Abstract:
This paper proposes two arguments: first, that volunteering in museums can be considered an extension of visiting; and second that museum volunteers act as both hosts and guests within the tourism industry. Volunteers are an extremely important resource to museums worldwide, as they undertake front of house roles, where they facilitate the visitor experience. This paper argues that volunteers themselves are a part of the museum’s audience, with volunteers forming a link between more conventional visitors and paid staff. There is a clear link between volunteer motivation and the reasons that people give for visiting a museum and both museum volunteers and visitors share many personal characteristics, although they are usually at different stages in their lives. The relationship between visiting and volunteering is mapped out on a continuum of museum visiting, which visitors and volunteers can move in both directions, depending on their life stage and personal interest. Finally, the paradoxical role of volunteers as both hosts and guests is considered.
