Excellence and Equity: Education and the Public Dimension of Museums was a landmark report issued by the American Association of Museums in 1992 on the educational role of museums.  It reflects the work of the AAM Task Force on Education which was comprised of a diverse group of twenty-five museum professionals who worked together between 1989 and 1991.

Excellence and Equity outlines the association’s policy on education and public service and is based on the premise that every area of museum activity contributes to museums’ public dimension and to the important public service museums provide.  It presents a plan for action that centers on ten principles that define the museum’s role as an educational institution.  The principles are accompanied by specific recommendations, which museums can implement to meet challenges as the stewards of educational excellence and equity.

Resources on Excellence and Equity

AAM Bookstore

	Excellence and Equity: Education and the Public Dimension of Museums This report affirms the contributions museums make to the educational needs of the nation and helps museums define how well they are carrying out their educational mission and serving the public.
	New Visions: Tools for Change in Museums New Visions provides a practical, interactive framework for assessing the current status and future directions of your institution, thus maximizing your ability to meet your mission and put Excellence and Equity into action.

Standing Professional Committee on Education

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AAM Information Center Sample Documents

The Information Center offers customized reference services, including sample documents, to AAM member museums.  Museums can expect a reply within 48 hours.  Member museums may contact the Information Center at infocenter@aam-us.org or 202-289-1818.

Museum Assessment Program: Public Dimension Assessment

The Public Dimension Assessmentassesses both the public's perception of, and its experience and involvement with, the museum.