Community networks can benefit the government by providing the training necessary for citizens to access government information electronically. Local experts can assist the general public in accessing information and services through the convenience of e-mail. These government services most important for a given community can be tailored through customized on-line menus for enhanced ease of access by the public. A community network can potentially provide a single point of access for local, state and national government services, accessible with the help of friendly local on-line public servants.
Predictor: Odasz, Frank
Prediction, in context:The 1995 book “Public Access to the Internet,” edited by Brian Kahin and James Keller carries the chapter, “Issues in the Development of Community Cooperative Networks” by Frank Odasz. Odasz is the director of Big Sky Telegraph, Western Montana College of the University of Montana. He writes:”Community networks can benefit the government by providing the training necessary for citizens to access government information electronically. Local experts can assist the general public in accessing information and services through the convenience of e-mail. These government services most important for a given community can be tailored through customized on-line menus for enhanced ease of access by the public. A community network can potentially provide a single point of access for local, state and national government services, accessible with the help of friendly local on-line public servants … CD-ROM databases can provide gigabytes of government information mass-produceable for $1 each.”
Biography:Frank Odasz was an assistant professor of computing education at the University of Colorado and the director of Big Sky Telegraph, a popular community network of the time. He was widely known as a speaker on community networking and educational technologies. (Technology Developer/Administrator.)
Date of prediction: January 1, 1995
Topic of prediction: Getting, Sharing Information
Subtopic: General
Name of publication: Public Access to the Internet (book)
Title, headline, chapter name: Issues in the Development of Community Cooperative Networks
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
Page 127
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Guarino, Jennifer Anne