AAM is in the process of evaluating how best to reinvent its nearly 40-year old museum accreditation program to better support the museum community, be more relevant and accessible, and expand participation and benefits. Watch this page for updates on the project.
February 2012
2012 is going to be an exciting year for the program with the roll out of a dynamic, online-based survey to replace the current paper-based self-study. This new format will integrate with other data you supply AAM, such as through membership forms, Museum Benchmarking Online and the Museum Assessment Program. The benefits to you include a self-study that is shorter overall, the elimination of preparing large binders of paper attachments, real-time benchmarking data and greater flexibility as to when and how you access the questions. We expect to have a beta version in late summer/early fall and the full online self-study ready for use by November.
Read more about changes to the program in this short flier.
October 2011:
The American Association of Museums (AAM) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) have signed an agreement to expedite AAM Accreditation for AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums. This agreement is an integral piece of AAM's efforts to reinvent accreditation to make it more accessible to museums of all types and sizes, as well as more valuable, to the institutions and to the public. The AAM-AZA agreement will enable zoos and aquariums to utilize some of the exhaustive work required for AZA accreditation in its application for a similar designation from AAM. Both organizations emphasized the efficiencies to be realized by this partnership, as well as the benefits of sharing information about best practices between institutions with living and nonliving collections.
Read the press release and a FAQ with collaboration details.
February 2011:
On February 7–8, a committed group of museum professionals met in Chicago to explore the re-invention of AAM's accreditation program. The 26 participants included accredited and non-accredited museums, both large and small, representing virtually every type of museum. Independent museum professionals were also represented. The two days of discussions are now being distilled and will soon be shared with the field, so stay tuned.
"An accessible, meaningful accreditation program is perhaps the most significant step we can take toward creating a true museum field, united by common standards and best practices," said AAM president Ford W. Bell at the convening's conclusion.
Read more and download summary report...
March 2010:
Temporary Reaccreditation Cycle Extension (PDF)
In March 2010, the Accreditation Commission, with support of the AAM Board of Directors, decided to take an unprecedented action of temporarily extending the length of time between accreditation reviews (the "cycle") from 10 years to 15 years. Follow the link above for full details about this change and its implementation.
The cycle extension change is one of the first action steps AAM is taking to ensure museums get a better review experience. The Accreditation Commission and AAM leadership have heard the field's concerns about the need to make the Accreditation Program more relevant and valuable, and the process less burdensome, and are committed to making necessary changes over the next five years. To effectively implement this plan, AAM needs to build in a transition period and allocate time to develop a streamlined process and improved program.
2009:
Press Release: Grants Awarded to Reimagine Accreditation Program (February 2009)
Focused Review Pilot Project (History, Results, Final Report)
March -April 2009 McKinsey & Co. Diagnostic: Results Summary
