This session was devoted to developing local community content on community networks. Dr. Padsha and Phil Kemp started off the presentation by describing the Edmonton FreeNet's approach for recruiting and training information providers. The focus is on making good information available and making it easy for Information Providers to create the information on the FreeNet.
The Edmonton FreeNet has regular training sessions for Information Providers which are offered free of charge. Once Information Providers register they are assigned a "buddy" from the Information Content Committee who will mentor them and assist them as they prepare their files for the FreeNet Net Pages.
Bob Logue, an Edmonton FreeNet member, who is visually impaired, spoke about the need for information content developers to consider the needs of diverse communities and keep this in mind when they are developing their web pages. For example, he suggested that HTML files should offer the option of a text format.
Lisa Donnelly of the National Capital FreeNet, Ottawa, described their process for recruiting and training Information Providers and some of their experiences in this area.
The session ended with the suggestion that Community Networks across Canada should work to develop a means of compiling and communicating information (a clearinghouse) about this topic. Neil Guy of the Vancouver Community Network Association agreed to start compiling information in support of this initiative.