NETWORKING IN THE HUMANITIES - LESSONS FROM ANSAXNET

ANSAXNET is an electronic discussion group accessible through Bitnet or Internet for scholars of English culture before 1100 C.E. and demonstrates several principles to be observed in setting up such an electronic discussion group or "list."1 First, humanists must be aware that they are engaging primarily in social, not technical, endeavors. Furthermore, to be successful, a list in the humanities will depend upon a small, stable nucleus of scholars, the moderator's efforts to encourage membership and to develop an archive of valuable shared resources, and a list design which can easily accomodate members with varying telecommunications skills.