The Visitor Studies Guide : Theory and Practice for Heritage Contexts

The Visitor Studies Guide offers an up-to-date overview of the rapidly expanding field of theory and research practice relating to the public use of museums, galleries, libraries, archives, memorials, zoos, aquariums, planetariums, gardens, urban parks, arboretums, nature centres, historic sites, and protected areas. It surveys the field’s evolution, current challenges, and future possibilities.

It reviews the most recent applications and theoretical advances in Visitor Studies and connects theory and practice through a diverse range of case studies from practitioners around the world and an introduction to the basic principles of research design.

It outlines an agenda for building a more integrated and theoretically driven field which is interdisciplinary and embraces critical perspectives.

It shows how Visitor Studies can be a vital tool for heritage agencies to fulfil their missions for positive social and environmental impact.

It also provides a platform for a more globally connected community of practice by profiling voices from previously under-represented regions, such as China, Latin America, and Aotearoa New Zealand. Aimed at a global audience, The Visitor Studies Guide is an introduction to the field for students and heritage practitioners and will be a valuable resource for teaching in museum and heritage programmes.

For experienced practitioners, it offers a comprehensive view of current trends, new approaches and methods across different heritage contexts, and a reflection on the future scope and direction of the field.