Settling in: The Relationship Between Information and Social Inclusion‪.‬

For new settlers (1) who are establishing themselves in Australia, the information landscape is often unfamiliar, complex, and difficult to navigate. To successfully connect, settlers are required to develop new information practices that enable them to find and interpret information in order to meet the formal requirements of their residency and to deal with everyday situations that may be very different from their previous situations. To assist settlers in navigating their new information landscape, a collaborative approach is required, with settlers, communities, and service providers working together. To participate in their new communities in informed and productive ways, settlers require access to information and the technologies used to access, disseminate, and use information. The information practices required for participation in Australia may be quite different from those used by settlers prior to arrival in Australia. We argue that without the ability to access the Australian information landscape, settlers may become socially excluded. To better understand the role of information in social inclusion and exclusion, a study was undertaken in 2010. The study reported here focuses on the information experiences faced by newly arrived and longer term settlers in a regional location as they learn to engage and participate in social, educational, and workplace spheres of their adopted community An additional aim was to provide some insights into how settlers experience their new information landscape in order to connect and situate themselves. Finally, the study aimed to provide insight into and understanding about the work of service providers and community educators in meeting settler information needs. The findings of this study have the potential to inform policy for government agencies working with settlers, particularly refugees. Furthermore, the research contributes to the practice of a range of service providers, for example libraries and government agencies, who gain an insight into the needs of an under-served community.