A listserv is an email-based mailing list. It is used to send announcements to a large group of people and for creating discussion groups among interested individuals. You can use these steps to request a new listserv.

Create a Listserv

  1. Go to http://lists.psu.edu
  2. At the Listserv home page, click the link for Request a New Mailing List.
  3. Complete the application form (NOTE: It is important that you answer all of the questions carefully. If you do not understand a question or are unsure what option to select, please contact the Ag IT Helpdesk before submitting the form). Some specific things to keep in mind when completing the request form:
    • To determine how to respond to some of the questions on the request form, you can refer to the bottom section of the form labeled, Answers to Some Questions.
    • Examples of appropriate listserv names are L-Ag-BDEMP and L-Ag-StrongWomen. IMPORTANT: All College of Ag listservs should use the prefix L-Ag- (i.e. the letter L, a hyphen, the letters Ag and a hyphen). This is important to ensure that Ag IT will be able to help troubleshoot your list in the event you need assistance.
    • List owners will have full control of the list (can modify setup and subscriptions). Minimally one owner should be specified, but we recommend at least two.
    • Determine how you would like people to be subscribed to the list. You can restrict the list to only allow the owner to add subscribers or configure it such that interested individuals can subscribe themselves by sending a subscription request to the listserver.
    • Consider who should be able to send messages to this list. This will depend on the purpose of the list.
    • Determine how replies to list messages will be handled. This is a critically important field. Unless you intend this list to be a discussion forum, the best option is typically to have replies sent to the Sender.
  4. After submitting a list request form, you will receive an email message confirming the creation of your listserv. This email will typically be received within 1 to 2 days. The confirmation email will also provide information about managing the listserv. For additional information on how to manage a listserv, please review these other Ag IT How Tos: http://agsci.psu.edu/it/how-to/topics/email/listserv


IMPORTANT: If your listserv is going to be used for advertising or marketing any Penn State products or services, you MUST adhere to a number of email marketing guidelines. For a full list of the guidelines and instructions on required list configurations, please refer to our Email Marketing Guidelines How To: http://agsci.psu.edu/it/how-to/email-marketing-guidelines. PLEASE pay special attention to the instructions for configuring the REQUIRED "Opt-Out Footer" on the list.

If you have any questions about requesting or managing a list, please feel free to contact the Ag IT Helpdesk.