Assessing community informatics: a review of methodological approaches for evaluating community networks and community technology centers

Author: O'Neil, Dara

Source: Internet Research: Electronic Networking Applications and Policy, Volume 12, Number 1, 2002 , pp. 76-102(27)

Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $38.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Community informatics can be defined as a strategy or discipline that focuses on the use of information and communication technologies by territorial communities. This paper analyzes the emerging community informatics evaluation literature to develop an understanding of the indicators used to gauge project impacts in community networks and community technology centers. This study finds that community networks and community technology center assessments fall into five key areas: strong democracy; social capital; individual empowerment; sense of community; and economic development opportunities. The paper concludes by making recommendations for future community informatics evaluations.

Keywords: Communications technology; Community network; Information technology; Networks

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/10662240210415844

Publication date: 2002-03-01