Conservation Assessment Program: How to Make the Most of CAP
Determine your goals for CAP. Know why you want to participate in CAP. Completing the application is a valuable self-assessment process in itself. To maximize its benefit to your institution, allot enough time to complete it accurately and thoroughly.
Develop a clear, concise mission statement. The mission statement should be approved by the board of directors. If you need assistance with this, consider an Institutional Assessment through the Museum Assessment Program (MAP) administered by the American Association of Museums (AAM) at 202-289-9118 or www.aam-us.org. The MAP deadline is February 15th each year.
Develop a collections management policy. Know the location and quantity of objects in your collections. A collections management policy should be approved by the museum. If you need assistance with this, consider a Collections Management Assessment through the Museum Assessment Program administered by the American Association of Museums (AAM) at 202-289-9118 or www.aam-us.org. The MAP annual deadline is February 15th.
Determine whether all your collections and sites can be accurately assessed in two days. If your collections and sites are too large to be assessed in two days, consider a general conservation assessment through the Conservation Project Support (CPS) grant administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) at 202-606-8539 or www.imls.gov. The CPS deadline is October 1st each year.
Engage your board. Encourage board members to be active participants in the process. Their support will be key to implementing recommendations of your CAP report.
Use Your CAP Report as:
- a guide for developing long-range conservation plans.
- a tool for fund-raising activities.
- a document for educating staff and board members about immediate and long-term conservation needs.