Welcome to the KyArchives Help Desk Mail List.
This is the place where KY archive file managers can find answers to many questions and
learn how to enhance their skills while managing web pages for respective counties. No
question can go unanswered. No task is too small or complicated to overcome. Open
discussions will help everyone and training is self paced. Let's look at the basics
of this mail list to get an idea of where we are headed and how we will best benefit from
the KYARCH Help Desk.
"The Help Desk"
Quite often, many folks need help or support with matters that are beyond the scope of
administrative criteria. This is especially true of new county file managers (CFM). We
already have a mail list where the State File Manager (SFM) makes announcements and keeps
all FMs informed of the daily business conducted at the state level. The KYARC mail list
is mandatory for all FMs. The Help Desk mail list (KYARCHIVES) will zero in on specific
issues or details that support the FM more directly as they conduct their chores and
manage web pages. As we proceed, the Help Desk staff will increase with volunteers
sharing valuable information pertaining to the skills necessary to complete those chores.
Tenured and experienced FMs will also share information they have acquired over time.
"Topics of Discussion"
Topics or questions submitted to the KYARCH Help Desk should be relative and to the point
to minimize any confusion for readers. The subject line of the email message should be
used to correctly identify the content of the message body. This will allow everyone an
advantage to be selective in which correspondence they choose to follow. For instance, a
subject line of "How do you cut and paste text?" is not of interest to anyone
already proficient in the task and they may skip that discussion by deleting all messages
with that subject line. The Help Desk mail list is archived and can be reviewed for any
previously posted message or discussion thread. This excellent referral will drastically
reduce repetition in discussions.
"Rules of Engagement"
As always, it is necessary to mention that no adverse situation will be tolerated on the
mail list or in the messages. The utmost respect must be given to all readers and
subscribers. It is okay to disagree in opinion. It is okay to express an opinion without
repercussion or interference. All messages must be clear and concise and relative to the
subject line of the email. when the topic or discussion changes, so must the subject
line. General comments or suggestions should use a subject line like "Off topic
comment" whenever the need arises.
"Getting Started"
The Help Desk will officially open on 1 March 2007. This will give us a birth date for
the archived messages when reviewing past discussions. This is also the date when our
first open discussion will begin. As the SFM, I will open my discussion on the structure
of the KyArchives and how we use it as file managers. It might be a good idea to also
start a discussion on using email and how best to use it effectively. Keep in mind, this
is a learning environment meant to help all participants. Some topics and discussions may
seem boring and too simple for folks with a lot of experience beyond the basics.
Again, I welcome you to the new KYARCH Help Desk and look forward to sharing information
with those that occasionally need direct support as a KYARCH FM.
Thomas Hembrey
SFM, KyArchives
USGW Archives Project
Suzanne Shephard
Asst. SFM, KyArchives
USGW Archives Project