Research to Inform the Design of a New Professional Development Program for Latino and Latino-serving Museum Professionals
Client: Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino | Location: Washington, DC | Funding: Institute for Museums and Library Services
We conducted exploratory research to inform the strategy and design of a new program aimed at supporting professionals in Latino and Latino-serving museums and centers across the United States and Puerto Rico. The program is part of a partnership between the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino and the Institute for Museums and Library Services.
OVERVIEW
The National Museum of the American Latino Act created a partnership between the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino (NMAL) and the Institute for Museums and Library Services (IMLS) to “identify ways that the two institutions can support museum professionals engaged with Latino museums and centers across the United States and Puerto Rico.”
We partnered with NMAL to conduct exploratory research to inform the strategy and design of a professional development program for individuals working in and with Latino and Latino-serving museums and cultural organizations in the United States and Puerto Rico.
APPROACH
We designed a study with three distinct but interrelated parts:
In-depth interviews with professionals in Latino and Latino-serving museums and cultural organizations to explore their experiences and needs
An environmental scan to inform the professional and capacity-building needs of Latino museums and cultural organizations
A Logic Model to outline the audiences, outcomes, and design of a program supporting professionals in Latino and Latino-serving museums and cultural organizations
CLIENT TAKEAWAYS
In a final report detailing the interview findings, NMAL staff included a cover letter that outlines their reflections and proposed next steps for the program (excerpt below):
“Through the study, participants shared that they would be interested in participating in a forum that provides professional development on key topics, facilitates the sharing of best practices and networking with similarly situated community institutions, and does so in a manner that does not take them away from their job commitments for extended periods of time. Based on this feedback, NMAL anticipates we can best meet the needs of community institutions across the country by developing a virtual professional development series, open to participants across the country.
The program would be comprised of four to eight sessions on a variety of topics identified in the report and on which NMAL is positioned to best provide insight or recruit relevant expertise. These topics may include audience research and evaluation strategies, community collaboration strategies, and volunteer engagement and management. Course participants who complete multiple sessions may earn a completion certificate and will cultivate a network of colleagues with whom they can independently share best practices and collaborate after the course concludes. We are excited to pursue this program concept, which will equip our community stakeholders with the tools they need to advance their careers and support their organizations.”