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.

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