Small museums face the same challenges as large museums on a tighter budget and with fewer resources. Navigating these obstacles requires strong leadership and effective governance. The creation and use of planning documents and a clear mission and vision are essential to pursuing the long-term health of an organization. This book features concise, grounded approaches to finding and articulating the mission and vision of a small museum. Because a few tools have been invaluable to small museum leaders, the book also highlights the MAP and CAP assessment process, accreditation, and provides an overview of the StEPs program.

Harold and Susan Skramstad, two of the field's most highly regarded experts in museum management, outline the tools you and your board need to handle the challenges facing museums today. A Handbook for Museum Trustees was written to help museum trustees better understand the "why" and the "how" of trusteeship, giving board members and museum directors a thorough understanding of their critical and non-negotiable duties. The book clearly identifies areas of responsibility and offers valuable, how-to advice on board discussion and decision-making, providing practical guidelines for improving board practices and fine-tuning the work of the effective board. "Not only will the tens of thousands of us who work in museums benefit from A Handbook for Museum Trustees ," says Stephen E. Weil, "so, too, will the millions more who pass through our doors."