This research investigates how city-sponsored community technology centers (CTCs) in a dense urban area operate and sustain their services. In this research, a working CTC is interpreted as both being able to continually provide computer access and training to underserved populations, as well as being sustainable, both institutionally and financially. This research also attempts to build a linkage between the community technology movement and the rich body of knowledge regarding asset-based community development.
Based on three major bodies of literature: (1) the digital divide, (2) CTC practice, and (3) asset-based community development, this research establishes a three-layered CTC operation model, which identifies 15 key factors relating to CTC operation and sustainability. The current research, by testing the applicability of this theoretical model, further characterizes these locally-led and community-based CTC initiatives in greater depth. The key concepts and methodologies emerging from the theoretical model together build the empirical framework for the current research, which in turn guides the qualitative analysis of the study. The primary research tools include: (1) semi-structured interviews, (2) surveys, and (3) document reviews and secondary sources.
The research findings emerge from examining five CTC projects in the City of Seattle. These findings confirm that the five study cases help empower individual learners by providing a supportive learning environment and offering useful and practical learning materials. The findings also show that the five programs maintain their functioning and service capacities by building a strong foundation and securing three critical operating resources: (1) technological, (2) facility, and (3) personnel resources. The evidence also shows that these programs nurture community partnerships with other organizations and institutions as a means to leverage key operating resources from within the communities, which they serve. The research findings prove that the five programs take an asset-based approach to identifying resources already existing within their communities. They focus internally on community needs and relate their services to issues facing community members. They also employ relationship-driven strategies to maintain and strengthen partnerships with community members and other concerned parties, including issuing newsletters or other publications to keep members informed and fostering personal relationships among volunteers and support groups.
The empirical findings identify two additional factors and lead to a revision of the theoretical model. This re-conceptualization of the CTC practice helps clarify the actual working relations among all CTC operating factors identified in the theoretical model. The current research also offers policy recommendations for both public and non-profit sectors, which suggest more tangible forms of assistance from both city agencies and community-based organizations.
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