museum Trustee Association: Recommended Materials

We find these publications helpful. Each description includes the name of the vendor; vendor contact information is listed below.

MTA Trustee Day Presentations at the American Association of Museums (AAM) 2008 Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado on April 28, 2008
Maximizing Endowment Returns - A Trustee’s Fiduciary Responsibility -
“How a Small Museum Self-Manages Their Endowment Investments” presented by Jim McCreight, MTA President (2008/PowerPoint/11 slides)
“Are You A Fiduciary?” presented by Hans Underdahl, Senior Vice President, RBC Wealth Management (2008/PowerPoint/11 slides)
“Investment Strategies” presented by Glenn E. Ross, Managing Director, Archstone Portfolio Solutions (2008/PowerPoint/20 slides)

“A Multiplicity of Roles” – The Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art's Search for a Director
A case study examining a museum in the midst of an executive search, one in which the leading contender was a “distinctly non-traditional candidate. Developed by the Hauser Center for Nonprofit Management at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government for the MTA Assembly 2001 in Cambridge, MA. From the MTA. (2001/20pp)

Museums in the United States at the Turn of the Millenium: An Industry Note
A broad overview of the museum field. Developed by the Hauser Center for Nonprofit Management at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government for the MTA Assembly 2001 in Cambridge, MA . From the MTA. (2001/39pp)

The Tampa Museum of Science and Industry: The Fowler Avenue Land Problem
A case study focusing on financing options for a crucial land acquisition. Developed by the Hauser Center for Nonprofit Management at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government for the MTA Assembly 2001 in Cambridge, MA . From the MTA. (2001/27pp)

Adding Value as a Governing Board
Keynote address recorded at the MTA San Antonio Conference, November 1998
Dr. Richard P. Chait of Harvard University's Graduate School of Education discusses the attributes of the effective board and how to use the creative tension between management and governance to achieve a positive model of stewardship in which organization and efficiency are balanced with vision. From the MTA. (1998/audiotape or paper)

Basic Principles of Policy Governance – Carverguide 1
John Carver, Miriam Carver
Offers board members a clear understanding of the concepts and principles that are at the very heart of policy governance. Presents the guidelines needed to transform your board members into a unified group that consistently makes powerful contributions to its organization. From Jossey-Bass. (1996/32pp/paperback)

The Board Member's Book: Making a Difference in Voluntary Organizations, Third Edition
Brian O'Connell
Covers: the impact of nonprofit organizations on the U.S. today; the different responsibilities of board members, volunteers and staff; how to find, develop and reward good board members; ways to recruit, encourage and evaluate the executive director; effective strategies for fundraising and financial planning; how to make the most out of meetings and evaluate results; and how to conduct ethical evaluations. From The Foundation Center. (2003/240pp)

Boards That Make a Difference: A New Design for Leadership in Nonprofit and Public Organizations, Second Edition
John Carver
A new approach to board job design, board-staff relationships, the chief executive role, performance monitoring, and other aspects of the board-management relationship. Offers a board model designed to produce policies that make a difference; missions that are clearly articulated; standards that are ethical and prudent; meetings, officers and committees that work; and leadership that supports the fulfillment of long-term goals. From Jossey-Bass. (1997/272pp/hardcover)

Governance is Governance
Kenneth N. Dayton
Focusing on how organizational effectiveness is achieved when the CEO can successfully manage under realistic governance guidelines, this report addresses what governance means, similarities between good governance in both the business and nonprofit sector, and how board members can and should measure up to their responsibilities. From Independent Sector. (2001/booklet)

Guidebook for Directors of Nonprofit Corporations – Second Edition
Committee on Nonprofit Corporations, ABA Section of Business Law
Addresses general legal principles and corporate governance issues to provide nonprofit directors with a comprehensive understanding of their roles. Focuses on how to act in accordance with the law and good corporate practices, with emphasis on conflict of interest, record keeping and tax-exempt status. From the American Bar Association. (2002/280pp/paperback)

How to Help Your Board Govern More and Manage Less
Richard P. Chait
Helps board members understand the distinction between managing and governing, to increase and maintain effectiveness. Includes specific procedures for board members to follow to achieve better board governance. From BoardSource. (2003/33pp)

The Manual of Museum Management, Second Edition
Barry Lord, Gail Dexter Lord
Essential advice and guidance for anyone involved in the creation, development and management of museums, including case studies. From AltaMira Press. (1997/276pp/paperback)

The New Work of the Nonprofit Board
Recorded at the AAM Annual Meeting, Baltimore, Maryland, May 2000
Dr. Richard Chait, Harvard University, addresses how governing boards can add greater value to their institutions' long term success by focusing on what matters most and by structuring their committees, meetings and information systems to serve this overarching purpose. (2000/audiotape)

Nonprofit Board Answer Book: Practical Guidelines for Board Members and Chief Executives, Second Edition
Robert C. Andringa, Ted W. Engstrom
Written for seasoned as well as new nonprofit leaders, this book covers virtually every issue likely to be encountered in nonprofit board governance in an easy-to-follow question and answer format. Topics covered include: recruitment, diversity, fundraising, strategic planning, assessment, and responsibilities of board members. The new expanded edition includes 25 brand new chapters sure to help your board become more efficient, productive and successful. From BoardSource. (2001/300pp)

The Nonprofit Board's Guide to Bylaws: Creating a Framework for Effective Governance
D. Benson Tesdahl
Helps your board determine how it is best structured, how to fine tune its processes, and how to define the authority levels for all participants within the governance framework. The text also references selected data from a BoardSource conducted survey, providing helpful facts related to how some nonprofit boards address bylaws issues. Includes sample bylaws provisions and conflicts-of-interest policies on a customizable diskette. From BoardSource. (2003/36pp/book w/ diskette)

Nonprofit Boards That Work: The End of One-Size-Fits-All Governance
Maureen Robinson
Based on the premise that board members know better than anyone what is best for the organization, and that there is more than one way to do this. Boards often struggle, however, because they do not stop to consider: “How can we operate best to achieve our goals?” This book will encourage your board to ask that question and point to areas where asking and answering the question may have the greatest power in strengthening your board's role in organizational success. Examines the importance of defining the role of the board and the structure and substance of work, including:

Of Mutual Respect and Other Things: Thoughts on Museum Trusteeship
Helmuth J. Naumer
A provocative essay probing issues of museum trusteeship that will stimulate thoughtful discussion and analysis of trustee responsibilities in a world where the focus is on developing interest in public and private institutions. Also included are appendices, related articles and a bibliography. From the American Association of Museums. (1989/68pp/paper)

The Orientation Program of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
&
A Trustee Orientation: The Underutilized Information Resource
Esther Anderson
A comprehensive orientation program as implemented at the MFA during an extensive renovation and expansion. Includes model program with supporting paperwork examples and samples from the MFA's actual materials. (1987/17pp)

The Policy Sampler: A Resource for Nonprofit Boards
Kathleen Fletcher
This diskette and user's guide include more than 70 sample board policies and job descriptions collected from a wide variety of nonprofits, including policies on anti-discrimination, capital expenditures, confidentiality, conflict of interest, expense reimbursement, grievance, indemnification, investments, nepotism, sexual harassment and more. From BoardSource. (2000/52pp/book w/ CD-ROM)

Reinventing Your Board: A Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing Policy Governance
John Carver, Miriam Mayhew Carver
Sold as a companion to Boards That Make a Difference, this book is the nuts-and-bolts recipe for putting policy governance into practice. It includes policy samples, forms and other practical, “put-the-model-in-motion” materials. From Jossey-Bass. (1999/241pp/hardcover)

Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards
Richard T. Ingram
This newly revised edition explores ten core areas of board responsibility. Focuses on the basic responsibilities of officers and committee members, including: determining mission and purpose, ensuring effective planning, and participating in fundraising. You'll find that this is an ideal reference for drafting job descriptions, assessing board performance, and orienting board members to their responsibilities. From BoardSource. (2003/42pp)

Why Can't We Just Get Along? Basic Strategies to Enhance Board/Staff Interaction
Recorded at the AAM Annual Meeting, Baltimore, Maryland, May 2000
This panel session addresses ways to establish clear-cut communication and understanding of mission, roles and responsibilities. Includes special information for museums that are just beginning and have a more entrepreneurial board profile. Speakers include: Charles F. Dambach, President & CEO, MTA; Kathy Dwyer Southern, President & CEO, Capital Children's Museum; and Douglas Becker, President, Port Discovery. (2000/audiotape)

Your Roles and Responsibilities as a Board Member – Carverguide 2
John Carver, Miriam Carver
Describes how board members must be successful strategic leaders who are willing to foster diversity, strive for accountability, and uphold their board positions for the good of the organization. From Jossey-Bass. (1996/24pp/paperback)

Board Building & Changing Board Culture
Recorded at the MTA San Antonio Conference, November 1998
This panel explores new trustee issues ranging from the changing role of women on boards to recognizing the stylistic differences between business and museum boards. Panelists also address working with quick-paced entrepreneurs who find it difficult to adjust to the holistic decision-making of the nonprofit board, as well as issues to be aware of with a multi-generational board. From the MTA. (1998/audiotape)

The Board Building Cycle: Nine Steps to Finding, Recruiting, and Engaging Nonprofit Board Members
Sandra R. Hughes, Berit M. Lakey and Marla J. Bobowick
Based on the premise that board building shouldn't just happen when a vacancy must be filled, but rather be an ongoing process. Features nine steps for your board to follow through the board development process, including: identifying, cultivating, and recruiting prospects; orienting new members; encouraging board activity; educating the board about the organization's work and context; rotating out board members; board self-evaluation; and celebrating successes. From BoardSource. (2000/52pp/book w/ diskette)

Building the Board: Get the Board on the Ball
Recorded at the MTA Phoenix Conference, October 1999
Moderator Pamela Bruder, Trustee, San Diego Natural History Museum and panel members Amy Sanders Clague, Trustee, Phoenix Museum of Art and Frank Jacobson, President & CEO, Scottsdale Cultural Council explore strategies for stimulating and motivating effective board participation and techniques to make committees more effective. From the MTA. (1999/audiotape)

Investing in Your Museum's Future through Effective Board Recruitment
Recorded at the AAM Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, California, May 1998
On this audiotape of an MTA-sponsored session at the 1998 American Association of Museums Annual Meeting, trustees from diverse institutions share strategies for shaping a productive and committed board. From the MTA. (1998/audiotape)

Step-by-Step: Recruitment and Orientation
A four-part system for building your board
Various Authors
A four-part system that takes you through the board building cycle:

Measuring Board Effectiveness
Thomas P. Holland and Myra Blackmon
Information on methods of examining and improving board performance and incorporating ongoing board education into regular board business. Includes a full board self-evaluation questionnaire, instructions for scoring and interpreting the evaluation, and the compiled results from more than 250 nonprofit organizations around the county who have used the tool. From BoardSource. (2000/44pp/kit – booklet with questionnaires)

The Board Chair Handbook
William M. Dietel, Linda R. Dietel
A complete guide to the roles and responsibilities of the chair, designed to help board chairs gain a full understanding of this challenging and rewarding job. The handbook includes:

Also included is a diskette containing sample meeting agendas and customizable letters for the board chair's use, including: asking a board member for an annual gift, cultivating and recruiting a prospective board member, inviting someone to join the board, and asking a board member to step down. From BoardSource. (2001/36pp/booklet w/ diskette)

Board President Seminar: Supervisor and Partner
Recorded at the MTA Phoenix Conference, October 1999
Moderator Charles F. Dambach, President and CEO, MTA and panel members Martha L. Albrecht, Past President, Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian and Dr. Lawrence J. Pijeaux, Jr., Director, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute explore models for successful partnerships. From the MTA. (1999/audiotape)

Assessment of the Chief Executive
Jane Pierson, Joshua Mintz
A comprehensive tool boards can use to constructively evaluate the chief executive. Includes a process and questionnaire suitable for annual assessments. From BoardSource. (1999/48pp/with diskette)

Executive/Board Relationships: Effective Working Partnerships
Executive Summary of Trustee-to-Trustee Workshop, April 21, 1995
This summary of one of the MTA's series of Trustee-to-Trustee Workshops reports on how the executive search process, organizational assessment and long-range planning help trustees and directors work as partners. Includes both directorial and trustee viewpoints and compares the museum model to effective paradigms from the business world. From the MTA. (1995)

Hiring the Chief Executive (Revised): A Practical Guide to the Search and Selection Process
Sheila Albert
How to identify crucial characteristics of the future chief executive and obtain necessary legal advice on the process. Includes guidance on: replacing a founding executive, hiring an interim executive, determining salary and benefits, diversifying the candidate pool, and involving staff in the selection process. From BoardSource. (1993, revised 2000/40pp/booklet w/ diskette)

Museum Administration: An Introduction
Hugh H. Genoways & Lynne M. Ireland
Wondering what a museum director actually does? About to start your first director's job? Looking for guidance in starting up a museum or working with a museum director? The authors take the mystery out and put common sense and good guidance in. Learn about everything from budgets and strategic planning to human resources and facilities management, collections, legal and ethical issues, and programming. Case studies and exercises help you review and practice what you learn. Extensive references. From AltaMira Press; also available in the American Association of Museums bookstore. (2003/376pp)

Step-by-Step: A Chief Executive's Toolkit
Various Authors
Guide your organization forward with these six essential books:

The CEO Role Under Policy Governance – Carverguide 12
John Carver, Miriam Carver
Offers practical advice to nonprofit CEOs on working with board members under the policy governance model. From Jossey-Bass. (1997/24pp/paperback)

Collection Sharing
Recorded at the MTA San Francisco Conference, October 1996
Partnering is a great way for museums to do more in innovative ways, often at less expense. Learn how to share resources with win-win results. The session also includes information on the Museum Loan Network, which encourages museums that now store thousands of works to make long-term loans to museums that have the room to display them. (1996/two audiotapes)

Collections Management: Part I
Recorded at the MTA San Francisco Conference, October 1996
Keep or sell? Explore how to develop a thoughtful policy statement and clear guidelines for accessioning and deaccessioning to achieve optimal results for your institution. (1996/audiotape)

Collections Management: Part II
Recorded at the MTA San Francisco Conference, October 1996
More museums are involving trustees as part of the entire planning and collections care process from conservation to emergency planning. Learn about cutting-edge technology and how to access resources for locating experts, training and supplies. (1996/audiotape)

The Trustee as Guardian: What It Means in Today's Museum Environment
Recorded at the MTA San Francisco Conference, October 1996
Keynote Address by Robert M. Fisher, director of the San Francisco Foundation. (1996/audiotape)

All Four San Francisco Conference Tapes
Includes the four previous listings. From the MTA. (1996/five audiotapes)

Chief Executive Compensation: A Guide for Nonprofit Boards
BoardSource
Discusses factors that affect compensation – budget and staff size, the candidate's experience and abilities, and geographic location. Information on employment contracts, the components of a compensation/benefits package, and how to determine compensation that complies with intermediate sanctions. From BoardSource. (1999/20pp)

Inclusion: Investing in Our Communities
Executive Summary of Trustee-to-Trustee Workshop, November 17, 1995
This summary of one of the MTA's series of Trustee-to-Trustee Workshops reports on the realities of inclusion using real life examples and suggestions for ways to reach and welcome diverse audiences. From the MTA. (1995/18pp)

Making Diversity Meaningful in the Boardroom – Carverguide 9
John Carver, Miriam Carver
Explores what diversity means in the governance context and the kind of diversity boards should pursue. From Jossey-Bass. (1997/24pp/paperback)

Museums, Trustees & Communities: Building Reciprocal Relationships
Edited by Daryl K. Fischer, published by the AAM in cooperation with the MTA
A practical and inspirational book about making an institution-wide commitment to inclusion, beginning with the board. Features trustee profiles, case studies, sample mission statements, and an extensive resource list. From the American Association of Museums. (1997/100pp)

When Being There Isn't Enough: Minority Trustees in Mainstream Institutions
John D. Goes-In-Center, Denver Art Museum; and Fay H. Williams, Children's Museum of Indianapolis answer five key questions about their experiences as trustees from backgrounds previously unrepresented on their museums' boards. They suggest ways to maximize the strengths they bring to the board table and explain scenarios they find particularly frustrating. (1997/33 minutes/videotape)

Meet Smarter: A Guide to Better Nonprofit Board Meetings
Outi Flynn
Based on actual meeting observations, this book provides practical solutions to better meetings, explanations of the legal framework, and process and practices that will reinvigorate your board meetings. From BoardSource. (2004/94pp)

To Go Forward, Retreat! The Board Retreat Handbook
Sandra R. Hughes
This handbook provides guidelines for a successful retreat planning process including: icebreakers, site selection, staff participation, choosing outside facilitators, getting input from participants and setting clear and realistic goals. Also included is a helpful board retreat checklist and pre-retreat questionnaires to help with the planning process. From BoardSource. (1999/40pp)

Conflict or Consensus: The Role of Trustees in Museum Ethics
Executive Summary of Trustee-to Trustee Workshop, June 16,1995
This summary of one of the MTA's series of Trustee-to-Trustee Workshops reports on the legal implications of controversial collection issues such as deaccessioning or plundered art objects; board and staff conflicts between personal, professional and institutional interests; and how these issues influence a museum's code of ethics. From the MTA. (1995/14pp)

Managing Conflicts of Interest: Practical Guidelines for Nonprofit Boards
Daniel L. Kurtz
Presents a step-by-step approach to managing conflicts of interest, beginning with the adoption of a thoughtful conflict-of-interest policy, to promoting a culture of disclosure in the organization, to suggestions for avoiding conflicts before they arise. Also included are case studies that illustrate some of the most common conflict-of-interest dilemmas along with suggestions for addressing them, and a diskette with sample conflict-of-interest policies and disclosure statements. From BoardSource. (2001/28pp/booklet w/ diskette)

Museum Governance: Mission, Ethics, Policy
Marie C. Malaro
Explains the purpose and use of professional codes of ethics and offers practical advice about board education and its role in the long-term viability of an organization. From Smithsonian Institution Press. (1994/208pp/paperback)

Writing a Museum Code of Ethics
American Association of Museums
Outlines a step-by-step approach to writing a code of ethics consistent with your museum's mission, including a section on “What is ethics?,” a case study of one museum's experience, and a section on trustee involvement in development and implementation of a code of ethics. Also includes a survey of regulations and their relationship to museum ethics, sample codes from U.S. museums and a definition of ethics. From the American Association of Museums. (1993/141pp/paper)

Financial Committees
Thomas A. McLaughlin
Provides guidance on how best to configure financial committees depending on the size and available resources of the board. Discusses the functions finance, audit and investment committees should serve on your board, and how these can address challenges in helping the rest of the board understand complicated fiscal issues, such as how to read financial statements and how to take part in federal, state and local reporting. From BoardSource. (2004/42pp)

Financial Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards
Andrew S. Lang
Provides board members with an understanding of their financial responsibilities including an overview of financial oversight, financial planning, the IRS Form 990 and the audit process. Also included are financial board and staff job descriptions and charts on all the financial documents and reports, including due dates and filing procedures. From BoardSource. (2003/56pp)

Gifts of Property: A Guide for Donors and Museums, Second Edition
American Association of Museums
This booklet highlights the 1984 Tax Reform Act and 1993 change and how they affect appreciated property donations. Covers requirements for donors and museums as recipients and includes IRS Tax Forms 8282 and 8283. From the American Association of Museums. (2000/25pp)

How to Effectively Manage Planned Giving
Recorded at the MTA San Antonio Conference, November 1998
New philanthropic strategies are changing the estate and financial planning world – donors are learning how to capture and direct their social capital to causes of personal importance. This session explores these concepts and how donor values can actively shape giving priorities. From the MTA. (1998/two audiotapes)

Legacy: Plan, Protect & Preserve Your Estate
Practical Answers from America's Foremost Estate Planning Attorneys
Robert A. Esperti, Renno L. Peterson with Peter J. Parenti
How will you pass your legacy to your loved ones without losing a major portion of it to taxes or to creditors? How will you plan for "outliving" your retirement income? This book contains the important answers to these and many other vital questions. (Mr. Parenti was a featured speaker at the 1998 MTA conference in San Antonio.) Available from Amazon.com. (1996/541pp/hardcover)

Understanding Nonprofit Financial Statements
Steven Berger, CPA
Revised in accordance with new guidelines developed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, this guide to account names and methods will be helpful to board members who are new to financial responsibilities or unfamiliar with nonprofit accounting. From BoardSource. (2003/55pp)

Lawrence M. Kaye and Howard N. Spiegler - A New York Law Journal Special Section, Asset Valuation, "Donations of Artwork, The Importance of a Qualified Appraisal," New York Law Journal, April 28, 2008

Many trustees donate collections to museums and expect to receive a tax deduction for their gift. Tax deductible donations to museums must meet the new I.R.S. guidelines concerning qualified appraisals. Do you as a donor know what a "qualified appraisal" is? The recent article from the New York Law Journal offers an excellent explanation. Read the article HERE.

The Board Member's Guide to Fund Raising
Fisher Howe
A comprehensive resource for the entire fund raising process. Shows why board members must take the lead in fund raising efforts, and how this role can be personally satisfying. From Jossey-Bass. (1991/168pp/hardcover)

Conducting a Successful Capital Campaign: The New, Revised, and Expanded Edition of the Leading Guide to Planning and Implementing a Capital Campaign, Second Edition
Kent E. Dove
An updated and expanded version of Dove's original blueprint for planning and managing a successful capital campaign. From Jossey-Bass. (1999/528pp/hardcover)

Ethical Decision Making in Fund Raising
Marilyn Fischer
This insightful book presents an ethical decision-making model that helps fund raisers approach complex situations in a carefully structured manner, considering organizational mission, organizational relationships, and personal integrity. From Jossey-Bass. (2000/272pp/hardcover)

Fund Raising for Museums
James A. Fisher
Describes the board's role in fund raising and where and how to look for financial support. Includes sample brochure copy, “Planned Giving for Museums.” From the MTA. (1991/54pp/booklet)

Getting from Vision to Reality: Capital Campaigns and Voluntary Leadership
Recorded at the AAM Annual Meeting, Baltimore, Maryland, May 2000
This panel session addresses each phase of a capital campaign from the perspectives of a board member, staff member, and consultant. Speakers include: Charles F. Dambach, President & CEO, MTA; Andrew Camden, Campaign Co-Chair, Detroit Institute of Arts; John Boyer, Executive Director, The Mark Twain House & Museum; and Laura MacDonald, President, Bene-factor, OH. (2000/audiotape)

Planned Giving: A Board Member's Perspective
Grant Thornton, LLP
Offers detailed advice on creating a planned giving program that produces results, explaining in clear terms the different planned giving options available to donors. Board members will learn about present and deferred gifts, bequests, charitable trusts, and annuities. From BoardSource. (2003/40pp)

Planned Giving Simplified: The Gift, the Giver, and the Gift Planner
Robert F. Sharpe
A down-to-earth introduction to planned giving with a focus on process. Provides a detailed blueprint for starting and building a successful planned giving program and develops a rational framework for managing the subtle interplay of legal, administrative and interpersonal factors involved in the planned giving process. From Jossey-Bass. (1998/240pp/hardcover)

The Revenue Riddle
Recorded at the MTA Detroit Conference, May 1996
Attempting to find innovative ways to earn income, museums have discovered new funding sources that may not earn the ire of the IRS, but might be viewed as controversial. Activities and special events such as private parties, weddings and corporate meetings amid a museum environment are often removed from the museum's mission statement or purpose. Is it wise to follow this trend? Also, who are the new funders and how can museums attract and keep them? From the MTA. (1996/two audiotapes)

The Nonprofit Lobbying Guide, Second Edition
Bob Smucker
A practical guide to organizing lobbying campaigns, including definitive information on the amount of lobbying permitted under federal regulations. From Independent Sector. (1999/144pp/paperback)

Hot Potatoes
Recorded at the MTA San Antonio Conference, November 1998
More than ever museums are facing a tangle of problematic issues. Questions of provenance challenge collections policies, broken pledges cause difficult high-profile proceedings, and Y2K computer programming glitches are on the horizon. This session addresses how to chart a safe course through these treacherous waters. From the MTA. (1998/two audiotapes)

Keeping the Peace: Resolving Conflict in the Boardroom
Marion Peters Angelica
Every organization should be prepared to handle conflict when it arises. This booklet is a reliable primer on conflict resolution that can help diffuse difficult situations. From the National Center for Nonprofit Boards—available at Amazon.com. (2000/44pp)

Museum Governance in a New Age: Current Research Findings and Their Implications
Recorded at the AAM Annual Meeting, Baltimore, Maryland, May 2000
This panel session addresses the results of the MTA governance survey of 10,000 museum trustees and 4,000 directors and the significance of these results. Speakers include: Charles F. Dambach, President & CEO, MTA; and Charles Thomas Butler, Director, The Columbus Museum. (2000/audiotape)

New York Historical Society Problems Offer Lessons for All Museum Trustees
New York Historical Society
This sketch of the compounded (and possibly familiar) errors made by the board of the New York Historical Society and their frightening results serves as a potent warning to any board member. (1991)

Artful Ownership – Art, Law, Valuation and Commerce in the United States, Canada and Mexico
Aaron Milrad
What documentation should donors provide when donating works of art to an institution? How do the new restitution guidelines for Holocaust-era art in museums affect your institution? What must an institution do if title to an artwork in its collection comes under dispute? What are the pros and cons of an institution reporting and/or publicizing a theft? What rules govern cultural property export and import concerns? Do you comply with UNESCO and other international agreements? What are the existing import/export legalities and how do they affect your institution? What existing government guidelines are applicable to gifts in-kind and tax receipts for such gifts? From the American Society of Appraisers. (2000/342pp/hardcover)

The Legal Obligations of Nonprofit Boards: A Guidebook for Board Members
Jacqueline C. Leifer and Michael B. Glomb
A primer on fiduciary responsibilities, including information on what should be included in articles of incorporation, bylaws and other internal contracts; how to avoid personal liability; how to structure contracts with outside parties; D &O insurance tips; standards of ethical conduct; and requirements imposed by federal and state laws. Specific board member duties, suggestions on how to comply with legal requirements, board member liability, and case studies illustrating legal principles are also covered. From BoardSource. (1997/32pp)

A Museum Guide to Copyright and Trademark
Michael Shapiro & Brett I. Miller, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP
Edited and introduced by Christine Steiner
This guide introduces the legal regimes of copyright and trademark in a museum context and offers a series of best practices for identifying and administering intellectual property. From the American Association of Museums. (1999/225pp)

Creating a Mission That Makes a Difference – Carverguide 6
John Carver
Shows how to write a mission statement that is concrete, practical and inspirational. Provides a useful checklist and advice on evaluating the completed statement. From Jossey-Bass. (1996/24pp/paperback)

Museum Mission Statements: Building a Distinct Identity, Second Edition
Edited by Gail Anderson
Guidance on writing and evaluating your mission statement and how to use it effectively. Includes advice from 20 top museum professionals along with 79 examples of outstanding mission statements. From the American Association of Museums. (1998/137pp)

Museum Growth: Keep the Momentum
Recorded at the MTA Phoenix Conference, October 1999
Moderator James K. Ballinger, The Sybil Harrington Director, Phoenix Art Museum and panel members Jeffrey Rudolph, Executive Director, California Science Center and Robert A. Yassin, Executive Director, Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block will discuss strategies to keep the enthusiasm of board, staff and audience alive after an expansion program. From the MTA. (1999/audiotape)

Museum Growth: Plans Put into Play
Recorded at the MTA Phoenix Conference, October 1999
Moderator James K. Ballinger, The Sybil Harrington Director, Phoenix Art Museum and panel members Michael J. Fox, Director and CEO, Museum of Northern Arizona and Sheila Grinnell, Executive Director, Arizona Science Center will discuss the key elements of successful expansion campaign. From the MTA. (1999/audiotape)

Filling the Void: Why the Increased Emphasis on Museum Education?
Recorded at the MTA Chicago Conference, October 1997
A discussion of museum education and the social, political and institutional changes affecting the field. The panelists address research that supports the use of educational strategies to welcome visitors to the museum and model some of the most successful techniques. From the MTA. (1997/audiotape)

From Curator to Cultivator: New Vistas in Museum Education
Keynote address recorded at the MTA Chicago Conference, October 1997
Adele Simmons, President, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, reflects on her personal history with and professional understanding of museums to illustrate the importance of positive educational experiences in museums and how this affects audience development. From the MTA. (1997/audiotape)

Illinois Update
Recorded at the MTA Chicago Conference, October 1997
An update from members of the Illinois cultural institutions' coalition on recent initiatives that they have implemented to create awareness among state legislators and within the community of the educational value that museums bring. From the MTA. (1997/audiotape)

Looking for Partners: What Can Museums of Different Types Learn From Each Other?
Recorded at the MTA Chicago Conference, October 1997
Forming alliances with other institutions and constituencies is a necessity in creating successful museum educational programs. Representatives from a diverse group of institutions describe exciting partnerships they have formed with both likely and unlikely partners. From the MTA. (1997/audiotape)

Will Computers Save Museum Education?
Recorded at the MTA Chicago Conference, October 1997
Will interactive computer activities and advanced audiovisual materials make education programs economically efficient and more accessible to the public? Experts evaluate the new technology – acknowledging both successes and failures. From the MTA. (1997/audiotape)

Demystifying Strategic Planning: Success at the San Diego Museum of Natural History
Recorded at the MTA San Antonio Conference, November 1998
Strategic planning is the key to a dynamic, healthy future for your institution. But what's the best way to approach this process? Dr. Michael Hager, Director, San Diego Museum of Natural History recently developed a solid and exciting strategic plan for his institution working with professional strategic planning and management consultant Cynthia Carson. Dr. Hager and Ms. Carson explain how they developed a plan that worked for all the players and how it is being implemented. (1998/two audiotapes)

Driving Strategic Planning: A Nonprofit Executive's Guide
Deborah L. Kocsis, Susan A. Waechter
Shows how to work with your staff and board to assess the readiness of your organization and prepare for strategic planning, including a variety of approaches for dealing with common issues and overcoming organizational resistance to beginning the process. Reviews the fundamental components of a strategic plan, from mission and vision to environmental scan and competitive analysis. From BoardSource. (2003/50pp)

Strategic Planning Workbook for Nonprofit Organizations
Bryan Barry
In an environment of increased competition, funding cuts, and other pressures, strategic planning is a sound management tool for nonprofits. This workbook provides a guide for developing, implementing, and updating a strategic plan. Sample plan and blank worksheets are included. From BoardSource. (1997/144pp)

History of the Founders Junior Council
An informative article about the successful Young Friends organization of the Detroit Institute of Arts by MTA Board Chair Andrew L. Camden, a past president of the Founders Junior Council Board. (1997/3pp)

Young Friends/Young Affiliates 1997 Survey
A summary of the findings of MTA's survey of member museums regarding Young Friends organizations. The survey aimed to discover how these institutions structured Young Friends groups and geared them to the interests and leadership potential of young adults that would build a core group of future members, donors and trustees. From the MTA. (1997/13pp)

Young Friends/Young Affiliates 2000 Directory
Directory of MTA member museums' Young Friends organizations. From the MTA. (2000/19pp)

The Committee Series
Various authors – From BoardSource
Includes:
Transforming Board Structure
Governance Committee
Executive Committee
Financial Committees
Development Committee
Advisory Councils

(2004/271pp/six books)

Foundations of Museum Governance for Private, Nonprofit Museums
Edited by Roxana Adams
Wondering if your museum's governance structure is out of date? This Resource Pack contains 20-plus sample documents and organizational charts, collected from a variety of private, nonprofit museums. Documents include articles of incorporation; bylaws for museums and their separately incorporated support organizations; and management agreements that address resources such as buildings, land or collections. Each document is accompanied by an overview of its features and best practices. From the American Association of Museums. (2000/216pp/loose leaf)

The New BoardSource Governance Series
Various authors – From BoardSource
Includes:
Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards
Financial Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards
Structures and Practices of Nonprofit Boards
Fundraising Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards
Legal Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards
The Nonprofit Board's Role in Setting and Advancing the Mission
The Nonprofit Board's Role in Planning and Evaluation
How to Help Your Board Govern More and Manage Less
Leadership Roles in Nonprofit Governance

(2003/nine publications)