ICTlogy

Abstract:

A review of evidence on the effectiveness of initiatives providing better access to information and communication technology for people experiencing social exclusion.

This literature review examines current evidence on the effectiveness of public access centres and related community informatics (CI) initiatives in providing better access to information and communication technology for people who experience social exclusion.

An accessible and comprehensive examination of worldwide research conducted to date, it identifies the potential strengths and weaknesses of a range of initiatives. It questions how robust available research is, and asks whether it provides methodologically rigorous findings which can be used to inform future planning.

The report is divided into five areas which most typically represent the components of such projects: physical access and connectivity; computer skills and literacy; economic regeneration; civic participation; and diversity, difference and social exclusion.

The authors conclude by drawing out the key findings of the literature, and identify areas where more research is needed to provide a firm base for future policy decisions.