Cultural Resource Management: Books

What is archaeology, and why should we do it? Tom King, arguably the best-known heritage management consultant in the United States, answers the basic question of every introductory student from the unique perspective of one who actively uses archaeology for cultural resource management.

Heritage is a growing area of both tourism and study, with World Heritage Site designations increasing year-on-year. This book reviews the important interrelations between the industry, local communities and conservation work, bringing together the various opportunities and challenges for different destinations.

This book is the first sustained attempt to integrate the study of heritage into contemporary human geography. It is structured around three themes: the diversity of use and consumption of heritage as a multi-sold cultural and economic resource; the conflicts and tensions arising from this multiplicity of uses, producers and consumers; and the relationship between heritage and identity at a variety of scales.

This book suggests implementing standards for high quality intervention through the definition of criteria for decision-making and indicators of quality and best practice, as well as clarification concerning procedures in the methodology of intervention. It also stresses the importance of conservation theory in earthen heritage conservation, combining theory and practice. In addition, the book recommends an overall strategy in the conservation of earthen heritage, with particular emphasis on an approach that integrates education, awareness, research and preventive conservation.