The Physics-Astronomy-Mathematics (PAM) Division of the Special Libraries Association maintains an electronic discussion group (formerly known as a Listserv) which is referred to as PAMnet. The list is not moderated. The list is open to subscribers only, but you may be a subscriber without being a member of SLA or PAM (but note also that subscription to PAMnet does not make the subscriber a member of the PAM division).
The purpose of PAMnet is to provide a forum for the discussion of library and information resource issues relevant to the fields of physics, astronomy and mathematics. PAMnet does not replace the PAM Bulletin, the Division's newsletter. PAMnet may be used to seek help with reference questions. PAMnet may also be used to seek help in obtaining materials, but only when those materials are not available through a library's normal ILL or document delivery suppliers or in cases when timing is critical.
No commercial products or services may be advertised on the list, but the list may be used to discuss commercial library materials, resources and equipment.
The PAM Division thanks the NRAO Library (library@nrao.edu) for being the Listowner of PAMnet.
Subscription Information and How to Use PAMnet
To Subscribe: Use the web form at https://listmgr.nrao.edu/mailman/listinfo/pamnet
Address to which you send messages: pamnet@listmgr.nrao.edu
Subscription Options, Member Info, Unsubscribe, Password Reminder:
Use the web form at https://listmgr.nrao.edu/mailman/options/pamnet/
PAMnet Archives
August 1998 to July 2016: http://listserv.nd.edu/archives/pamnet.html
August 2016 to present: https://listmgr.nrao.edu/mailman/private/pamnet/
PAMnet Guidelines and Suggestions
- Read mailing lists and newsgroups for one to two months before you post anything. This helps you to get an understanding of the culture of the group.
- Save the subscription messages for any lists you join. These usually tell you how to unsubscribe as well. To unsubscribe from PAMnet, follow the instructions at the bottom of the PAMnet info page (under the “Edit Options or Unsubscribe from PAMNet” heading).
- Consider unsubscribing or setting a "disabled" option when you cannot check your mail for an extended period.
- In general, it's not possible to retrieve messages once you have sent them.
- When sending a message to more than one mailing list, especially if the lists are closely related, it is often considered good etiquette to apologize for cross-posting.
- If you ask a question, be sure to post a summary. When doing so, truly summarize rather than send an accumulation of the messages you receive.
- PAMnet limits the file size for attachments, so consider uploading large files to a web location (such as DropBox or Google Drive) and sharing a link instead.
- PAMnet is a public list-serv, so do not send information that is private or protected to the list.
- Consider that a large audience will see your posts. That may include your present or future boss. Remember too, that mailing lists and newsgroups are frequently archived, and that your words may be stored for a very long time in a place to which many people have access.
- Be careful when you reply to messages or postings. Frequently replies are sent back to the address which originated the post - which in many cases is the address of a list or group! PAMnet defaults to “reply to sender” (the individual who sent the message), but it is always good practice to check that you are not replying to the entire list.
- Messages and articles should be brief and to the point.
- It is good practice to have an e-mail signature that tells readers who you are and where you’re from.
- If you find a personal message has gone to a list or group, send an apology to the person and to the group.
- Messages sent to PAMnet are not reviewed by the list owners, but only messages sent by a subscriber can be posted. Messages are not verified, and submission to the list does not imply any endorsement by the list owners or the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. The authors of the messages are solely responsible for their content.
- Consequences for serious breach of guidelines will follow the CodeOfConduct4Lib [Licensed under CC0].
PAM Social Media
The purpose of the SLA-PAM social media accounts is to inform, educate, and occasionally entertain. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive community where members can share their ideas and opinions.
- We follow the CodeOfConduct4Lib [Licensed under CC0] definition of harassment.
- Posts that contain harassment, are grossly off-topic, abusive, contain profanity, pornography, are threatening, contain discriminatory language or language of bias or hate, and the like will not be tolerated.
- When posting content – particularly images or videos – be mindful of copyright and other legal constraints.
- The guidelines from our PAMnet netiquette guidelines also apply to social media.
- The internet remembers: always pause and think before posting or responding to posts.
Personal social media accounts: the personal social media accounts of PAM members are their own and do not represent the views of SLA-PAM. While we do not tolerate harassment or personal attacks, we also want to be mindful of “tone policing” – we don’t want to stifle constructive criticism of the library profession or library organizations.
Updated: 08/2021