Browsing by Author "Fletcher, Richard"

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    Among Ideal Friends Evaluation Report
    (The Spark Arts for Children, 2018) Fletcher, Richard
    Evaluation reports of a family theatre touring consortium developed by The Spark Arts for Children in partnership with Libraries in the East Midlands
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    A Bibliometric Exploration of Events Literature In and Outside the Core Journals
    (Cognizant Communication Corporation, 2022-03-10) Fletcher, Richard; Bostock, James
    There are various positions on what literature represents ‘core’ event management research and to what degree ‘peripheral’ tourism and hospitality (T&H) literature influences and overlaps with this field. Previous literature reviews have made progress but methodological challenges remain. The influences of journal lists, performance-based research funding systems and selective databases are discussed regarding the journal selection of events researchers. An exploratory approach to charting the core and periphery of events related research was taken. Firstly, the relevance of a wide range of journals to event management research was tested using a measure of inter-rater agreement. Twenty-four of the fifty-three journals reviewed were selected as relevant. Secondly, a bibliometric analysis of highly cited articles was carried out. 272 of 480 papers from 2008-2018 were selected and further examined using citation analysis. Three, four-star journals accounted for 60% of all references within the sample, despite only accounting for 23% of the total article volume. Quantitative research and articles about festivals or sports events were predominant in the sample, although the research methodology used and types of events chosen by individual articles had limited or no effect on the number of citations received. Most (77%) authors were based in Australia, Europe, New Zealand and North America. Future reviews are advised to investigate blended approaches, open data, non-selective databases and international perspectives.
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    Public libraries, arts and cultural policy in the UK
    (Emerald, 2019) Fletcher, Richard
    Purpose: Public libraries in the UK are increasingly expected to provide arts activities and events as part of their usual operations. This paper summarizes recent policy trends in this direction from both the perspective of libraries' and the arts sector. A touring theatre project aimed at children and families is discussed in further detail to examine some of the outcomes of these policies. Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper will present a brief history of policy developments and debate in this area. Mixed method findings from the research element of 'Among Ideal Friends' (AIF) will be discussed, having used surveys and interviews with audiences and librarians, geodemographic profiling, box office records and library card data. Findings: Public funding across both libraries and the arts has decreased at a national and local level, though both sectors are encouraged to work together to share expertise and community knowledge. Costs and benefits of the project are presented and while the holistic view is broadly positive, the return to any specific agency or stakeholder group less certain. Practical implications: Public libraries can see the results and challenges of a successful touring theatre project for consideration in their own activity planning, especially those related to families and younger users. Social implications: Libraries and Arts organisations have different priorities in regards to these areas. Though co-operative, the situation is not without tension. The topic is illustrative of some wider debates around cultural value, participation and ‘cultural democracy’. Originality/value: This paper offers a timely discussion of cultural policy in relation to libraries, eg: The Society of Chief Librarians 'Universal Cultural Offer' (October 2017).
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    REVIEW OF SURVEY METHODS IN EVENTS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH
    (Cognizant Communication Corporation, 2019-11-07) Fletcher, Richard; Bostock, James
    Questionnaire-based surveys are a common data collection tool in events research as established by earlier reviews of methods within the literature. This paper examines and critiques the historic development, current position, gaps in knowledge and future implications for surveybased research. 286 articles from four events-specific journals were reviewed. Some diversity is found within survey-based research, however the majority was carried out: as a single method (86%), in physical proximity to the event (67%), during the event (49%), using paper-based forms (65%), designed for self-completion (94%). The most common events targeted were: Sports (43%) Festivals & Celebrations (20%) and Music (12%). The stakeholders targeted were: Audiences (54%), Non-participants (16%) and Managers (12%). Sampling methods, where stated, were likely to be random (23%) or convenience based (22%). Despite the predominance of this data collection tool, numerous areas are ideally in need of further understanding and experimentation. Mixed methods, multiple surveys and more deliberate approaches to sampling are required. Despite an audience focus, ‘before and after’ studies are lacking. Electronic surveys and other emerging technologies undoubtedly provide options but these do not appear to have been investigated or adopted with sufficient rigour. Targeting stakeholders other than audiences, covering a broader range of events and longitudinal studies would also be desirable. The use of survey-based research by policy makers and funders is discussed as it potentially orients towards what the authors term ‘operationalised knowledge management’. A brief but comprehensive typology of survey methods is established to aid future researchers.
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    Young people and greenhouse gas emissions at music festivals
    (Taylor and Francis, 2018-03-22) Fleming, P. D.; Fletcher, Richard; Fleming, Margaret; MacGarry, Ann; McCahon, Debs