Visitor Studies

Aims & Scope

Visitor Studies is a semi-annual, peer-reviewed journal that publishes high-quality articles focusing on visitor research, reflections on the field, research methodologies, and theoretical perspectives.

The journal also covers subjects related to museums and learning in out-of-school settings such as zoos, nature centers, visitor centers, historic sites, and parks.

The aim of Visitor Studies is to provide an accessible, authoritative source of information within the visitor studies field.

The journal offers both theoretical and practical insights of relevance to practitioners and scholars.

Visitor Studies strives to develop its reputation as an international publication.

Contributors to the journal share their research procedures and findings with practitioners and other researchers.

Original and review articles present a forum for new data and provide practical and useful conclusions.

Material found in Visitor Studies contributes to the ongoing progress and development of the field.

Visitor Studies is the official journal of the Visitor Studies Association, today's premier professional organization focusing on all facets of the visitor experience in museums, zoos, nature centers, visitor centers, historic sites, parks, and other informal learning settings.

VSA is committed to understanding and enhancing visitor experiences in informal learning settings through research, evaluation, and dialogue.

Our common vision is for a world where lifelong learning is embraced, and where learning in informal settings benefit individuals, communities, and society at large.

Issues of Visitor Studies are accessible to paid members of the Visitor Studies Association in print and electronic format, and to individuals, libraries, and other institutions through subscription.

View Aims & Scope

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Metrics & Ranking

Impact Factor

Year	Value
2025	1.9
2024	1.60

SJR (SCImago Journal Rank)

Year	Value
2024	0.571

Quartile

Year	Value
2024	Q1

h-index

Year	Value
2024	30

Journal Rank

Year	Value
2024	10182

Journal Citation Indicator

Year	Value
2024	73

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Abstracting & Indexing

Journal is indexed in leading academic databases, ensuring global visibility and accessibility of our peer-reviewed research.

• Scopus
• Google Scholar
• Web of Science

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Subjects & Keywords

Journal’s research areas, covering key disciplines and specialized sub-topics in Arts and Humanities, Business, Management and Accounting and Social Sciences, designed to support cutting-edge academic discovery.

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Most Cited Articles

The Most Cited Articles section features the journal's most impactful research, based on citation counts. These articles have been referenced frequently by other researchers, indicating their significant contribution to their respective fields.

• A Short Review of School Field Trips: Key Findings from the Past and Implications for the Future

  Citation: 295

  Authors: Jennifer, Martin

• Conceptualizing the Visitor Experience: A Review of Literature and Development of a Multifaceted Model

  Citation: 203

  Authors: Jan, Roy

• Timing and Tracking: Unlocking Visitor Behavior

  Citation: 158

  Authors: Steven S., Kerry

• The Value of Zoo Experiences for Connecting People with Nature

  Citation: 82

  Authors: Coral M., John, P. Wesley

• Zoo Visitors' Affective Responses to Observing Animal Behaviors

  Citation: 78

  Authors: Jerry F., Jason V., Jan, Lance J., David M.

• Museum Fatigue: A Critical Review

  Citation: 78

  Authors: Stephen

• Assessing Exhibits for Learning in Science Centers: A Practical Tool

  Citation: 72

  Authors: Chantal, David

• Does Gender Affect Visiting a World Heritage Site?

  Citation: 66

  Authors: Paula Cristina, Laurentina, J. Cadima, J. Freitas

• Visitors' Perceptions of the Conservation Education Role of Zoos and Aquariums: Implications for the Provision of Learning Experiences

  Citation: 65

  Authors: Roy, Jan

• Museum Atmospherics: The Role of the Exhibition Environment in the Visitor Experience

  Citation: 64

  Authors: Regan

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