Designing tours of university libraries and other cultural institutions for international visitors

Abstract

Introducing international groups of visitors to Thai cultural institutions is a familiar challenge that may be made more effective by some degree of preparation. This article examines specific approaches to welcoming visitors in an era of global pandemic prevention measures. By innovative techniques and methods, a university library or other cultural institution may offer up-to-date helpful and informative service to foreigners and other visitors. Strategies used for a university library may be extended for presenting other cultural institutions in Thailand. In addition to methods involving tour groups, the possibility of virtual tours is considered, to be posted on the institution website. In this way, interesting and meaningful facts about the institution may be communicated to foreigners and other visitors even when visits are impossible for practical reasons. Scheduling tours, individualized presentations, and concluding tours are considered as part of the presentation experience. These findings suggest that by creative planning, giving tours may be a more productive form of communication and publicity, raising the international profile and reputation of Thai institutions.