Towards better information services: A framework for immigrant information needs and library services.

Immigrants are among the populations in modern society that libraries are striving to serve. This study aims to develop a framework on immigrants, their information needs, and library services. Using a systematic literature review based on the grounded theory approach, 28 related articles were reviewed to identify the causes, characteristics, and the content of the information needs of immigrants. Also explored were the possible sources to satisfy these information needs and the barriers to accessing needed information. Findings indicate that personal social networks, the Internet, media sources, and institutions are the main information sources for immigrants; language, cultural differences, the digital divide, unfamiliar information systems, and psychological factors are the five major challenges for immigrants obtaining information. Based on the findings, a unified framework about immigrants, their information needs, sources to satisfy those needs, and library information services is, therefore, proposed. This framework may provide guidance for libraries and other information service agencies to better develop services and information systems for immigrants. • A systematic investigation of immigrant information needs and library services to better address their needs. • Personal social networks, the Internet, media sources, and institutions are the main information sources. • Immigrants face many challenges to obtain information such as language, cultural differences, and digital divide. • Libraries provide services to immigrants, such as information sources, free computers, and Internet access. • A unified framework is proposed to guide libraries and other information service agencies to serve immigrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]