Accreditation Update Shows Need for Diversity

Zoos, nature centers, children's museums and aquariums comprise less than 4 percent of the 774 museums currently accredited by AAM—and accredited museums represent only about 5 percent of America's nearly 17,500 museums. In addition, almost 20 percent of accredited museums have budgets under $500,000, and nearly 50 percent have less than 15 staff members.

These and other details about AAM's accreditation program are available in the 2007 Accreditation Program Annual Statistics At-a-Glance, now posted on the AAM website. This yearly update has basic statistical information about the program and its participants, including an analysis of Accreditation Commission decisions and a breakdown of accredited museums by region, museum type, budget, governance and staff size. Used as a companion to the list of accredited museums, the statistics illustrate how each size and type of museum is represented.

Because of the significant contributions museums make through their participation in the accreditation program—such as helping to set the national standards by which all museums are measured—it is in the museum field's interest that the roster of accredited museums reflect the full diversity of cultural institutions. AAM is working to identify the best American museums that have the potential to be accredited. If you know of an excellent science center, zoo, botanical garden or historic house that is not yet accredited, e-mail accreditation@aam-us.org. If your museum is ready to go through the accreditation process, you can begin by filling out the 2007 Application Form. The deadlines for 2007 applications are June 15 and Dec. 30.

If you are planning to attend the 2007 AAM Annual Meeting, accreditation staff will be available to meet with you at the conference—whether you are interested in learning more about the program or how to apply or considering accreditation as a long-term goal. E-mail accreditation@aam-us.org to set up an appointment.