ABSTRACT

Community groups, social support networks, voluntary agencies and government organisations are all actively exploring the potential of the new information and communication technologies to bring about democratic development and renewal. A rich variety of social experiments in what has become known as Community Informatics is now beginning to provide useful research findings and exciting examples of innovative applications.
This book sets down some of the defining features of a Community Informatics approach and some of the common themes which are emerging. In particular it considers the following issues:
* sustainability
* employment
* community management
* public service provision
* partnerships of stakeholders
* local learning
* social support and networks.
This edited collection brings together leading exponents of Community Informatics from around the world and critically evaluates their experiences.

chapter 1|10 pages

Community informatics

Leigh Keeble and Brian D. Loader

chapter 5|18 pages

The technological story of a women’s centre

Eileen Green and Leigh Keeble

chapter 6|18 pages

The safety Net?

Nicholas Pleace, Roger Burrows, Brian D. Loader, Sarah Nettleton and Steve Muncer

chapter 8|17 pages

On crafting a study of digital community networks

Nicholas W. Jankowski, Martine van Selm and Ed Hollander

chapter 11|28 pages

Change agency and women’s learning

Anne Scott and Margaret Page

chapter 14|20 pages

Surveillance in the community

C.William R.Webster and John Hood

chapter 15|23 pages

The techno-flâneur

Tamara Seabrook and Louise Wattis

chapter 19|18 pages

Communities and community e-gateways

Sonia Liff and Fred Steward