OKF-Ref: Using the Object Knowledge Framework to Understand the Reference Experience

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to offer a platform for thinking about the reference interaction experience by borrowing from museum studies literature, particularly from a holistic understanding of the museum visitor’s experience. Design/methodology/approach – The goal of this paper is to offer a platform for thinking about the reference interaction experience by borrowing from museum studies literature, particularly from a holistic understanding of the museum visitor’s experience. Findings – Object knowledge framework-reference (OKF-Ref) enables reference staff to connect patrons with resources to enable deeper thinking and research. Practical implications – OKF-Ref seeks to permit reference transactions as experiences rooted in synchronous individual, group and material potential connections made between resources and information seekers. Originality/value – New considerations in lived reference experience encourages reference librarians to think about the whole experience of reference interactions,...