Museum Assessment Program (MAP) Program Accepting Applications Through February 1

Posted on Jan 4, 2018

For Immediate Release

January 4, 2017

ARLINGTON, VA – The American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the only organization representing the entire scope of the museum community, is accepting applications for the 2017 Museum Assessment Program (MAP) with a deadline of February 1, 2018. MAP is administered by AAM under a cooperative agreement with 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 its strengths, weaknesses and opportunities
a prioritized roadmap for improving operations and meeting standards
its practices benchmarked to standards
enhanced credibility with potential funders and donors
improved communications between staff, board and other constituents
expert advice, recommendations, and resources
increased capacity for strategic planning

MAP offers three different assessments to choose from, including 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 US 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.

###