Step I: Apply

When you've chosen an assessment type, it's time to apply for the program.  You can either apply through the annual application deadline or anytime through the Flexible Participation program.  Be sure to read all the materials before applying. Fill out the forms and use the checklist found in the MAP Application Questionnaire to compile your application package.  Contact the MAP staff for more information about the application process.  Eligible museums will be accepted on a rolling basis within eight weeks of applying and can begin the assessment immediately.

Step II: Self-Study

Shortly after your notification of acceptance into the program, the MAP Staff at AAM will send you a Self-Study Workbook that includes a Questionnaire and Activities. Self-study is a method that:

• stimulates a review of your institution's policies, procedures and records;
• enhances institutional dialogue and openness;
• provides information for the peer review phase;
• serves as a baseline against which to measure your progress.

The Self-Study Questionnaire and Activities are designed to help your institution see itself systemically, not merely as a way to prepare the Surveyor. Most organizations find that they derive at least half the benefit of their assessment from the self-study process.

Museums will have four months to complete the Self-Study.

Step III: Peer Review

While you are completing the self-study process, preparation for peer review will begin. MAP staff will propose several museum professionals suited to review your institution. After eliminating those individuals from the list that you feel will not meet your needs, you will send back the list in order of preference. MAP staff contacts the Surveyor(s) to check availability, then sends the contact information to the museum. The Surveyor(s) conduct a site visit and write an assessment report which summarizes the visit and makes recommendations for change. Peer review is a method that provides:

• the opportunity to discuss your operations from a new perspective;
• validation and input from an informed colleague.

You supply the Surveyor(s) with pre-visit documentary materials, discuss and arrange the agenda for his or her visit, and make the necessary travel arrangements. Because the Surveyors volunteer their time, please be sensitive to their scheduling needs when arranging the site visit. The majority of the work in this phase is done by the Surveyors who average over 40 hours preparing for the visit and writing the final report.  

Step IV: Implementation

The final phase of MAP consists of incorporating the information from the self-study process, the site visit and assessment report into your institution's planning process. Using what you learn from the assessment, you formulate goals and strategies for the improvement of your museum.  You will complete an Implementation Goals evaluation approximately one year after receiving your report.

Sample Assessment Timeline