The Visitor Studies Guide

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.