American Alliance of Museums

Definition

The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) is a national organization that serves the interests of museums and the professionals who work within them. It advocates for museum governance, promotes best practices, and develops policies that enhance the public's understanding of museums' roles in society. AAM also provides guidance on acquisition and deaccessioning policies to help museums manage their collections responsibly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American Alliance of Museums was established in 1906 and has evolved to represent a diverse range of museum types across the United States.
2. AAM's core functions include setting standards for museum practices, advocating for public funding and support for museums, and providing professional development opportunities.
3. AAM offers a comprehensive set of resources to help museums create effective acquisition and deaccessioning policies that align with ethical practices.
4. Membership in AAM provides museums access to a vast network of professionals, resources, and best practices that can enhance their operational effectiveness.
5. AAM plays a critical role in shaping policies that influence how museums engage with their communities and manage their collections responsibly.

Review Questions

• How does the American Alliance of Museums influence museum governance and promote ethical standards?
  • The American Alliance of Museums influences museum governance by providing guidelines and resources that help institutions establish sound governance structures. It advocates for ethical standards across all aspects of museum operation, ensuring that decision-making processes are transparent and accountable. By promoting best practices, AAM helps museums navigate complex issues related to management, including the proper handling of collections and engagement with the public.
• In what ways does AAM support museums in developing acquisition and deaccessioning policies?
  • AAM supports museums in developing acquisition and deaccessioning policies by providing clear guidelines, templates, and case studies that outline ethical considerations. The organization emphasizes the importance of these policies in maintaining the integrity of collections and ensuring responsible stewardship. By encouraging collaboration among members, AAM fosters an environment where museums can share experiences and best practices related to managing their collections effectively.
• Evaluate the impact of AAM's advocacy on the funding and public perception of museums within communities.
  • AAM's advocacy significantly impacts funding and public perception by actively promoting the value of museums as essential community resources. Through its efforts to secure public funding and support, AAM helps museums demonstrate their relevance in education, culture, and social engagement. This advocacy not only enhances financial sustainability but also fosters positive relationships between museums and their communities, ultimately leading to increased public support and participation in museum activities.

Related terms

Museum Ethics: A set of principles that guide museum professionals in their decision-making, ensuring that practices align with values such as integrity, transparency, and respect for cultural heritage.

Deaccessioning: The process by which a museum formally removes an object from its collection, often subject to specific ethical guidelines and legal considerations.

Governance: The framework of rules, practices, and processes by which a museum is directed and controlled, encompassing accountability and transparency in decision-making.