I agree about books in that context for the same reasons you list. A description in a book can add so much more context to the description that it can place you

I agree about books in that context for the same reasons you list. A description in a book can add so much more context to the description that it can place you in the shoes of the craftsman who made the item on display. Audio guides are okay for context in some situations but I have found that you end up standing in one place while the narration completes and your group moves on without you. Maybe that's just me. (Ummm, has anyone seen Dad?). Guided tours are interesting especially when the guide knows the material and wants to present it in ways that encourage the visitors to ask questions.