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Dr Sarah Skerratt, Glasgow Caledonian University
ISBN 978 0 7559 6477 2
This document is also available in pdf format (936k)

CONTENTS

LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES

GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

CHAPTER ONE BACKGROUND, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Background (Context, Scoping and Pilot)
What is the Rural Community Gateway ( RCG)?
The rationale and development of the RCG
Evolving backdrop to the development of the RCG
Aims and Objectives of Evaluation

CHAPTER TWO METHODOLOGY FOR THE EVALUATION
Rationale for the Methods Employed
The Desk Study
The Online Survey
Survey Questionnaire
Sampling
The Users Workshops
Rationale
Sampling, recruitment and levels of attendance
Focus of the workshops
The "Mission" Workshops
Rationale
Themes
Introduction to Reporting of the Findings

CHAPTER THREE FINDINGS RELATED TO THE INCEPTION, ESTABLISHMENT & CONSOLIDATION OF THE RURAL COMMUNITY GATEWAY
People's Experiences of Using the RCG
Positive feedback
Negative feedback
Was the RCG fulfilling its objectives?
The RCG as a one-stop shop:
The RCG as an online community:
The RCG Compared with other Websites and Portals
A uniquely rural site?
What is not on the RCG that can be found elsewhere?
Suggested additions to RCG content
Advantages of using the RCG over other sites
Disadvantages of using The RCG, compared with other sites
Examples From Other Websites
Internet usage in rural areas: a word of caution

CHAPTER FOUR FINDINGS RELATED TO THE FUTURE OF THE RURAL COMMUNITY GATEWAY: BUSINESS PLANNING AND NEXT STEPS
Suggested improvements to the RCG
Stating the brand or mission of the RCG
Improved marketing
Outlining the added value of being members
The need for additional content and links
Improved layout and organisation of information
Encouraging more contributions from existing RCG users
Increasing the Gaelic language content of the RCG
How should the RCG be sustained?
SEERAD funding
Other options
Mission workshops: issues in managing and delivering RCG
Who is "the rural community" that the Gateway is trying to serve?
Having confidence to contribute and become a part of the RCG
'Online community', or online resource for rural communities?
The 'mission' and unique selling points of the RCG
Future management of the Gateway
Implications for the development of the RCG
THE RCG IN THE PREVAILING COMMUNITY WEB ENVIRONMENT
Assessment of other websites and portals
A review of best practice in the literature

CHAPTER FIVE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE OF THE RURAL COMMUNTIY GATEWAY
Stating the 'Mission' of the RCG The Gateway as a One-Stop Rural Information Provider?
The Gateway as an Online Community?
Developing 'Your Gateway'
Marketing the Rural Community Gateway.
Sustaining Scotland's Rural Community Gateway

REFERENCES

ANNEX 1: ONLINE SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE

ANNEX 2: FOCUS GROUP PROMPTS
PARTICIPATORY WORKSHOPS: FREQUENT RCG USERS
PARTICIPATORY WORKSHOPS: INFREQUENT RCG USERS
PARTICIPATORY WORKSHOPS: MISSION WORKSHOPS WITH SEERAD

The views expressed in this report are those of the researcher and
do not necessarily represent those of the Department or Scottish Ministers.

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