Function of Community Network

Before computer took center stage, the term community network was a sociological concept that described the rich web of communications and relationships in a community.

Recently, community member and activists all over the world are developing these community networks, often in conjunction with other local institutions including colleges and universities, libraries, local governmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

These community network some with user populations in the tens of thousands are intended to advance social goals, such as building economic opportunities in disadvantaged community. A community network accomplishes these goals by supporting smaller communities within the larger community and by facilitating the exchange of information between individuals and these smaller communities. Another community network objective is to provide electronic one stop stop shopping for community information and communication, by using discussing forums, question and answer forums ; electronic access for government employees, information and access to social services, electronic mail, internet services including access to the World Wide Web.

Community members interact with community network in various ways. Community network terminals can be set up at public places like libraries, school, community and senior centers, social service agencies, shopping mall. Community networks can also be accessible from home via computers and increasingly from the internet.

In recent years, activist have also been establishing community computing-centers where people, often in low-income neighborhoods, can become comfortable and adept with computer application and network services.

The actual services on a community network vary from system to system but there are some typical ones, such as providing information about nonprofit organization and government agencies. Community networks also offer on-line discussion capabilities on a limitless number of topics. Possible topics include pets, homelessness, region, gay activism, ask the mayor, alternatives educations, cultural events, and classes, public hearings, artist and craft person's forum, dental clinic, public safety updates, international news, and neighborhood news.