e-mail in libraries

[Gilbert, Richard A]

	The easiest example that comes to mind of an e-mail based information
resource is a discussion group such as this listserv.  Most ardent
e-mail users are members of many listservs rather than simply using
e-mail to talk to their parents, girlfriend, etc.  While many listservs
do serve as an entertainment forum, the discussions may be the only
source of information on the topic, e.g. a valid research tool.
Communication always contains information by its very definition.
	I want to point out that different kinds of libraries have different
missions.  In a university setting, the mission of the library is
usually to provide support for the degree programs of the university,
and many listservs have nothing to do with the university's degree
programs.  However a public library usually tries to serve the
information needs of a very diverse community.  These information needs
are much harder to classify, and may very well extend into the
information contained only in e-mail discussion groups (and their
archives, of course).


Richard Gilbert
ragilbert at ems.jsc.nasa.gov