FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IMLS Contact: Giuliana Bullard
202-653-4799
gbullard@imls.gov
AAM Contact: Joseph Klem
Director, Public Relations
202-218-7670
jklem@aam-us.org
Museum Assessment Program (MAP) Accepting Applications Through February 1
Washington, DC – The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) is accepting applications for the 2017 Museum Assessment Program (MAP) with a deadline of February 1, 2018. MAP is administered by AAM with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Since its inception in 1981, MAP has helped over 5,000 small and mid-sized museums of all types strengthen operations, plan for the future, and meet standards. Through a one-year process of self-assessment, institutional activities, and consultative peer review, participating museums emerge from the program with:
- a greater alignment of activities, mission, and resources;
- an analysis of their strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities;
- a prioritized roadmap for improving operations and meeting standards;
- their practices benchmarked to standards;
- enhanced credibility with potential funders and donors;
- improved communications between staff, board, and other constituents;
- expert advice, recommendations, and resources; and
- increased capacity for strategic planning.
MAP offers three different assessments: Organizational, Collections Stewardship, and Community Engagement.
Program details and a link to the online application are available on the AAM website.
“IMLS is pleased to be able to fund MAP assessments,” said Paula Gangopadhyay, Deputy Director of Museum Services at IMLS. “The program reflects the commitment of the agency to help strengthen museums of all sizes, helping them better fulfill their missions, achieve their goals, and serve the people in their communities.”
“MAP is an example of a program that helps museums in all 50 states and all territories,” said Janet Vaughan, Vice President, Membership & Excellence for the Alliance. “Around 20,000 museum professionals have participated in MAP with their museum, as a peer reviewer, or both.”
About the American Alliance of Museums
The American Alliance of Museums has been bringing museums together since 1906, helping to develop standards and best practices, gathering and sharing knowledge, and providing advocacy on issues of concern to the entire museum community. Representing more than 35,000 individual museum professionals and volunteers, institutions, and corporate partners serving the museum field, the Alliance stands for the broad scope of the museum community. For more information, visit www.aam-us.org.
About IMLS
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's approximately 120,000 libraries and 35,000 museums and related organizations. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.