Community Informatics

Community informatics is the field of scholarship, policy, and practice that helps communities use information technologies to improve healthcare, foster civic engagement, preserve cultural heritage, inspire and educate youth, improve economic development, and achieve other goals related to social change.

Positions available at Gates foundation - for global library project -- very cool!!

itle: Research Analyst – Global Libraries

Summary
Global Libraries (GL) supports efforts to bridge the digital divide in developing and emerging countries by increasing free access to computers and the Internet in public libraries, and helping to ensure that the technology is useful and used in the local context.

The Global Libraries Research Analyst will support members of the program team by:
• Managing research to identify developing world countries that meet established criteria for the GL program
• Tracking current economic, political, social, and other trends important to inform current grantmaking to existing grantee countries
• Managing information resources for the GL team, especially to act as a contact point for consultants working with GL on research, as well as country and program evaluators
• Tracking information, communications and technology-related development (ICT4D) activities in the field that may be relevant to GL grantmaking
• Tracking other funding initiatives in targeted countries from multi-lateral institutions, foundations or other donors


Responsibilities
• Provide ongoing research, background information and analytical support for the GL program team. Work with the GL Director and Senior Program Officer to:
o Develop, execute, and manage external partnerships and contracts for landscaping analyses
o Manage consultant contracts focused on country research to identify developing countries that meet foundation criteria for investment
o Assist program team in identifying opportunities for the development of strategic alliances and contribute to the development of program area strategies with other foundations, multi-lateral institutions, private sector funders, NGOs, other donors, and/or US and foreign government officials in target countries
o May assist program team with in-country research and analysis in targeted regions to perform due diligence and ongoing tracking of grants

• Identify and engage qualified thought leaders, technical experts, and consultants in priority areas for meetings, technical consultation, review, and other program activities
o Survey current information through literature reviews and other sources related to country grantees to assist program team in tracking relevant economic, social, political and ICT4D trends and developments
o Review literature to synthesize good practices related to implementation and sustainability of global efforts to provide public access to technology and information
o Identify relevant conferences, convenings and meetings for possible program team engagement

• Work with program team to coordinate external evaluation activities and reports with third party evaluation partner and internal foundation Impact, Assessment and Improvement Department
• Coordinate monitoring and internal evaluation activities for portfolio of initiatives, including the dashboard (a framework for tracking progress against approved strategy)
• Assist in developing reviews, briefings, summaries, and informative reports for the Director, President, CEO, and Co-Chairs
• Prepare regular reports and presentations for a variety of purposes and audiences, summarizing developments and recommendations for key program areas
• Work with program team and serve as GL lead for finalization of Sharepoint migration
• Travel occasionally up to 15%


Additional Qualifications:
Qualifications:
• A minimum of 5 years experience in a business analyst role or equivalent ideally with exposure to international and developing world issues
• Demonstrated experience in research and analysis related to business, technology or global development projects
• Demonstrated success in roles requiring logical, systematic thinking while managing multiple priorities in a highly dynamic environment
• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills, in positions requiring communication with a broad and diverse audience
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and show initiative in projects and work assignments
• Experience in a role requiring collaboration in complex internal and external organizations, as well as a demonstrated ability to work with efficiency and diplomacy, particularly as part of a team effort

Reports to:
Director, Global Libraries



How to Apply:
To apply for this position, please visit http://www.gatesfoundation.org/AboutUs/WorkingWithUs/Jobs and submit your resume online.

We are an equal opportunity employer dedicated and focused on diversity.

The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills for this job.  … Read more »

Community informatics, a critical review

I came across this literature review of community informatics research and studies. It's a 74 pp overview of work to date summarizing both interviews and field work in the area. See http://www.jrf.org.uk/knowledge/findings/socialpolicy/584.asp

CIDC 2006 - Community Informatics for Developing Countries - Cape Town, South Africa

http://www.tisi.za.org/cidc2006/

This Conference builds on the success of CIRN2005, which attracted more than 200 delegates and more than 40 peer-reviewed papers ( available on the TISI web site). This year's conference theme of "Community Informatics for Developing Countries" encompasses topics such as CI applications (e.g. health, education), e-Government and e-Services, CI related methodologies, telecentres, digital divide, technology models and infrastructure, social capital, knowledge society .
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Map of community information projects

Here's a map of some of the community information projects that have been presented at SI recently. It's by no means a complete list of everything that's going on, but sometimes it's good to map things out in space to see where projects and people are. Additions welcome.

Rethinking Urban Poverty: Forms of Capital, Information Technology, and Micro-Enterprise Development

Dr. Lynette Kvasny is an assistant professor at Pennsylvania State University College of Information Sciences & Technology. She will be visiting SI on April 3rd, noon-1pm, to present a case study on information technology (IT) and enterprise development being conducted within the framework of a partnership between PSU and community-based groups. Personally, I can't wait!

Reception w/ Light Food and Refreshments to follow from 1-2pm.
Open to the campus community Hosted by UM@SI
Co-Sponsored by Dean Frost, CIC & CREW … Read more »

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