Record production environments are filled with information that influences action, decision-making and work. Different information is available for different work. The production process involves coordinating work among a diverse group of collaborators. Each collaborator contributes specialized perspectives and work to the production. To coordinate their work, information must be shared. We can build a deeper understanding of the production process by observing information needs, how information influences actions and decisions, and how it is shared.

 Though not widely embraced in record production research, perceptual and cognitive approaches focus on the detection, (mental) integration and utilization of information, sensory and otherwise. Ecological approaches, in particular, capture context and individualistic vantages by modeling relationships between the information specific perceivers are able to detect and what objects/actors in the environment afford.  

 This chapter uses ecological and cognitive framings to examine production environments; the distribution of work; communication among expert collaborators; collaboration when perspectives and goals differ; and utilizing technology to mediate communications and manipulate recorded artifacts. Special attention is paid to producers because of the unusual role they play in coordinating activities among collaborators who share a working environment. The approaches discussed can easily be adapted to suit other types of collaborator.