Assessing Museum Impact: From Theory to Practice – Summary Report

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.