The Community Networking Handbook

Citation

Anh Tran, L. (1999), "The Community Networking Handbook", Asian Libraries, Vol. 8 No. 11, pp. 435-436. https://doi.org/10.1108/al.1999.8.11.435.2

A “community network” or “community computer system” can be defined as an environment which provides access to, and searching capability in, a wide range of electronic resources. Community networks have changed the way people access community information services, moving from traditional techniques associated with print resources to searching of electronic resources. This handbook intends to support users, and librarians in particular, in learning basic concepts and skills associated with community networks to ensure that they benefit from these networks, and that they can meet the growing requirements of community networking.

The first two chapters introduce the concepts, goals, significance and historical development of community networking. According to the author (currently Assistant Professor in the College of Library and Information Science, University of South Carolina, and a founder and project director of a local community network), community computer systems originated in 1984 with Tom Grundner at Case Western Reverse University. This concept developed into the National Public Telecomputing Network (NPTN) in 1989, and to community networks in the last five years. Chapter 2 challenges local communities to develop their own networks, and also encourages libraries to participate in community networking because “it provides its sponsoring institutions with a plan, a method, a strategy to ensure their continued relevance in the Information Age”.

The next seven chapters are the essential part of the book. Chapter 3, 4, 5 and 6 contain basic procedures and step‐by‐step processes in the development and use of community networks: setting and designing the network, establishing community partnerships, network management, funding issues. This content supports users and libraries in developing an electronic organisation in which they can communicate and share resources. More practically, Chapters 7, 8 and 9 include the processes of marketing and communication; creating local online information; and accessing electronic resources, training and technical support. Here the work becomes a genuine manual, offering clear instructions to support librarians who participate in and use community networks. The final chapter explains the importance of evaluation and offers brief instruction on evaluating community networks. Readers also can find a wide range of electronic information sources needed when implementing community networking projects in the Appendix, or by connecting to hyperlinks from the author’s Web site <www.libsci.sc.edu/stephen/bajjaly.htm>

This book does not just present concepts and outline the development of community networks, but also contains practical examples and illustrations of this development in North America. Therefore, it enables users not only to “conceptualize community networking” but also to apply their skills in developing and participating in community computer networks.

Bajjaly’s work is certainly important for librarians, and beyond that it is relevant to any user who wishes to connect a community online. While community networks are growing in many countries, this handbook is one of the first basic manuals on developing and using such networks; and it helps librarians to meet the new requirements of electronic services at community level into the future.