Manchester Community Information Network provides public access
points with constantly updated local information - including one in
the Asda Superstore. They do this, says project manager Linda Doyle,
by ensuring information providers are responsible for their content
and answering public enquiries.
The view that 'those closest to the sources of information are best
placed to maintain and share it' is fundamental to the Manchester
model of community information sharing. Manchester Community
Information Network (MCIN) boast the most comprehensive sources of
local information residing on their web-site or linked to it. The
model enables a range of information holders to publish their
services collectively and speedily but with the burden of updating
being dispersed to the source organisations.
The site provides details of local job vacancies, training courses,
health, welfare and leisure services through a mixture of text and
databases which are either searchable or scrollable. Email links
enable the public to communicate with information providers, one of
whom, the Citizens Advice Bureaux, (who offer sound from their pages)
promise to answer queries from local people who submit their name and
address.
MCIN was formed in 1993 against a background of 'public information
frustration', incompatible databases, duplication and poor
coordination. With the aim of generating support for a community
information system a cross-sector partnership was formed. Grant-aid
was then secured through North Manchester Regeneration Limited an SRB
funded Company to fund a pilot project.
The project launched its first public system in Crumpsall public
library in November 1995 and now has a dozen computer terminals based
in a variety of public settings, including Asda superstore. Web space
and technical support have been provided by Poptel/HOST (Internet
Providers) and equipment donated by KPMG (Accountants/Management
Consultants). KPMG also cleverly designed a 'mask' which hides the
internet browser from the public and keeps them in the domain of MCIN
and its links - a necessary step because of online costs and to
prevent novices getting lost in cyberspace.
MCIN has adopted a unique approach by prioritising information for
the disadvantaged/vulnerable (what MCIN term 'really useful
information') and in not being information holders who amass data
which rapidly becomes out of date. Instead MCIN are facilitators
providing a complementary information channel and assisting
organisations who do not have resources to web publish. Interestingly
the most ephemeral information on MCIN has also proved the most
popular - some users are visiting Manchester City Council 'Job
Vacancies' pages on the morning they are updated - another advantage
of direct transfer from source.
There are clearly advantages and disadvantages to the model MCIN
adopts and this collaborative approach is certainly not the easiest
option. Nevertheless it could be one that is increasingly emulated as
web site information explodes and as the public become more
discerning about up to date and really useful information.
Manchester Community Information Network http://www.poptel.org.uk/mcin/
www.partnerships.org.uk/articles/MCIN11.html