Ames, IA – The University Museums, Iowa State University proudly announces its Reaccreditation by the American Association of Museum (AAM)! The Brunnier Art Museum, Art on Campus Collection, and Farm House Museum were first accredited in the 1980s and previously reaccredited in the 1990s. This is the first accreditation for the new Christian Petersen Art Museum and the Elizabeth and Byron Anderson Sculpture Garden. All University Museums facilities are now officially accredited for 10 years.
Statistics
Of an estimated 17,500 museums in the United States, less then 800 are AAM Accredited Museums and less then 15% of these are college or university associated museums. Of the 800 AAM Accredited Museums, 19% are in the Midwest region. For the current roster of AAM Accredited Museums, please visit http://www.aam-us.org/museumresources/accred/list.cfm.
What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is a widely recognized seal of approval that brings national recognition to museums, regardless of their size or location. The AAM Accreditation Program recognizes museums’ commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards, and continued institutional improvement. Being an AAM Accredited Museum strengthens individual museums and the museum profession as a whole by promoting ethical and professional practices that enable museum leadership to make informed decisions, allocate and use resources wisely, and remain accountable to the public. Accreditation recognizes excellence in individual museums and within the museum community, and serves as the field’s primary vehicle for quality assurance and self-regulation.
What does Accreditation involve?
Accreditation is a rigorous yet highly rewarding process. It requires not only a commitment to maintaining the highest standards and best practices, but a significant investment of time and resources from all levels of staff and leadership. The formal application is normally preceded by years of preparation. The process is based around one year of institutional self-study followed by a site visit by two peer museum professionals. Every 10 years all accredited museums are thoroughly reviewed again.
Additional resources:
American Association of Museums (AAM)
Iowa Museum Association (IMA)
Celebrate by visiting your University Museums today!
For more information, call 515-294-3342
or visit our web site at www.museums.iastate.edu
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