University of Montana (spectrUM Discovery Area)

The University of Montana’s spectrUM Discovery Area will partner with the Missoula Public Library to improve the design and outcomes of its programs by developing a cross-institution approach to evaluation. Project activities include conducting staff training in evaluation tools and techniques, developing an evaluation framework, and participating in the Collaborating on Ongoing Visitor Engagement Survey (COVES) program to compare data with other museums nationwide. The project will break down existing institutional barriers and create shared core metrics, measurements, and intended outcomes for individual and collective programs resulting in a holistic evaluation framework that integrates impact, assessment, and learning strategies increasing the museum's ability to shape programs and improve outcomes.