Settings, arenas and boundary objects: socio-material framings of information practices

Introduction. This paper presents a theoretical framework for examining information practices in socio-material contexts that draws on research in the library and information science and human computer interaction ( human computer interaction) communities. Method. The paper is framed around questions of theorizing computer-mediated information practices. The first part of the paper discusses three important notions of value for library and information science research drawn from human computer interaction and computer-supported, co-operative work research: interaction, embodiment and practice. The second part of the paper translates these theoretical foundations into analytical devices for library and information science research by presenting two approaches ( Jean Lave's "setting" & "arena" and Susan Leigh Star's "boundary objects"), offering two illustrations for each of value for library and information science research. Analysis. Applying these foundations addresses two conditions of human experience essential for library and information science research to acknowledge in the study of information practices in context: 1) the situated, embodied character of human experience; and 2) a socio-material ( and increasingly socio-technical) context brought more actively into our examinations and analysis. Results. Each approach contributes to studying information practices by identifying and analysing the socio-material context in which they unfold. Whether examining the practices of an individual or a group, both the approaches illustrated in this paper draw attention to the social realm in which even seemingly individual practices takes place. Conclusions. Drawing on theoretical traditions like those presented in this paper can help create powerful frameworks for dealing with our contemporary information landscape.