10283: LISTSERV

Resolution

To join a LISTSERV list, you must know the exact name of the list. If you do not know the exact name, you may be able to find and join it using the LISTSERV archives (index) page, which lists all public lists

Join or subscribe to a list via email

1. Open your email application and create a new plain-text email message with no signature
2. In the From: field, enter the email address you want to use to subscribe to the list
3. In the To: field, enter LISTSERV@listserv.MiamiOH.edu
4. Leave the subject line blank
5. In the main message field, enter subscribe listname firstname lastname
   • Replace listname with the 32-character (or less) name of the list
   • Replace firstname and lastname with your full name
6. Press Enter a couple of times to add several blank lines after the subscribe line
   • This step ensures that any additional information your email client may add to your message does not get confused with the LISTSERV command 
7. Certain lists require subscriber confirmation
   • If you receive an email message from LISTSERV entitled Command Confirmation Request, complete the confirmation steps outlined in the email
8. You will receive a subscription confirmation response from LISTSERV entitled You are now subscribed to the requested list
9. Read the welcome message for important information on using and leaving the list

Join or subscribe to a list via web interface

1. Go to the list's web interface at http://listserv.miamioh.edu/archives/listname.html 
   • Replace listname with the 32-character (or less) name of the list
2. Select the Subscribe or Unsubscribe link to open a page entitled Join or leave the <listname> list 
3. In the Your email address field, enter your email address  
4. In the Your name field, enter your full name
5. Change any of the list's default subscription settings as desired
   • For information about the settings, click on the section headers on the left
6. Click Join the list
7. Certain lists require subscriber confirmation
   • If you receive an email message from LISTSERV entitled Command Confirmation Request, complete the confirmation steps outlined in the email
8. You will receive a subscription confirmation response from LISTSERV entitled You are now subscribed to the requested list
9. Read the welcome message for important information on using and leaving the list

Note

• See the related articles listed for more information on finding a LISTSERV list or list archive