Successful Tests of the Heritage Health Index Bolster Project

In November, Heritage Preservation conducted a test that replicated exactly how the Heritage Health Index survey will be implemented. Questionnaires were distributed to 200 randomly selected institutions from the target population of archives, historical societies, libraries, museums, and scientific research organizations. This test measured response rate and assessed the questionnaire’s distribution and follow-up plan, and the outcome was positive. The participation rate exceeded the expected rate by 40%, demonstrating that institutions recognize the need for preservation data and are willing cooperate in this effort. The high level of response also confirms that the survey procedure is effective.

This test followed a smaller test of 36 selected institutions that completed the questionnaire and participated in a telephone interview about what motivated them to participate, how long it took them to fill out the survey, and how many staff members were involved. Several respondents specifically mentioned that the questionnaire was a useful self-study that would help them in making their case for preservation to institutional leadership, preparing funding requests, and developing long-range planning. In both tests, Heritage Preservation found that no one type or size of institution was more or less likely to respond, validating that the questionnaire will speak well to the diversity of U.S. collecting institutions that will be surveyed.