Via online UI subscription, Recent research suggests that Internet usage can positively influence social capital in
rural communities by fostering avenues for voluntary participation and creating social
networks. Most of this research has examined whether Internet use is associated
with participation in local organizations and social networks but not the means by
which residents use the technology to learn about local activities. To address this
gap in the literature, the authors use a mixed-methods approach in an isolated rural
region of the western United States to evaluate how residents use their connections
to maintain local social networks and learn about local community events and
organizations. The authors show that Internet usage can play an important role in
building social capital in rural communities, thus extending the systemic model of rural
voluntary participation and community attachment. Implications for rural community
development are addressed.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 148 Document Number: D11590
Notes:
3 pages., Online from publisher website. 2 pages., Report explains that more than $1 billion are "flowing to 126 communities in 38 states and tribal lands to build broadband networks." Author summarizes a Federal Communications Commission resource page explaining why rural broadband is so important.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 153 Document Number: D07406
Notes:
Online from Free Press, Florence, Massachusetts. 2 pages., Provides links to stories and video case examples of the experiences and circumstances of those who lack access to broadband information services for a variety of reasons.
