January 1984 // Volume 22 // Number 1 // Research in Brief // 1RIB1
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County Computer Use
Abstract
This study was designed to determine the extent of computer use and application in county governments. A questionnaire was used to gather information from 401 counties in Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, and Missouri. The study focused on: (1) extent of computer use and applications in county government, (2) delineative hardware and software problems, and (3) determining areas of needed research.
"County Government Computer Utilization and Application in Four North Central States." Curtis Braschl. er. Ames, Iowa: North Central Regional Center for Rural Development, January, 1983.
This study was designe to determine the extent of computer use and application in county governments. A questionnaire was used to gather information from 401 counties in Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, and Missouri. The study focused on: (1) extent of computer use and applications in county government, (2) delineative hardware and software problems, and (3) determining areas of needed research.
Findings
The major findings of the study were:
- Since 1975, counties of all 4 states have made substantial increases in computer use. From 28% to 83% of the counties in each of the 4 states had computer hardware of some type.
- Seventeen brands of computers were in use, but 3 brands were providing 86% of the 227 computers.
- Minimal cooperation in this new technology was occurring between counties and other local governmental units.
- Software availability and development was the single largest problem.
- The study points out several areas needing additional research, such as issues impeding local intergovernmental cooperation in computer use.
Implications
Computer technology and use has been developing at an accelerated rate during the past decade. One of our national goals in Extension is to strengthen the capacity of state and local governments to deal with public issues and problems. Implications of this study for Extension staff concerned with this national goal are:
- The study analysis of county government computer use is applicable nationwide.
- Most smaller units of local government don't have "experts" on the staff to help guide the decision-making processes related to computer use. Helping local people develop "expertise" is a traditional role of Extension.
- This study indicates that computer use by county governments in the Midwest is more than a current "fad." It's a current concern for which we can help people help themselves.