Table of Contents

1. Introduction
   
2. Community Networks Defined
   
3. Evaluating CNs
   
4. The Issue of Access
   
5. Do Community Networks Build Community?
   
6. Community Networks and Local Business Enterprise
   
7. CNs and Economic Development
   
8. Competition with Local ISPs?
   
9. Future Scenarios
   
10. Conclusion
    
11. Community Networks Bibliography

1. Introduction

Community Networks (CN) (often called Free-Nets or Civic Networks) are geographically centered computer systems that support the local community with information and communication services. These systems often have free or very low-cost dial-up Internet access. they are managed by volunteer groups, and are often supported by colleges, city government or public libraries. Usually, "Public Access" stations are available, often in public libraries so that community members without home computers can also use the system. (Civille, 1998) While just a handful of systems were operational in the mid 1980s, approximately 300 operating community networks now exist. This summary of the current on-line literature and comment regarding Community Networks focuses on three interrelated questions:

1. In what ways do Community Networks (CNs) contribute to community building and a general strengthening of civic networking?
   
2. What is the evidence that CNs really do lead to "converging opportunities," greater civic participation, and more effective forms of democratic processes? And:
   
3. Is there evidence of successful commercial activity for small, locally owned businesses networking through Community Networks? Does this activity lead to economic development strategies that move firms into high value markets?

*This paper was prepared as part of the evaluation research provided to the Appalachian Center for Economic Networks ACEnet by the Institute for Local Government Administration and Rural Development (ILGARD) at Ohio University, for the ACEnet project, "A Comprehensive Strategy to Use Community Networking to Revitalize Distressed Rural Regions." The project, funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, uses communication technology and especially, community networks as a critical tool to develop community linkages, and expand markets for local business enterprises.

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