The Public Dimension Assessment assesses the museum's public perception, experience, and involvement with the museum.  The assessment assists a museum in effectively communicating with the public and helps the museum identify and strengthen collaborations with other organizations around the country.  It includes a review of all the ways in which the museum interacts with its audiences, including marketing, public relations, audience developments, and exhibitions.

Participants report that the Public Dimension Assessment results in:

• a clearer understanding of the museum's image in the community
• insight into developing or improving marketing
• increased ability to broaden the museum's audience
• improved service to the museum's current audience
• increased community support for and participation in public activities
• better communication and cooperation between staff and Board
• improvements in public programming

Activities in the Public Dimension Assessment focus on:

• the public's perception of the museum
• how the public experiences the museum
• methods to get the community, staff and governing authority involved

For further information, see:

Comments from Prior PDA Participants

Sample PDA Self Study Workbook and Activities