Interpretive Planning for Museums: Integrating Visitor Perspectives in Decision Making

by Marcella Wells, Barbara H Butler, Judith Koke

Museum professionals' increased focus on visitors in recent years has been demonstrated by, among other things, the enhanced practice of evaluation and the development of interpretive plans. Yet too often, these efforts function independent of one another. This book helps museums integrate visitors' perspectives into interpretive planning by recognizing, defining, and recording desired visitor outcomes throughout the process. The integration of visitor studies in the practice of interpretive planning is also based on the belief that the greater our understanding, tracking, and monitoring of learners, the greater the impact museums will make on public understanding of the science and humanities disciplines. An approach that advocates thoughtful and intentional interpretive planning that constantly integrates visitor perspectives is the next step in working with, rather than for, our communities; a step toward truly becoming visitor-centered and impactful as essential learning institutions of the 21st century.

176 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 2012

Reviews

[feux d'artifice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm I feel like I wanted this book to go into more depth how integrating visitor experience with planning would work, but it's a good primer kind of book. The most interesting part of this book was it's bibliography so I can read up more lol.

[Tricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hard copy.
I read this as part of my Masters Program for Museum Studies.
It has great information about master interpretive planning, so it will be a good reference.