MASSCAP

CROSSING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
A Report on the Information Technology Needs, Capacities, and Initiatives of Community Action Agencies in Massachusetts

Table of Contents

Title Page

Acknowledgements

Letter from Alan C. Sax, Chair of MASSCAP’s Information Technology Committee

Introduction

Executive Summary 

I. Background and Overview: Information Technology Systems at Massachusetts Community Action Agencies

Hardware, Software, Peripherals, and Networks

Computer Technology within CAAs’ Organizational Structure

Computer Technology and Organizational Culture

II. Client Data Collection and Reporting: Demands, Questions, and Issues

Specific Issues Relating to Data Collection and Reporting Raised by Massachusetts CAAs

The Effort to Create Central Agency-Wide Client Databases: Questions and Issues

Analysis and Conclusions

Recommendations and Suggestions  

III. CAA Staff Information Technology Skills, Training, Education, and Support

Overview of Staff Skill Levels and Common Problems

Existing Computer Training and Education for CAA Staff

Follow-Up and Ongoing Support for CAA Computer Users

Incorporation of IT Profiency Requirements in Job Descriptions for New Hires: A Partial Solution?

Analysis and Conclusions

Recommendations and Suggestions

IV. Finding the Needed Resources for Information Technology

Analysis and Conclusions

Recommendations and Suggestions  

V. Other IT-related Management and Organizational Issues

Information Technology Planning

IT-related Policies and Procedures

Researching and Purchasing IT Products

CAAs’ Efforts to Address "The Y2K Problem"

Recommendations and Suggestions

VI. CAAs and the Internet

Internet Connections

Current Use of the Internet at CAAs

CAAs’ Web Sites

Analysis and Conclusions

Recommendations and Suggestions 

VII. Areas for Collaboration among CAAs and the Role of MASSCAP

A Strategy for Solving Some Common IT-related Issues

The Promise of the New Information Technology: New Collaborative Possibilities for CAAs in Other Areas

Analysis and Conclusions

Recommendations and Suggestions

VIII. Helping to Close the "Digital Divide": A New Role for CAAs?

The Current Role of Massachusetts CAAs in Narrowing the "Digital Divide"

Analysis and Conclusions

Recommendations and Suggestions

(Appendices to the Original Printed Edition of the Report are not available on this Web site.)