Using Outcome-based Evaluation to Assess the Impact of a Museum-based Program

초록

Museums increasingly are expected to be accountable for effectiveness of both new and existing programs, and to broaden and diversify community members served. One approach is to expand program services beyond those for traditional on-site visitors to non-traditional more diverse populations, including at-risk populations. Program evaluators are challenged to verify achievement of such lofty goals in the short term and during early program implementation. Nevertheless, it is critical to examine impacts of newly developed programs to determine viability and to improve them. This study assessed the impacts and efficacy of an on-going, non-traditional museum program targeting transitional homeless people in the community. Results presented a strategy for conceptually framing an assessment of a collaborative museum program serving non-traditional museum clients. Also, this study showed how aspects of one program were perceived by participants, and how those perceptions correspond with program outcomes.

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