Digital Commons Network^™

Computers And Small Local Governments: Uses And Users, Donald F. Norris

Publications

This article examines the adoption and use of computer technology by cities under 50,000 and counties under 100,000 in seven plains and mountain states. Smaller local governments were found to lag considerably behind their larger counterparts in computer adoption and extent of use. However, pat terns of use were not substantially different, with basic "housekeeping" functions being the most frequently automated.

Computer adoption was associated with size, government form and type, and metropolitan status. No relationship was found between financial status and computer adoption. Most governments used in-house computers, and most of these systems were minicomputers. The frequency of microcomputer …

Computers And Small Local Governments: A Survey Of Computer In The Plains And Mountain States, Donald F. Norris, David R. Dimartino

Publications

In July, 1982 the Center for Applied Urban Research (CAUR) of the University of Nebraska at Omaha was awarded a grant from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation to develop and test a training and technical assistance program to help small and rural local governments acquire and use microcomputer technology. This effort contains two major parts: 1) demonstrations of prototype methods in one or more Nebraska local governments that they can use to acquire microcomputer systems, and 2) development of training programs, training materials, and a film on microcomputers for local government officials.

Microcomputers And City Governments, Donald F. Norris, Vincent J. Webb

Publications

In 1976 a revolution occurred. blood was shed, but the effects No shots were fired, no of the revolution in electronic data processing have been felt throughout the country. What is more, its effects will continue to be felt for many years to come.

Microcomputer And Local Government: A Program For Small And Rural Communities, Donald F. Norris

Publications

For the first time since the Great Depression, local governments throughout the United States have begun to experience severe revenue-expenditure imbalances. Inflation, rising expectations, and citizen demands for services have produced governmental intervention into heretofore untouched areas. Combined with the generally decreasing rate of local revenue growth and with reductions in federal and state aid, this has produced serious fiscal problems for many local governments. With resources no longer available to provide prior levels of public services, many local governments have had to cut back on their activities.