The has again achieved accreditation by the , the highest national recognition afforded the nation鈥檚 museums. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies, and to the museum-going public. CU Museum was initially accredited in 2003 and all museums must undergo a reaccreditation review at least every听10 years to maintain accredited status.
Alliance accreditation brings national recognition to a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards and continued institutional improvement. Developed and sustained by museum professionals for over 45 years, the Alliance鈥檚 museum accreditation program is the field鈥檚 primary vehicle for quality assurance, self-regulation and public accountability. It strengthens the museum profession by promoting practices that enable leaders to make informed decisions, allocate resources wisely, and remain financially and ethically accountable in order to provide the best possible service to the public.
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鈥淲e are very proud to be reaccredited by the American Alliance of Museums and the institutional integrity that it certifies鈥� said Museum Director Patrick Kociolek. 鈥淓very day, we educate children, adults and new museum professionals; conduct world class research; develop, make accessible and conserve collections; and promote stewardship and appreciation of the natural world through engaging exhibits and programs.鈥�
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鈥淭he comprehensive process of self-study and review took over 2 years and required the hard work and input of all the CU Museum faculty, staff, students, advisory board members and administration,鈥� Kociolek said. 鈥淲e appreciate the recognition and look forward to continuing our important work!鈥�
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Of the nation鈥檚 estimated 33,000 museums, more than 1070 are currently accredited. CU Museum of Natural History is one of only 24 museums accredited in Colorado and the only AAM accredited museum in Boulder.
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Accreditation is a very rigorous but highly rewarding process that examines all aspects of a museum鈥檚 operations. To earn accreditation, a museum first must conduct a year of self-study, and then undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers. AAM鈥檚 Accreditation Commission, an independent and autonomous body of museum professionals, considers the self-study and visiting committee report to determine whether a museum should receive accreditation.
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鈥淎ccredited museums are a community of institutions that have chosen to hold themselves publicly accountable to excellence,鈥� said Laura L. Lott, Alliance president and CEO. 鈥淎ccreditation is clearly a significant achievement, of which both the institutions and the communities they serve can be extremely proud.鈥�
