Neighbourhoods on the net: The nature and impact of internet-based neighbourhood information systems

Description

How a neighbourhood is viewed can affect the lives of those who live there and the attitudes and behaviour of others towards them. This report examines the increasing use and sophistication of Internet-Based Neighbourhood Information Systems (IBNIS), such as www upmystreet.co.uk, and considers their potential impact on how neighbourhoods are viewed. Neighbourhoods on the net: provides in-depth analysis of a number of IBNIS both in the UK and US; considers their advantages and disadvantages; reviews the research literature on IBNIS and compares and contrasts this with the perspectives of a number of key stakeholders involved in their development and use; relates the emergence of IBNIS to broader discussions about the impact of the Internet on every day life, particularly in the context of the growing 'digital divide'; and points towards a range of possible policy implications. The report is essential reading for those working on: urban and regeneration policy; the application of information and communication technologies to social policy issues; e-commerce; e-government; and social and public policy more generally.

Roger Burrows is Professor of Sociology in the Department of Sociology at the University of York, Nick Ellison is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Applied Social Sciences at the University of Durham and Brian Woods is a Research Fellow in the Science and Technology Studies Unit (SATSU) in the Department of Sociology at the University of York.