Dairy-L: an electronic information exchange network for professionals advising dairy producers

• Published in: Journal of dairy science 1993-08, Vol.76 (8), p.2325-2331
• Main Authors: Varner, M.A, Cady, R.A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: APLICACIONES DEL ORDENADOR; APPLICATION DES ORDINATEURS; Biological and medical sciences; Food industries; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; INDUSTRIA LECHERA; INDUSTRIE LAITIERE; LOGICIEL; Milk and cheese industries. Ice creams; PROGRAMAS DE ORDENADOR; TELECOMMUNICACIONES; TELECOMMUNICATION
• ISSN: 0022-0302; 1525-3198
• DOI: 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(93)77570-0

The objective of this study was to establish an electronic information exchange network, called Dairy-L, for professionals who advise dairy producers. Usage rates and types of communications were monitored to determine the utility of Dairy-L to dairy science programs. Listserv software loaded on an IBM 3081 mainframe computer was used to maintain a list of electronic mail addresses and to process submitted electronic mail for distribution to subscribers. The existence of Dairy-L was announced to ADSA Production Division members at meetings, by electronic mail, and by personal letter. Since its inception in February 1990 through December 1992, Dairy-L membership has increased to 322 subscribers. At various times, there have been subscribers from as many as 42 states and territories and 23 countries. Most subscribers were from academic institutions, but many were from private industry, demonstrating the potential for more widespread appeal. A total of 1342 messages were sent; most were questions and associated responses. Few questions went unanswered. Most questions received a response in less than 1 d. A network for professionals advising dairy producers has been successfully established, and use of Dairy-L is summarized