Social inclusion of newcomers to Canada: An information problem?

This article examines how information service providers, particularly libraries, may assist effectively in meeting the information needs of immigrants. In order to understand information practices of immigrants and cater to their needs, a holistic approach is advocated that encompasses a closer examination of theories and principles of social inclusion and social capital in addition to information seeking behavior. Only through this holistic overview can one apprehend the role that information plays in the world of immigrants at various stages of their integration into their adopted society. The issues raised have implications for frontline information providers as well as for policy makers interested in programs, policies, and funding priorities concerning information provision and access strategies that enable social inclusion of newcomers and longer established immigrants into the social fabric of Canada. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.