What Matters to Stakeholders? Measuring Values at a University Museum

ABSTRACT

Perceptions of museum performance may be linked to individual values. This study asked members of different groups that hold a stake in a university museum (e.g., Alaska Native, Art Community, Business Community, Donors/Museum Members, Military Leaders, Science Community, K–12 Teachers, University Leaders) what they valued about their museum's performance. Results indicate that key differences exist with respect to performance indicators among some groups; however, stakeholders as a whole highly value indicators related to the human face of the museum and the collections. Museums can use these results to develop and pursue appropriate goals for specific audiences and to develop performance reports that matter to stakeholders.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank Julie McIntyre for statistical advice. We also thank our reviewers for comments that greatly improved the article.

APPENDIX A: STAKEHOLDER SURVEY

Rating the Statements

Based on your perspective as a stakeholder in the University of Alaska Museum of the North, please rate the following statements in terms of their importance using a 1-5 scale where:

Table

APPENDIX B: FOCUS AREA ASSIGNED TO EACH PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

Table

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Laura D. Carsten Conner

Laura D. Carsten Conner is a Research Assistant Professor of Science Education and Director of Education and Public Outreach for the College of Natural Science and Mathematics at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. She was formerly the Head of Public Programs at the University of Alaska Museum of the North. Address correspondence to Laura D. Carsten Conner, 900 Yukon Drive, Reichardt Building, Room 358, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775. E-mail: [email protected].

Angela M. Larson

Angela M. Larson is the owner and principal consultant of the Goldstream Group in Fairbanks, Alaska. She has more than 15 years of experience in program evaluation and specializes in the evaluation of community and educational programs.

Carol E. Diebel

Carol E. Diebel is the Senior Vice President of Public Programs at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum in Hawaii, and the former Director of the University of Alaska Museum of the North. She has over 20 years of experience in scientific research and has been working in the museum sector for 13 years.