Manchester Community Information Network
A Unique Model. By Linda Doyle, Project Manager
The view that 'those closest to the sources of information are best placed
to maintain and share it' is fundamental to the Manchester model of community
information sharing. Manchester Community Information Network (MCIN) boast
the most comprehensive sources of local information residing on their web-site
or linked to it. The model enables a range of information holders to publish
their services collectively and speedily but with the burden of updating
being dispersed to the source organisations.
The site provides details of local job vacancies, training courses, health,
welfare and leisure services through a mixture of text and databases which
are either searchable or scrollable. Email links enable the public to communicate
with information providers, one of whom, the Citizens Advice Bureaux, (who
offer sound from their pages) promise to answer queries from local people
who submit their name and address.
MCIN was formed in 1993 against a background of 'public information frustration',
incompatible databases, duplication and poor coordination. With the aim
of generating support for a community information system a cross-sector
partnership was formed. Grant-aid was then secured through North Manchester
Regeneration Limited an SRB funded Company to fund a pilot project.
The project launched its first public system in Crumpsall public library
in November 1995 and now has a dozen computer terminals based in a variety
of public settings, including Asda superstore. Web space and technical support
have been provided by Poptel/HOST (Internet Providers) and equipment donated
by KPMG (Accountants/Management Consultants). KPMG also cleverly designed
a 'mask' which hides the internet browser from the public and keeps them
in the domain of MCIN and its links - a necessary step because of online
costs and to prevent novices getting lost in cyberspace.
MCIN has adopted a unique approach by prioritising information for the disadvantaged/vulnerable
(what MCIN term 'really useful information') and in not being information
holders who amass data which rapidly becomes out of date. Instead MCIN are
facilitators providing a complementary information channel and assisting
organisations who do not have resources to web publish. Interestingly the
most ephemeral information on MCIN has also proved the most popular - some
users are visiting Manchester City Council 'Job Vacancies' pages on the
morning they are updated - another advantage of direct transfer from source.
There are clearly advantages and disadvantages to the model MCIN adopts
and this collaborative approach is certainly not the easiest option. Nevertheless
it could be one that is increasingly emulated as web site information explodes
and as the public become more discerning about up to date and really useful
information.
Linda Doyle Linda@mcin.poptel.org.uk
Manchester Community Information Network http://www.poptel.org.uk/mcin/
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