By David Wilcox, Partnerships for Tomorrow.
Over the next year we are likely to
hear much more about local authorities and voluntary bodies using the
Internet and other local systems to provide public information
services.
More Internet-access kiosks will open in public libraries, and
cybercafes will be started in community centres. Systems which began
with teletext listings of council services will migrate to the World
Wide Web and expand to become 'Virtual Cities' of entertainment,
shopping and information about every aspect of local life.
Voluntary bodies and community groups who previously limited their IT
activities to word processing and databases will join in bids to
Government 'challenge' funds, sponsors and Europe to develop
multimedia projects, community networks or even telematic
regions.
Bulletin board systems run by enthusiasts in their back bedrooms,
carrying esoteric discussion of shareware programmes, will become the
electronic equivalent of community newspapers.
Champions of community networking hope that these various projects
together will enhance local democracy, provide new education
opportunities, and help bind together communities by communicating
across boundaries which divide us in an increasingly specialised
world.
However, before we join in hyping the possible benefits the
information superhighway may bring at local level, we should examine
North American developments, and consider the nature of 'community'
and 'networking' in the UK.
I suggest we need to consider three issues with complex linkages: the
technology, the information, and the connection of computer-based
networks to 'real world' networks and activities.
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North American community networks are
varied, but have some common features which provide a framework for
similar systems in the UK.
Technically they help computer users in a locality connect with each
other, mainly using modems and phone lines. They may do this through
one computer, the server, dedicated to acting as a hub in a closed
system, or by building their network on the server of a commercial
Internet Service Provider. Some provide that access free, covering
costs through grants, donations and earnings from elsewhere, others
charge subscriptions.
Users connect from home, work or public terminal - perhaps in a
classroom or library. The connections available on different networks
range from a couple of phone lines to fibre optic links. These links,
perhaps between key sites like schools and training centres, could
offer two-way video conferencing, audio and data networking. Others
are experimenting with wireless radio networks.
Through these connections users can exchange messages privately,
conduct public discussions, exchange computer files and access
centrally held information. Their exchanges may be limited to the
local system, or they may have gateways to the wider Internet and
other systems.
The information the networks offer to network users may range from
timetables to job opportunities, electronic library catalogues,
restaurant listings, tourist attractions and news reports to material
from community groups.
The electronic networks depends on local organisations and real world
networks for their support in funding, information provision and
volunteer help - local government, libraries, university, voluntary
bodies, sponsors. In turn the networks will train local groups in
using the technology and help them develop new projects.
The general form of organisation of a community network is a non
profit distributing company, which may consequently gain tax
advantages. Funding and support comes from a mix of grants,
donations, sponsorship, subscriptions and volunteer help.
The Morino Institute, one of the champions of community networks in
the US, has published a directory of Public Access Networks, which it
splits into two sections: first Free-Nets, Community networks and
Civic Networks aiming to serve communities as a whole; and secondly
Special Focus Networks. The latter split into further categories
including economic development, government information, education,
community service, health and education.
Morino draw a distinction between relatively passive broadcasting and
interactive communication where information users are also providers.
They argue that:
'This new medium offers immense potential for helping people address
many of the challenges to their individual success and the vitality
of their communities. Those who have experienced the richness of
interactive communications understand its ability to empower
individuals, inspire collaboration, facilitate learning and enhance
our patterns of access to people and information.
'On the grand scale, interactive communications is already connecting
millions of individuals around the world in unrestrained dialogue and
helping them to reach vast resources of knowledge and information.
Closer to home, it is helping local communities energize citizen
participation, reinvent institutions, provide outreach services and
spur economic development. Perhaps the greatest opportunity is that
it may provide a vehicle for bringing together groups of people in
collaborative efforts to solve the interconnected social problems
afflicting those communities.'
References for the Morino Institute, other sources, and community
networks themselves, are given at the end of the article.
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Before considering how the mix of
technology, information handling and real world connection may
operate in the UK, I would like to ensure we are on common ground by
dealing with the basic functions of interactive communication and the
systems they use. In the process I will declare a few personal
dispositions which colour the later discussion.
One of the great difficulties in this field is the lack of a common
language and framework of understanding between (social) community
developers and (technical) network developers, so I make no apology
for a simple approach which aims to close the gap a little by trying
to make this article accessible to both.
The following functions are common to most systems.
I have found general accord that the
most useful function of electronic systems for general users is email
- the one-to-one transmission of messages which might otherwise go by
fax or post.
Two forms of public email provide additional benefits. Mailing lists
allow members of an interest group to subscribe to a central email
address, and then receive any message posted by any other
subscriber.
Conferences, also called newsgroups or forums, perform the same
function except messages stay at the central address and users must
take the trouble to access them periodically rather than find them
automatically piling up in their mailbox each day.
Personally I prefer mailing lists, but over enthusiasm in subscribing
to them gives you the equivalent of an overflowing intray every day,
with the constant temptation to check what's just come in and to join
in the discussion.
Conferences can work well, but I believe that their likely value in
community networks depends upon the software available. Older system
use text-based menus which are frustrating for those used to the
friendlier graphical interfaces of Macintosh or Windows.
File transfer theoretically enables
system users to send anything on their computer to that of any other
subscriber to the system: whether text file, magazine layout, spread
sheet or graphic. In practice, the ease of transfer depends on the
nature of the system and agreement of common standards.
Files sent attached to Internet email have to be encoded and decoded,
and this can be troublesome. Unless users agree simple matters like
which word processing format, anything more than a simple text file
must go through tedious processes of translation.
Other means of retrieving files from distant computers trend to
baffled novice users.
These difficulties apparently disappear when using World Wide Web
(WWW), software which presents the user with attractive pages of
text, graphics and hypertext 'hot links' to other pages which may be
on the same computer or anywhere else on the Internet. Just click on
a link and you can 'surf' across the world to further information,
download a file, email a response or join an associated
conference.
WWW appears to be the application which makes everything work easily
- but there are problems even there. All pages must be designed and
prepared using HTML - HyperText Markup Language. While this is
becoming easier, it means that WWW is principally a one-to-many
publishing medium, compared with, for example, many-to-many
publishing through a mailing list.
And although WWW can be read as text only, its main benefits require
a computer capable of running Windows, or a Macintosh. Links can be
slow, and combined with the temptation to just try the next
connection to find what you really want, can consume a lot of
time.
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The pros and cons and possibilities
of different applications and approaches come into sharper relief
when considering the different systems or platforms on which
community networks may run.
Community networks in North America started on simple Bulletin Board
Systems (BBS) as early as 1980, when David Hughes set up Old Colorado
City Communications in Colorado Springs to help people become more
active and involved in local government.
These early systems required their users to deal with text menus to
work their way through to discussion and file areas, and would limit
email addresses to others on the same system. Later BBSs would
connect together, so that users could send messages across the
country - and the world - by Fidonet.
Today a community network using a BBSs might use First Class software
which can run on equipment costing under L2000, and a software
licence costing a few hundred pounds. Subscribers are greeted with
the equivalent of a new Mac or Windows desktop (unless they are
running DOS), and a range of email, conferencing and file transfer
options.
Costs will, of course, increase substantially with the numbers of
users, storage and connection requirements, but the look and feel is
much the same whatever the scale. It has some similarities with
commercial systems like Compuserve, that have for some years offered
subscribers a friendly graphical interface, with email, conference
areas, specialist databases and a host of information services from
timetable and weather reports, news services and film reviews.
The BBS-based system could expand its services to include email out
to and in from the Internet. It might offer both direct dial in and
access via the Internet for long distance users.
Many community networks have seized the opportunities offered by
World Wide Web, and created community networks on systems run by
Universities or Internet Service Providers. These systems are
excellent for publishing information attractively, but demand that
all core material is designed and coded using HTML. There may be
associated discussion groups, but in my view these are not as
flexible as those running on First Class systems.
No doubt in a few years personal computers and television sets will
be one, and conferencing and World Wide Web software will converge,
but we aren't there yet. Even so I think that the constraints on
community networks lie more with information handling and their real
world relevance than with technical limitations.
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I suspect that good community
networks need a mix of skills drawn from journalism, librarianship
and facilitation. News keeps users coming back to check what's
happening. Well-structured information on screen with signposts
elsewhere is the core of the system. Conferences are likely to need
moderators to keep people on track and ensure an acceptable noise to
signal ratio.
Community networkers should consider how much central work they can
put into to develop and maintain a Web site, and how far they want to
encourage users to be information providers under central
guidance.
Whatever the software and the system, experience suggests that a
great deal of effort and skill is needed to create an
information-rich environment and keep it updated.
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At one level it has never been easier
for the UK home or business user to enjoy the benefits of interactive
communication. While there are no developed community networks on the
North American model, he or she can open an account with Compuserve
which will provide a wealth of information plus Internet access at
about L6 a month plus use charges, or simply gain access to the
Internet for L10-L15 a month plus only local call charges.
Once on either system he or she will have international email, an
ability to transfer files, and access to the World Wide Web. A look
at the North American community networks may prompt a
socially-conscious user to think about developing something similar
locally. Here I would offer the enthusiast a few cautions, which lead
to where I think the main issues for community networks lie - in the
real, not the virtual, world. Here, first, are the cautions:
The level of computer use and connectivity in the UK is much lower
here than in North America, and getting online is a big jump for most
people. The potential user base in most localities is still very
low.
Little will be achieved by creating a World Wide Web site called
Anytown Community Network, with some basic information, and hoping
enthusiastic volunteers will email you with pages of fascinating
material. Ask the editor of a community or parish newspaper how easy
it is to get good copy.
Even creating mailing lists or conferences around local topics and
hoping people will send basic messages may not work. People simply
'lurk' on the lists, uninterested or under-confident about joining
in.
Managing even a modest bulletin board system can be time-consuming,
maintaining a Web site even more so.
Key public sector partners for a community network - local council,
libraries, colleges, training agencies - may not even have email.
They probably won't understand what you are talking about.
Community and voluntary sector interests are unlikely to see online
working as a priority, unless there are very obvious benefits.
Potential private sector supporters will be more likely to offer help
in kind than funding.
Behind these observations lie some lessons and possible guidelines
for community networking.
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Community networks are significantly
different from public or private ventures. They rely on a wide range
of different interests to commit technical support, information, and
'animation' voluntarily.
The collaboration and commitment needed to build them does not come
easily, particularly when the different interests probably haven't
worked together before and are new to the technology.
This means a lot of early effort to build up teams, assess technical
needs, develop information structures, plan training and support.
Later this work may be done by paid staff, but in the early days
there may be no funding to cover the work. Start up costs cannot
easily be repaid from later funding or earnings.
The more 'commercial' a system tries to make itself, the less
voluntary effort it may attract.
However, there is a positive side to these difficulties. In reality
there is no one 'community'. There are communities of locality and of
interest. Every place has a myriad of links of family and friendship,
of clubs for sport and recreation, support for health and learning,
campaigning for the environment and citizens rights.
These communities need to communicate better within their interest
groups, and between themselves. They need to share experience with
others nationally and internationally, and increasingly they need to
form partnerships to bid for funds from Government and Europe and
demonstrate continuing collaboration.
They are the human infrastructure which already uses the technology
of phone and fax, as well as print and face to face meetings, to
maintain the web of relationships which makes up what we call
community.
So for the new community networker a good starting place is the
existing networks which want to enhance their activity. They have
information and they have members who could become network users.
They will do your marketing and provide content. They understand
voluntary effort, fundraising and non profit distributing
companies.
Once a critical mass of users develops, there will be scope for
lively informal networking between individual users, finding others
with similar interests, trading information and maybe holding the
electronic equivalent of parties or car boot sales.
This is in addition to the more conventional information providers in
local government, libraries, schools and colleges and other public
agencies who will soon begin to feel some political pressure to join
in.
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I wouldn't like to propose an off the
shelf UK model for community networking. We start from a different
place than Americans or Canadians. We have better Internet
connectivity, but higher local call charges. Our traditions of
volunteering and civic responsibility are different. We have better
public service broadcasting and, perhaps, a better Press. There may
be less perceived need for local electronic networks.
On the other hand there is growing interest in getting online, and a
realisation that while the Internet may provide good connections, it
doesn't necessarily provide useful information. There is too much,
which is too diverse and too difficult to find.
Organisations and networks need customised solutions which go beyond
a simple Internet connection.
Our community networks may well be networks of networks and projects,
as much as information providers. They may be teams of technical
experts, information brokers, trainers and facilitators who ensure
there is an appropriate platform, and help people use the new
medium.
Their work will reinforce our sense of real world place, as well as
create new virtual communities online, because they will be making
face to face connections which might not otherwise happen. I have
found email has increased the people I know across professional and
other boundaries, and I have now met quite a few. Community
networking could help get us away from the computer screen into new
real worlds, as well as create virtual ones.
David Greenop, writing in this journal in October 1995, touched on
many of the social issues raised by the new technology. He
remarked:
'Above all else in bringing about the information society is the
necessity of partnership between the builders of the information
infrastructure and the representatives of society.'
He added: 'The challenges and the opportunities of new technologies
must be made apparent to all members of society and its institutions,
and a health debate must be encouraged.'
Much of this debate will take place through normal media and
political channels. However, community networks - broadly defined -
could provide the telecommunications industry with an unparalleled
opportunity to test different approaches and contact a wide range of
individual and organisational users not readily accessible through
normal public and private sector channels.
Even if we discount the hype, community networks could demonstrate
the social benefits of connecting computers at a time when people are
becoming fearful of an increasingly machine dependant society.
The only way to find out what may or may not work is to try it. We
need a number of local pilot projects which share their experience
nationally and internationally, and which draw on expertise in
telecommunications, computing, information management and community
development.
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The Morino Institute is dedicated to
opening the doors of opportunity - economic, civic, health, and
education - and empowering people to improve their lives and
communities in the Communications Age.
http://www.morino.org/
The National Public Telecomputing Network is the parent body for
Free-Net systems worldwide.
http://www.nptn.org/
Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility has a reference
section on community networking
http://www.cpsr.org/dox/community.nets.html
The Center for Civic Networking is a non-profit organization
dedicated to applying information infrastructure to the broad public
good
http://civic.net/ccn.html
Community Networking Documents and Resources can be found at the
International National Federation of Library Associations and
Institutions.
http://www.nlc-bnc.ca/ifla/services/commun.htm
Among the useful documents are Community Computer Networks: Building
Electronic Greenbelts by Steve Cisler of Network Outreach, Apple
Computer, Inc, and his Can We Keep Community Networks
Running?
Free-Nets and Community Networks are
listed by Peter Scott at:
http://duke.usask.ca/~scottp/free.html
A couple of WWW-based UK community networks:
Coventry Community Network
http://www.ecosaurus.co.uk/coventry/
Capital Net - Cardiff
http://info.cf.ac.uk/ccin/homepage.html
The Virtual Community, by Howard
Rheingold, Minerva, 1994, 6.95 pounds, provides an optimistic view of
the benefits the technology.
Silicon Snake Oil, by Clifford Stoll, Macmillan 1995, 9.95 pounds,
offers sceptical second thoughts on the information highway.
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