Community Informatics: Shaping Computer-Mediated Social Relations

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.

1. Introduction: Shaping Computer-Meditated Social Relations 2. Researching CI 3. Community Networks and Electronic Networks 4. Economic and Community Development 5. Computer-Meditated Social Support 6. Electronic Governance 7. Voluntary and Community Organisations 8. Identity and Diversity 9. Globalisation 10. Surveillance and Privacy 11. Policy Implications of CI