Standards

The following documents constitute AAM Standards for U.S. Museums. Standards are generally accepted levels that all museums are expected to achieve.

• Characteristics of Excellence    (The core of National Standards and Best Practices for US Museums. This PDF contains the actual standards and a "plain language" version.)

• Code of Ethics for Museums (This outlines ethical principles that should be incorporated into each museum’s own institutional code of ethics.)
• Standards Regarding Facilities and Risk Management

The Accreditation Commission’s Expectations Regarding

• Ethics (This provides more detail on why an institutional code of ethics is important, and what it should address.)
• Mission Statements
• Governance
• Institutional Planning
• Collections Stewardship
• Delegation of Authority

AAM Guidelines On

• Archaeological Materials and Ancient Art
• Exhibiting Borrowed Objects
• Unlawful Appropriation of Objects During the Nazi Era
• Developing and Managing Business Support
• Developing and Managing Individual Donor Support
• Considerations for AAM Accredited Museums Facing Retrenchment or Downsizing(.doc)

Best Practices

The following documents constitute AAM Best Practices for U.S. Museums. Best practices are commendable actions and philosophies that demonstrate an awareness of standards, solve problems and can be replicated. Museums may choose to emulate them if appropriate to their circumstances.

The Accreditation Commission’s Position Statement on Best Practices Regarding

• Loaning Collections to Non-Museum Entities
• Unlawful Appropriation of Objects During the Nazi Era