THE NATIONAL PUBLIC TELECOMPUTING NETWORK --- SUMMARY SHEET THE CONCEPT BEHIND NPTN NPTN community computer systems represent the leading edge of what amounts to a new public service application for computers. Large multi-user machines are established in various communities to provide a wide range of computerized information and communications services in much the same way as the public library, for example, serves a similar function with the printed word. Anyone with a personal computer and a modem can use these systems 24 hours a day and, like the public library, these services are offered without charge to the individual user. The concept behind the National Public Telecomputing Network (NPTN) is also not new. You are probably familiar with National Public Radio and Public Broadcasting on T.V. To understand NPTN simply substitute community computer systems for radio and television stations, and you have the core of what we hope to accomplish. BACKGROUND The National Public Telecomputing Network is an outgrowth of a research project conducted at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1984, Dr. Tom Grundner and his associates began experimenting with the development of a free open-access community computer system to serve the Cleveland metropolitan area. By 1989 the system, known as the Cleveland Free-Net,(1) had grown into a major communications and information resource for northeast Ohio which was handling thousands of logins a day. One of the central tenets of the project was that, if it were successful, every effort would be made to disseminate this technology to other cities around the country. In September 1989, NPTN was created to help accomplish that goal. OBJECTIVES NPTN has established specific objectives in three major areas: 1. To assist organizers in cities throughout the U.S. and the world in establishing community computer systems. 2. To link those systems together into a common network similar to National Public Radio or PBS on T.V. 3. To establish networkwide special services, features, and programs (known as "cybercasts") which take advantage of the unique strengths of telecomputing as a new communications medium. ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS The National Public Telecomputing Network is an Ohio nonprofit corporation, and has received 501(c)(3) tax exemption status from the Federal Government. While NPTN has its origins at Case Western Reserve University, the two are separate and distinct entities. NPTN is governed by a seven member Board of Directors and by an Affiliate Council which consists of one delegate from each NPTN system. The Affiliate Council advises the corporation on matters of policy and procedure and, each year, elects people to the Board of Directors. The current President and Chairman of the Board of NPTN is its founder, Dr. Tom Grundner. NPTN is funded by voluntary membership dues from the users of our community computer systems, corporate and foundation grants and donations, and other fund-raising activities. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT National Public Telecomputing Network Voice: (216) 368-2733 Box 1987 FAX: (216) 368-5436 Cleveland, Ohio 44106 Internet: info@nptn.org (1) "Free-Net" is a registered servicemark of the National Public Telecomputing Network. The Cleveland Free-Net can be reached via modem at: 216-368-3888 (300/1200/2400/9600 baud).