AbstractThis paper describes an electronic mail system which has been implemented to provide facilities for the receiver as well as the sender of electronic mail. As well as the usual mail creation, transmission and filing operations, the system allows the receiver to specify automatic redirection of mail, and provides classification facilities so that the order of mail presentation is under the receiver's control. The system also includes an automatic mechanism for acknowledging mail and for cancelling mail which is either out‐of‐date or which was sent in error. The model on which the system is based is a non‐automated office, so analogues of waste paper baskets, etc. are provided.