Does public access computing really contribute to community development? lessons from libraries, telecenters and cybercafes in Colombia

The use of information and communication technologies (ICT) can contribute to local
community development and help connect local communities to global issues. Public access
computing (PAC) venues such as telecenters, public libraries and cybercafés make ICT more broadly available and extend the benefits
of ICT to underserved populations. This paper
discusses findings from a study of the contribution of PAC to community development in
Colombia, with particular attention to the town of Carmen de Bolívar. This town has a strong tradition of community organization for social development, and a long history of violence
that has shaped its social fabric. While the introduction of PAC may not have contributed
significantly to community development, use of ICT gives the local population a sense of
belonging to a larger, global community, which in turn may help local activities in support of community development. We conclude that personal friendships and entertainment are
perceived as stronger benefits of PAC, not community development or social transformation. Future research can explore if personal friendships and entertainment can be indirect
contributors to community development.