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Volume XIV |

Mapping the differences in online public information by local administrative units in Romania

Abstract: We evaluated the differences existing in the public information presented by local administrative units in Romania by analyzing the websites of 3175 local administrative units based on a standard database which contains 17 indicators (grouped into three categories: identification, content and administrative support). We used descriptive statistics for analyzing results and ArcGis 10 for mapping the geographical patterns of distribution. 2769 local administrative units (87.09%) have a dedicated website, but the information presented on them are scarce, and in a direct connection with its rank in the network of settlements. The unbalance between content indicators and the administrative support indicators reveals a politicization of the websites, detrimental to public information and participation. The lowest values of online public information (<20%) are present in counties with a high proportion of profound rural settlements or a particular ethnical distribution of population.