'Community network' describes the ways that a local community can use the new information and communication technologies to network together, according to Michael Mulquin. He also suggests a growing list of services that are important for community networks. There are 'core applications', 'essential services' and 'desirable services'.

How does Shipley Communities Online utilise these services?

	Core services
	Area-based information,e.g community centres, childcare provision, transport
	Distance learning programmes
	Jobs
	Local history (Windhill Memories Group)
	Local newspaper (News of Windhill could soon be put on the Windhill site)
	Volunteer Bureau
	Informal discussion, e.g members' page

 

	Essential services
	Council information (at present only a link but it could be developed)
	Public access points (an essential part of SCOL)
	Information and help regarding the community network (the SCOL website provides this)
	Users' personal homepages (currently only Centre's pages or sites, but this can be developed
	Technical support to users (currently through Shipley College)

 

	Desirable services
	Transport information
	Local radio station (Shipley Community Radio has strong links with SCOL)

 

Shipley Communities Online is on the way to developing a great Community Network involving as many people as possible form the local communities.