Dear colleagues,
just in case, in your corner of the world, you thought that the spirit of
of the lovely, fragrant and talented Margaret Thatcher was dead, please read
the following message I received earlier this week.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Date: Mon, 13 Dec 1999 11:59:28 +0000 (GMT)
Reply-to: [log in to unmask]
Subject: IMPORTANT MAILBASE ANNOUNCEMENT
From: Mailbase Helpline <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
This announcement by our funding body JISC about the future of Mailbase.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 13 Dec 1999 10:22:42 -0000
From: "Sonja BISSET" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Following a recent open procurement, the JISC has awarded the contract
to provide the National Academic Mailing List Service to the Council
for the Central Laboratories of the Research Councils (CCLRC) with
effect from 1 August 2000.
The new service from CCLRC will be based on the well known LISTSERV
software. This will mean there will be some changes for users,
however, these would have occurred as part of the natural evolution of
the mailing list service. Mailbase at the University of Newcastle had
postponed their planned transfer from the current software to LISTSERV
during the summer of 1999 pending the outcome of the tender process.
The JISC is in discussion with the current providers, Mailbase at the
University of Newcastle, and CCLRC regarding transition arrangements.
Further announcements will be made once the arrangements are agreed
with all parties.
The JISC would like to formally recognise the high quality of the
service provided by Mailbase and in particular its successful efforts
in encouraging the uptake and use of information technology and
electronic mail within the HE community. Awarding the contract to the
CCLRC is not a reflection on the excellent service that has been
provided by Mailbase for the last 10 years, nor on the quality of their
bid.
-------------------------------------------
Bronwen Reid
Email [log in to unmask]
Web http://www.mailbase.ac.uk
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(It's me, George, again.) I am told that the change of control of the lists
will be 'seamless', but I somehow doubt it. Anyway, I'll provide you with more
information in the new year.
I think it's an utter disgrace that Mailbase -- the organization that brought
the United Kingdom into the scholarly e-mail era -- should be treated so
shabbily.
George
******************************************************************
George Ferzoco Office: Attenborough Tower 1112
Director of Italian Studies Office Tel: ++ 44 (0)116 252 2654
University of Leicester Office Fax: ++ 44 (0)116 252 2657
School of Modern Languages Secretary Tel:++ 44 (0)116 252 2680
University Road Secretary Fax:++ 44 (0)116 252 3633
LEICESTER LE1 7RH e-mail: [log in to unmask]
UNITED KINGDOM http://www.le.ac.uk/ml/gpf2/gpf2.html
List owner of italian-studies:
http://www.mailbase.ac.uk/lists/italian-studies
List owner of medieval-religion:
http://www.mailbase.ac.uk/lists/medieval-religion
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