SP10Q5Response

Spring 2010 Question 5 Response:

Just a few notes to get started ---

a) E-Government - (short for the term electronic government) the use of technology to facilitate the operation of government  and the disbursement of  government  information and services. Examples:
 * e-filing of taxes
 * employment applications
 * economic assistance programs
 * medicare, social security
 * Ex. w/ Katrina -- librarires were information centers for health, rcovery and other information access (FEMA)

b) Role of Information professions - "[Since the E-government enactment]... public libraries are often the only organizations that can help individuals interact with government agencies and access E-government services”...however, there is "little collaboration or support from federal agencies for the significant increase in services public libraries provide on their behalf.”(ALA) User Needs: technological ability (basic skills), email account (can set up a free gmail account) Response to need from info. professionals: classes, one-on-one tutoring, checklist for government forms Issues w/ e-government: usability of government websites (no consistency, have to learn how to navigate each site)
 * important role in ensuring free acess to world's knowledge including information documenting the work of government and resources for connecting with government
 * libraries are the access point in helping patrons navigate internet resources
 * millions of Americans still lack internet access
 * government refers pepole to library for e-government, yet no additional funding is provided

c) Benefits
 * convenient - no more lines!
 * cost-effective
 * "green"
 * easily-accessible (24-7 vs 8-5 on weekdays only)
 * "Ultimately, e-government aims to enhance access to and delivery of government services to benefit citizens. More important, it aims to help strengthen government’s drive toward effective governance and increased transparency to better manage a country’s social and economic resources for development." (wikibooks)

Implications: support is time-consuming, not enough computers, versioning of software products used