Here is a sample "job" that you can send to listserv at unmvma.bitnet
(as email, or if you are on a CMS/VM system on BITNET, you can just type
the command SENDFILE filename filetype filemode TO LISTSERV AT UNMVMA),
that will retrieve all of the museum-l messages which contain the words
"object" and "documentation" which (still) remain archived on that list.
 
(filename filetype filemode is the name of the CMS file containing the
"job", for you CMS users; on other systems, just include the "job" into
an email message.) Here it is.
 
//     JOB  Echo=YES
Database Search DD=MIP
//MIP  DD   *
search object and documentation     in MUSEUM-L   since 93/10/10
print all
/*
//theend EOJ
 
You can change the words "object" and "documentation" and the date to
whatever suits your needs (and you can build extremely complex queries
using some pretty elaborate search/query language which is part of the
LISTSERV's repertoire of services.
 
There is a long document available from the listserv'er describing all of
the database querying capabilities.
 
BUT, disappointingly, MUSEUM-L seems to be archiving only the past few
months (i.e., the most recent 3 months or so) of MUSEUM-L contributions.
This is especially disappointing since MUSEUM-L has really flowered during
the past year or so, and has had many contributions (and "threads" of
discussion) which are relatively timeless and would make a fine
database for newcomers to the list.
 
Perhaps John C could be convinced to support a longterm archive? (Dare I
suggest even recovering the older monthly files???)
Peter Rauch