Visitor Studies Guide

<p><em>The Visitor Studies Guide </em>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Aimed at a global audience <i>The Visitor Studies Guide </i>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.</p>