Community Informatics : Shaping Computer-Mediated Social Relations

by Brian D. Loader (Editor), Leigh Keeble (Editor)

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.

416 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Brian D. Loader is an honorary fellow in the Department of Sociology at the University of York, UK. His academic interests are focused around the social relations of power in a digitally mediated world, including social media and citizenship participation. More specifically, his research interests are primarily concerned with young citizens, civic engagement, and social media; social movements and digital democracy; and community informatics and the digital divide. He has written widely on these subjects for the past 25 years. He is the founding Editor in Chief of the international journal Information, Communication & Society.

Reviews

[Wens Tan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seems like a somewhat disparate collection of case studies, some of which with methodologies that seem improving.

[Peter · Rating 1 out of 5]

Seriously dated...