ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the role of new technology in tackling social exclusion. It examines the community and civic values strand of Framework for the Future (F4F) on mainstreaming and resourcing for social exclusion and how to place community needs at the heart of public library strategy, structures, systems and organizational culture. In Canada, the Working Together Project (WTP) placed a strong emphasis on supporting staff in the use of information and communication technology (ICT) to meet community needs. Libraries should be a place where anyone can go to get their information needs met unimpeded by barriers of finance or censorship. The link between social and digital exclusion means that active and targeted public library intervention will be required to support disadvantaged groups in accessing the more direct benefits of digital technologies. However, over the course of a number of years, library staff entered into discussions with the partnering organization staff to share community-led approaches.
