IMLS Museum Assessment Program CFDA 45.302 (through American Association of Museums)

The Museum Assessment Program (MAP) is supported through a cooperative agreement between the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the American Association of Museums. It is designed to help museums assess their strengths and weaknesses, and plan for the future. Apllications are due by February 15, 2009.

The program provides technical assistance for four kinds of assessments: (1) collections management; (2) governance; (3) institutional; and (4) public dimension. Assessments are funded on a first-come, first-served basis. Museums may apply for MAP assessments in any sequence. Museums that received a MAP assessment grant on or before September 2002 may apply for a grant to fund participation in that assessment a second time. Application materials can be obtained by contacting the American Association of Museums.

In all MAP assessments, members of the museum staff and governing authority complete a self-study, and receive a site visit by one or more museum professionals, who tour the museum and meet with staff, governing officials, and volunteers. The surveyors work with the museum and MAP staff to produce a report evaluating the museum’s operations, making recommendations, and suggesting resources.

For the fiscal year 2009 application, plus examples of how this program can benefit your institution and more information, please visit the American Association of Museums Web site.