Boundary objects are abstract or physical artefacts that exist in the liminal spaces between adjacent communities of people. The theory of BOs was originally introduced by Star and Griesemer in a study on information practices at the Berkeley Museum of Vertebrate Zoology but has since been adapted in a broad range of research contexts in a large number of disciplines including the various branches of information science. The aim of this review article is to present an overview of the state of the art of information science research informed by the theory of BOs, critically discuss the notion, and propose a structured overview of how the notion has been applied in the study of information.

The goal of this paper is to explore the empirical aptness of a conceptual framework for the study of an international standard classification system by considering epistemological assumptions underlying its use in classification research to date. I survey reviews and empirical inquiry in LIS that feature the concept boundary object, (Star & Griesemer, 1989) and discuss some implications for classification research. I discuss the problems posed when predominant discourses concerning classification research inhibit our understanding of classification practices as socially, historically and culturally constructed. I conclude with proposing inquiry into international standard occupational classification as away of exploring the limits of the boundary object concept within the context of globalized standards and localpractices.

Boundary objects (BO) are abstract or physical artefacts that reside in the interfaces between organisations or groups of people. The concept of BO, introduced by Star and Griesemer in an article in 1989, has been used in a broad variety of studies in different research communities from management to computer science and different fields of information science. The aim of this panel, composed of experienced BO researchers, is to provide an overview of and introduction to the state of the art of information science research informed by the theory for the researchers and practitioners participating in the conference; to illustrate the variety of studies and contexts in which the notion of BOs can be found useful in explicating connections between collections, cultures and communities; and to push forward the state of the art of BO‐oriented information science research by discussing new empirical and practical areas of interest and the theory itself.

Autobiographical note:Eva Hourihan Jansen is a PhD student at the iSchool, University of Toronto, with an interest in exploring practices that shape standard classification systems and the role that classification systems have among people and technology in large information infrastructures. She is interested in approaches to inquiry, and the enactment of international standard occupational classification systems across different contexts and cultures. AbstractPurpose -To extend our understanding of conceptual frameworks and epistemological assumptions in classification research. I survey recent reviews and empirical inquiry that features the concept of boundary objects, and discuss their implications for classification research. Further, I discuss the problems posed when predominant discourses concerning classification research inhibit gaining an understanding of classification practices as socially, historically and culturally constructed. I propose a line of inquiry into classification practices in large scale infrastructure that considers locating and describing the particular, situated, socio-material relationships where a standard classification is used in practice.Design/Methodology/Approach -Based on an assessment of contributions drawn from review literature, and a detailed analysis of two frequently-cited case studies, I examine the concept known as "boundary object" drawn from Star & Greisemer (1989) and its enactment in key examples of classification research. I assess these studies in relation to Hjorland's (2005) concern with characterizing the influence of empiricist, rationalist and positivist epistemologies and Day's (2011) call for conceptual critique of theoretical models that extends to practice, method and the notion of theory and disciplinary foundation.Findings -Adaptation of a social constructivist theoretical framework in classification research continues to demonstrate a strong tendency toward a positivist epistemological paradigm. Overcoming these assumptions is essential for moving towards critical inquiry of the political and ethical dimensions of classification practices; studying standard international classification and contributing to theories of classification.

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