Limitations to developing virtual communities in the public sector: A local government case study

This article explores how new information and communication technologies affect public administration practice. It examines efforts by the University of Alberta to develop a web-based "meeting place," an on-line community of practice in the local government sector that was to be a forum for practice-building discourse and a resource for professional development courses. While the MuniMall project was not an unequivocal success, it does provide important lessons for others who are contemplating similar projects. There are important differences between "open" and "closed" virtual communities, as well as differences among professional groups with respect to their receptivity to engaging in discourse in an open forum. For virtual communities targeted towards a specific professional community, critical factors for ensuring success include the readiness of site architecture upon rollout, as well as the culture, capacity and readiness of the audience.