This issue explores the force that information technologies exert on the direction of our society and its implications for democracy. The articles complement the 2001 National Civic League national conference on governance, titled Digital Democracy and explore a range of themes surrounding the ongoing development of "e-democracy." With a sufficient track record showing how well and to what ends information-based technologies are being used, contributors examine specific topics including public library contributions to civic connectivity, the potential of a more citizen-centric government, the move from paper-based transactions to digitized operations, and network structures that can connect governments, the private sector and nonprofit organizations. Models of effective online civic engagement from CitiStat and the Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance and the Building Better Citizens program of Jacksonville Florida, are also presented. The contributors show that the Internet has become a means for public deliberation and civic engagement that has a long future of achievement ahead.