Yale University is developing an electronic network for the
distribution of mathematics preprints.  Abstracts  of the preprints
are stored in a database, available via the Internet.  Currently
abstracts are available from various mathematicians at Yale
University, the University of Texas at Austin, Oklahoma State
University, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of
Paris.   The full text of the preprints exist on a series of files at
participating universities which can be downloaded via anonymous FTP
(File Transfer Protocol).     

The file of abstracts for preprints from all participating universities has
been mounted on an IBM3083 at the Yale Computer Center, using the Documaster
text management software.  Once the abstracts are entered into the Documaster
file, they can be searched by author, title, author's address, date, the status
of the preprint (accepted for publication, preliminary draft, class notes, book
draft, etc), words in the abstract, keywords supplied by the author, and the
Math Reviews subject classification code.   Mathematicians interested in
obtaining the full text of the preprint will download directly from the
originating university.

TO SEARCH THE IMP DATABASE

To use IMP via Internet, you need a copy of TN3270.  Telnet to
yalevm.ycc.yale.edu .  

You can also dial up using standard long distance lines, if you have ASCII
terminal emulation.  Set your communications software for even parity, 7 data
bits, and 1 stop bit (1200 baud, 203-432-5800; 2400 baud 203-432-5804)

PASSWORDS

After the connection is made, you will be prompted:

USERID:		Math1 (or Math2, 3, 4, or 5)
PASSWORD: 	Math1 (or Math2, 3, 4, or 5)

OPERATOR ID:	Math1  

After this point, the screen menus will guide your search.

FOR INSTITUTIONAL PARTICIPATION

We are actively encouraging more institutions to begin submitting abstracts to
IMP.  Each participating institution should designate a local coordinator. 
This person should be responsible for certain aspects of coordinating their
institution's participation and needs an electronic mail account that can be
used to send and receive electronic mail via BITNET or the Internet.  The
coordinator needs to make sure that the following tasks are delegated or
assigned:

--Submitting abstracts of your university's preprints via electronic mail to
Yale University.  
--Arranging for the storage of the full text of their institution's preprints
on a computer that is accessible via the Internet through anonymous FTP. 
--Writing a README file, based on a sample that Yale will provide, so that
mathematicians at other institutions can download electronic copies of your
institution's preprints.   
--Obtaining a copy of tn3270 and distributing it appropriately to those
individuals at your institution who wish to use IMP.
--Distributing for signature and retaining signed copies of the IMP License
Agreement for all original authors of abstracts.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

A brochure (electronic or printed) describing IMP is available from Katherine
Branch, Kline Science Library, Yale University, New Haven CT  06511,
katherine_branch@yccatsmtp.ycc.yale.edu.

General suggestions/inquiries/policies/participation:  Katherine Branch,
katherine_branch @yccatsmtp.ycc.yale.edu, 203-432-3439 (voice);
Search System Bugs:  David Bruce, bruce@yalevm (Abstract searching only);
Problems:  Victor Wickerhauser, victor@jezebel.wustl.edu