Getting Our Community Online

Fundamental Questions

Who might be involved in efforts to enhance community networking?

What sorts of funding, governance, outreach, and service models might be applied?

What is a community information network?

• government information (city directories; feedback forums; minutes of meetings)
• clubs, groups, community organizations (charters; meeting times; events)
• business information (products and services; map/locator information; question and answer)
• discussion forums on any topics or for any of the above information providers
• education, training, and support for all of the above, plus outreach to the community to maximize the usefulness of the resources

In addition, many community information networks also provide basic access to electronic mail, dial-in modem service, and Internet access.

But isn't [XXX] going to do that?

For the next few years, thousands of small businesses will start offering commercial access to the Internet with some of the aspects of community networks. But:

• They seldom have content of local or regional interest, instead focusing on larger "mass media" approaches
• There are few, if any, provisions for free access to community IPs, government agencies, libraries, etc.
• Industry analysts predict that the small companies have a limited future, and the late-1990s will see only a few large companies supplying 95% or more of the national Internet access and content. These companies are likely to be the same 20 or so companies which now supply 95% of existing media in the U.S.

So what's the prognosis for community information networks?

Community information networks can supply this, probably with limited (if any) competition from national providers. Like the interaction between libraries, bookstores, and video stores, community information networks will be able to carry content which helps create a demand for other means of electronic information and access.

Similarly, commercial service providers may have little interest in the "information have-nots" (and are very unlikely to be forced to by federal legislation, unlike the cable TV industry of the 1980s). Community information networks may be able to reach out to this potential user base.

That makes community information networks sound like charities

Consider another model, where the community information network is like the local newspaper, library, or yellow pages. Instead of getting lost in global discussions with thousands of people and mass appeal (viz. large electronic discussion forums, or online shopping areas which focus on products from leading manufacturers), Winnebago County residents might first consult local happenings and communicate with regional residents through their community information network.

Funding models

• Member-supported (the PBS model). Solicit donations or basic membership fees (10% donation level; $25-$50/year average)
• Sponsored by business, government, etc. Users/IPs and non-users.
• Fees-for-services. Essentially, to be a commercial Internet service provider but also provide for community information areas and forums.
• Co-op or community partnership. Work with area residents and organizations who will each contribute to the system. "Members" may get priority access to services.

What variety of services are offered?

• Services for Individuals
  • Electronic mail
  • File storage
  • Individual access to the Internet (WWW, etc.)
  • Individual access to local or national discussion groups (network news, etc.)
• Services for information providers
  • Disk space & server for WWW pages, email, etc.
  • Training
  • Outreach & support services
• Additional services
  • Dial-in modem pool (SLIP/PPP or plain text)
  • Training, consulting
  • Assistance with WWW authoring

Technical services

Technologies will evolve. In order to meet the needs of IPs and expectations of users, services will change as time progresses.

Support for these services is dependent on the general services offered. Minimally, expertise in both system administration and user training/consulting is required. This is typically two different people, but they may not need to be full-time for a minimal configuration of services.

How much will it cost?

Build on existing strengths!

The Sinnissippi Valley Information Network is off to a tremendous start and has raised community awareness.

Other Illinois communities and regions are available for cooperative efforts (NSLS, Champaign, Peoria...)

Focus on synergy and cooperative efforts. Duplication of effort is OK if good coordination and communication exists.

(Presented by Dr. Gregory B. Newby at the Rock Valley College on May 3, 1996. This presentation is available online as: http://alexia.lis.uiuc.edu/~gbnewby/presentations/rockford.html)