Lived Experience of Museum Professionals Encountering With Information Needs of Users

To study lived experience of professionals, their attitudes and the way they encounter with user’s information needs.
The phenomenological method is used to study professionals’ experiences as a phenomenon. The semi-structured interviews conducted with six selected museum professionals, then thematic analysis and interpretation were used. The professionals’ lived experiences encountering with information needs begin with a description of their attitude toward the nature of museum regarding two aspects of knowledge and communication. Then encountering with users’ information needs is categorized according to three types of users: “general”, “special” and “children”.
Different attitudes with social, psychological, historical and art dimensions are taken toward "general users” according to professionals’ expertise and disciplines. Answering “Special” users’ needs is determined by the size and facilities of the museum. Information needs and services for “children” is explained by deep experiences of international dolls museum.
Museums can increase visitors’ knowledge through answering their information needs or arousing questions. This knowledge is developed by looking and touching museum objects and being present in museum atmosphere and cannot be measured. However, users’ lived experiences and attitudes will reveal such knowledge.