Providing Access for All or All of Those Who Have Access: Do E-Government Information Policies Matter for the Accessibility of Government Web Portals?

摘要

Electronic government (e-government) refers to delivery of information and services through the Internet to both internal and external government constituents. Proponents suggest that e-government applications can provide easier access to public information, enhanced service, increased citizen involvement, increased transparency of and efficiency in government processes. E-government offers a wealth of possibilities to use the Internet and web-based technologies to extend government services online;allowing citizens to interact more directly with government (e.g. McGinnis 2003, Fletcher 2002, Gant et al. 2002, Al-Kibsi et al. 2001, Fagan and Fagan 2001). It is, for example, now commonplace for citizens to file taxes and track legislation through government websites. Champions of e-government argue that more is better; suggesting that high-speed Internet access, more content, and advanced capabilities are key to providing 'better' e-government service. While it is true that many citizens do expecte-government websites to match the advanced capabilities of their e-commerce counterparts, it is also true that many citizens are unable to take advantage of electronic access to information and services as even the most basic level.