American Alliance of Museums

The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) will undertake a cooperative agreement with IMLS to operate the Museum Assessment Program (MAP). MAP is a technical assistance program designed to help small and medium-sized museums strengthen operations and plan for the future. Staff, volunteers, and board members at participating museums are guided through a process that includes self-assessment workbooks, institutional activities, and a site visit by a museum peer who provides guidance, recommendations, and resources for improvements. AAM intends to promote, manage, and evaluate three cycles of standard MAP assessments and three cycles of follow-up assessments. Standard MAP assessments are offered in the following focus areas: Collections Stewardship, Community Engagement, Education and Interpretation, and Organizational. Follow-up assessments are offered to enable a second site visit from a peer reviewer to assist museums with implementing MAP recommendations and adapt to changing conditions. Intended results for MAP participating museums are increased access to resources, peer networking, and professional learning opportunities that will benefit individuals as well as institutions.