Amy;

As a former director of audit and evaluation for two of Canad's national
museums, and with 20 years experience in the business, I can tell you that
there is no point whatever in compiling a list of firms recommended from the
experience of people outside your own area. This is a question that should
be asked only of your colleagues in the same city and area. A firm like
Price Waterhouse which has done excellent work in museums in Ottawa is NOT
going to bring the same people all the way to Cinci to do a study, unless
you are talking several hundred thousand dollars. Also, please remember that
firms' personnel change VERY frequently; a firm that had experienced
consultants two years ago may have none today. Experienced audit/evaluation
directors spend a lot of time talking to their opposite numbers in nearby
institutions and in keeping track of which consultants are good and which
are not - NOT the companies that employ them.

Mind you, there are one or two consultants, such as myself, who are just
marvellous and can do ANYTHING at ridiculously low prices!!! - and if a
consultant tells you that, avoid him/her like the plague!
--
Harry Needham, Principal ([log in to unmask])
Harry Needham Consulting Services Inc.
Solutions for Heritage Institutions - and Others!
74 Abbeyhill Drive
Kanata ON K2L 1H1 Canada
(Voice) +1.613.831-1068
(Fax) +1.613.831-9412

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