The following is a text-only press release from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). An HTML version of this release can be read on the agency's Web site at http://www.imls.gov/news/2008/072208a.shtm. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 22, 2008 IMLS Press Contact 202-653-4632 Jeannine Mjoseth, [log in to unmask] AAM Press Contact 202-218-7704 Dewey Blanton, [log in to unmask] AAM and IMLS Announce 2008 Museum Assessment Program Participants 100 Museums Eager to Have Operations Reviewed The American Association of Museums (AAM) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) would like to commend the 100 museums participating in the 2008 Museum Assessment Program (MAP). These institutions have requested an evaluation of their operational strengths and weaknesses in the interest of bettering their organizations and reaffirming their commitment to their communities. Museums of all types and sizes are invited to participate in the MAP program, and can apply in one of four areas: institutional, collections management, governance, or public dimension. After their evaluation, the museums use the feedback they receive to strengthen operations, build capacity, and enhance communication throughout their institutions. Museums that have undergone the assessment report an increased level of professionalism, clearer focus on the museum's goals and mission, an energized staff and governing authority, and a greater credibility with their stake holders. "We welcome these museums into a process of self-reflection and improvement and congratulate them on their commitment to field-wide excellence," said Ford W. Bell, President of AAM. "Our nation's museums are already high-performing and strong organizations. MAP is designed to make them even better." "The benefits of the Museum Assessment Program are impressive: recipient museums find ways to improve their institutions on every level," said Dr. Anne-Imelda Radice, Director of IMLS. "The ultimate beneficiaries, of course, are the people and communities these museums serve. I am proud of the Institute's role in this important program." MAP is supported through a cooperative agreement between AAM and IMLS. For more information, please visit www.aam-us.org/map, call 202/289-9118, or email [log in to unmask] For a list of participants in the 2008 MAP program, visit http://www.aam-us.org/museumresources/map/2008-Museum-Assessment-Program -Participants.cfm. About the Institute of Museum and Library Services The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov. About the American Association of Museums The American Association 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. With more than 15,000 individual, 3,000 institutional and 300 corporate members, AAM is dedicated to ensuring that museums remain a vital part of the American landscape, connecting people with the greatest achievements of the human experience, past, present and future. For more information, visit www.aam-us.org. ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).