New Community Networks .......... .-. Wired for Change Douglas Schuler douglas@scn.org

In an era of declining communities, grassroots activists all over the world are building community networks designed to reinvigorate communities by encouraging dialogue and providing a forum for voices that too often go unheard. Via new computer neworking technology, new communites can now connect electronically to pursue activities such as community and public health projects, long-distance learning, performances, and "virtual spaces."

Community networks are computer systems that are designed for community use. They are not "on-ramps" to the "information superhighway." Community networks are generally free to use, although some systems charge small fees. Something of a community movement now exists, with nearly 300 systems in operation, hundreds more in the planning, and over 500,000 users!

Thanks to Morino Institute for their support in making this information widely available. The information contained in these web pages does not necessarily represent the views of the Morino Institute, nor is the institute responsible for any errors contained within.

Thanks also to Addison-Wesley for permission to reprint the appendices and other material from New Community Networks. Please see their web site for information on this and other Addison-Wesley titles.

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.........Chapter Abstracts

...Bibliography

......Appendices

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A number of schools and universities have integrated this book into their curriculum, including Harvard University, University of Texas, University of Michigain, Ohio State University, The Evergreen State College, University of Indiana, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

The information in these pages first appeared in New Community Networks: Wired for Change, published by Addison-Wesley in 1996. Since community networks (or, for that matter, any technology) don't exist in a vacuum, I have included social analyses and critiques that provide some of the motivation and design criteria for developing community networks.

In addition to social, political, and economic analysis, I have included practical information for developing community networks, and democratic and community-oriented technology generally. These include working with organizations, developing a community network organization, and working with the technology.

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I hope that this information is useful. Please feel free to send me (Doug Schuler) your questions, comments, and corrections. I will try to keep the information in these pages current.

I am looking forward to working with you - in spirit or in actuality - in the future. Together we can make democratic communication technology a reality.

The easiest and cheapest way to purchase "New Community Networks: Wired for Change" is by calling the University Book Store in Seattle at 1-800-335-7323. The book is on sale for $21.25 and they'll ship anywhere in the US for free.

Review copies are available to journalists (who may write a review) and educators (who may use it in the class). Please send e-mail to Tracy Russ or consult the Addison-Wesley web page.

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