1997

This research is part of a larger project on the possible/potential role of new information technologies in supporting/creating a civil society. It is increasingly clear that access to needed and relevant information forms a crucial linkage between the formation and enhancement of civil society and the success of community development and community economic development initiatives. If local community groups, the very foundation of civil society, are to be successful in their efforts and endeavours, then their access to information must be both efficient and effective.

The geographic focus of the project: "Pluralism in Community Development Practices: Can New Information Technology Build/Maintain A Civil Society?", is rural and small town communities. Such locations have historically been disadvantaged with respect to access to information and information sources. Large distances and small local populations (critical mass) are well known and well documented impediments for rural and small town communities across much of North America. Against this backdrop, there is considerable interest and debate at present about the potential role which new information technologies, especially computer based information access and retrieval technologies, may play in changing this historic relationship.

For more details and reports, please visit the Information Technology and Society research section for Professor Greg Halseth.