Judith Hudson
Judith Hudson of the University Library, an IROW Associate who is an expert in the field of electronic bibliographical sources, is in process of writing "A Short Guide to Electronic Access to Research on Women." The guide, which will be available soon to IROW Associates and to others on request, surveys the multiple interdisciplinary electronic sources, both primary and secondary that facilitate women's studies research. As an introduction to this forthcoming resource, IROW News presents Judith Hudson's review of the use of electronic mail for research purposes.
Through the Internet or Bitnet, electronic mail (email) communications networks provide women's studies scholars with an invaluable range of research materials. Because email speeds up communication, the mechanics of research are much easier than via telephone or the postal service (known as "snail mail" to email users). In addition, electronic discussion groups, accessible through Internet, Bitnet, or Usenet (a UNIX-based electronic network), are available for a myriad of topics. Listed below are some of the Internet and Bitnet-based discussion groups of potential interest to researchers on women.
WMST-L, for women's studies
GENDER, devoted to issues of gender and communication
EDUCOM-W, designed to facilitate discussion of issues in technology and education that are of interest to women
FEMAIL, provides a shared communication channel for feminists around the world
SAPPHO, a forum and support group for gay and bisexual women
SYSTERS, for professional women in computer science
FEMINIST, dealing with issues such as sexism, racism, pornography, censorship, and ethnic diversity in libraries and librarianship
WIML-L, devoted to women's issues in music librarianship
SWIP-L, for members of the Society for Women in Philosophy and others interested in feminist philosophy
FEMECON-L, for feminist economists
WWP-L, focusing on issues of teaching and research with respect to texts by women in English published from 1350-1850
WISENET, promotes women and girls of diverse backgrounds in science, mathematics, and engineering
The forthcoming guide to electronic resources will give details on the electronic addresses of these discussion groups.