Skip to main content
COMMUNITY:
Report

Assessing Museum Impact: From Theory to Practice - Summary Report

October 24, 2019 | Public Programs

Museum administrators need measurements to prove their museum’s value, to advocate for their institutions, and to improve their performance. The purpose of the two-year Assessing Museum Impact (AMI) pilot research project was to explore in practice the theory that the use of data can help museums improve their impact (effectiveness) and performance (efficiency). The project was designed to assist six mid- sized New England museums to select data using the PIID Sequence and then to use that data strategically. The participants reported positive impacts on their management culture and actionable enhancements to their museums. All plan to continue using data strategically. There is still a long way to go from these small steps, and the authors propose that other museum associations join NEMA's lead in supporting and disseminating these findings.

This report describes the need, relevant prior work, research process, and the findings that may be useful in building capacity for incorporating data that may indicate impact in museum administration, planning, advocacy and fund raising.

TEAM MEMBERS

  • 2014 01 06 Copy of JWJ in England 2011 for Adjust
    Author
    White Oak Associates, Inc.
  • Laura Roberts
    Author
    Roberts Consulting
  • David Ellis
    Author
    Museum of Science, Boston
  • 2013 06 28 Hein IMG 5688A
    Author
    Lesley University
  • REVISE logo
    Author
    Turtle Peak Consulting
  • Citation

    Resource Type: Reference Materials
    Discipline: General STEM
    Audience: Museum/ISE Professionals | Evaluators | Learning Researchers
    Environment Type: Public Programs | Museum and Science Center Programs

    If you would like to edit a resource, please email us to submit your request.