[NHCOLL-L:5177] Re: Metrics

[Jon Dunnum]

Hi Karen,
    We are a University based collection so differ in some 
ways from your institution, however, we are likely 
evaluated in many similar ways.  In addition to the 
metrics you list we stress 3 other major areas: training 
and education, service, and scientific impact.  We track 
the numbers of students trained in collections based 
research(undergraduate, graduate, and high school 
interns); numbers and types of University classes that 
utilize the collection in their teaching; numbers of K-12 
student groups that visit the collections and are given 
tours and presentations; other visitors (lay people and 
scientific researchers); outreach to the community in 
terms of public presentations and information requests.
    Finally, tracking how and where your specimens are 
utilized is likely the most powerful metric (number of 
publications that cite your specimens, impact factors of 
those pubs, etc.).  This metric not only shows the breadth 
of current use but also demonstrates that when attempting 
to answer questions that concern any type of change, NH 
collections are the only source capable of providing 
baseline data over a temporal scale.  Hope these are of 
some help, best, Jon


  On Fri, 14 Jan 2011 15:35:48 -0600
  "Karen Morton" <Kmorton at natureandscience.org> wrote:
> Dear List,
> 
> 
> 
> We are exploring different types of metrics for 
>describing the
> activities in our Collections and Research Department to 
>people outside
> our department and outside the museum.  Typically we 
>look at the number
> of collections accessioned, incoming and outgoing loans, 
>number of
> specimens cataloged, etc., but that doesn't quite seem 
>to have the punch
> that we are looking for.  We are now looking at ways to 
>impress upon
> others the importance of the collections (percentage of 
>zoological
> collection that is state and federally protected, number 
>of specimens
> that have been described or figured in publications, 
>etc.).  What kinds
> of parameters do you use to describe what you do to 
>people who may not
> understand the world of collections?  Any suggestions 
>would be helpful.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Thank you for your time.
> 
> 
> 
> Sincerely,
> 
> 
> 
> KAREN MORTON
> 
> Collections Manager | Museum of Nature & Science
> 
> p 972.201.0595 | kmorton at natureandscience.org
> 
> 
> 
> 3535 Grand Avenue in Fair Park | P.O. Box 151469 | 
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> 
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*******************************
Jonathan L. Dunnum Ph.D.
Senior Collection Manager
Division of Mammals, Museum of Southwestern Biology
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505) 277-9262
Fax (505) 277-1351

MSB Division of Mammals website:
http://www.msb.unm.edu/mammals/index.html

Shipping Address:
Museum of Southwestern Biology
Division of Mammals
University of New Mexico
CERIA Bldg 83, Room 204
Albuquerque, NM 87131
*******************************