Planning Report for the Implementation of a Community Services Cable Network for the Town of Arlington, Massachusetts

摘要

This planning report describes the community services network of Arlington, Mass., one of the first U.S. towns to have access to a new closed - circuit cable television system. The community services network transmits audio and visual signals between community service agencies. A major finding of a study of the network's capabilities and impact is that successful long - term network acceptance will depend on the initial experience of programming by a small group of agencies. It is recommended that staff support and financial assistance from Arlington Cablesystems and the Arlington Community Television Council be directed toward the following five agencies that might be initial network users: the Arlington High School, Police Services, Symmes Hospital, the Department of Public Works, and Robbins Library. Other agencies which should be encouraged to join the network include the Employment Resource Center, the Arlington Youth Consultation Center, and the Mystic Valley Mental Health Center. The public school system, which will have 13 schools connected to the system, is expected to be the largest user; municipal departments and senior citizen housing residents may also benefit from the network. A planning team survey indicated that nearly all of the 36 percent of agency staff who communicate face - to - face felt this form of communication to be quite adequate. It was concluded that cable technology provides an effective substitute when face - to - face communication is not feasible or cost - effective. Five tables and 20 notes are included. A bibliography of 20 books, reports, articles, and periodicals is provided. Nine appendices include a glossary of cable terms, a map and a description of the community services network, a description of community television operating procedures and production facilities, related letters, a list of agencies contacted, a list of resources provided by Arlington Cablesystems, an agenda, a list of resource people, and ideas for conferences.