For a humble peanut farmer, President Jimmy Carter was surprisingly ahead of the technology curve. When he took office in 1976, he called the American Federation of Information Societies (AFIPS) to see how computers could help the U.S. government become more efficient, knowing how they had helped his own business.
IEEE Life Senior Member Russ E. Theisen, now deceased, was part of the AFIPS delegation that suggested using computers and IBM email software connected to the ARPANET to replace manual typewriters and mimeograph machines to make physical copies of all White House communications.
Following the installation of the very first computer in the Executive branch, the Legislative branch requested computers and email for the Senate and the House of Representatives as well. Under President Carter, computer technology was used to further automate the White House including assembling databases, tracking correspondence, developing a press release system and compiling issues and concerns of Congress.
According to GOV CIO Media, Carter’s administration also made significant strides in telecommunications policy to improve operations and develop frameworks across federal priorities like transportation, health care and energy.
Another lasting element of President Carter’s technology legacy was his commitment to ensuring information access and digital equity for rural and underserved populations by positioning public libraries as resource centers.
Read more in in this From the Vault article: https://life.ieee.org/email-in-our-government/
