ABSTRACT
Community informatics is an emerging field focusing primarily on the interaction between local communities and information technologies and a more particular focus within social informatics. It is rooted in library practice, most notably the outreach that led to information and referral (I&R) services, as well as other innovative practices, for example the community technology center and the community network, aimed at strengthening communities faced with the digital era and its attendant disruptions and opportunities. Community informatics research and teaching is carried out at a growing number of library/information schools and elsewhere, as appropriate to this interdisciplinary endeavor.
