Book Description

This report, published in its entirety (OTA-TCT-578) and in a summary form (OTA-TCT-579) containing only the first chapter of the complete report, focuses on key topics and issues that are central to the successful use of electronic delivery by government. The review conducted by the Office of Technology Assessment concludes that the movement toward electronic delivery of government services is accelerating, but that many factors must be considered. The greatest risks of electronic delivery are overlooking the human element and users' needs, which would further widen the gap between the technologically literate and the technologically illiterate, and failing to capitalize on all the opportunities that partnerships among government agencies and the private sector could provide. Changes that will be required in federal management are outlined, and options for successful implementation of electronic delivery are sketched. Many rely on the amplification of existing structures. Five appendixes complement the complete report, including a list of the 11 boxes, 5 figures, and 22 tables that illustrate the discussion; and lists of acronyms and terms, contributors, field study participants, and contractor reports. The summary volume contains four tables and two boxes. (SLD)