E-governance

LIS 590 Task 2

Jessica Yonzon

What is e-governance?

Backus (2001): The application of electronic means in (1) the

interaction between government and citizens and government and businesses, as well as (2) in internal government operations to simplify and improve democratic, government and business aspects of Governance

The E-governance Institute, Rutgers University:

The principles of e-governance are:

Build services around citizens' choices Make government more accessible Facilitate social inclusion Provide information responsibly Use government resources effectively and

efficiently saving taxpayers money

How does it promote UL?

People have easy/better access to government information/services.

Government website as a tool for e-governance

Desirable characteristics (Backus, 2001): Accessible Transparent in providing relevant government

information (policies, news, regulations, data, etc.) Interactive – exchange of information/

communication (emails, search engines, downloadable forms/documents, etc.)

Delivery of products and services – online transactions like filing taxes, extending/renewing licenses, visas, passports, etc., and online voting

In the future: All services at one virtual counter

An example of a government site with each of the characteristics

http://www.westminster.gov.uk/ - City of Westminster, London

Accessibility:

http://www.westminster.gov.uk/tools/help/accessoptions.cfm - different access options / languages

Mobile alerts - http://www.westminster.gov.uk/mobiles.cfm

Relevant Information: Press Office

http://www.westminster.gov.uk/councilgovernmentanddemocracy/councils/pressoffice/index.cfm

Online publications - http://www.westminster.gov.uk/publications.cfm

Going Green - http://www.westminstergogreen.co.uk/home/

Many more! http://www.westminster.gov.uk/

Interactive features:

Contact information - http://www3.westminster.gov.uk/forms/contact_council.cfm

Search Engine

Downloadable forms - http://www.westminster.gov.uk/forms/

Online services:

Report a problem - http://www.westminster.gov.uk/forms/#problem

Contact the council - http://www.westminster.gov.uk/forms/#contact

MyWestminster - http://www.westminster.gov.uk/mywestminster/

References:

Backus, M. (2001) E-governance and developing countries. IICD (International Institute for Communication and Development) Research Brief.

The E-governance Institute: http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/~egovinst/Website/index.html