Achieving Comparable Data on European Museums: EGMUS Standard Questionnaire
All questionnaires provided here are intended as supportive tools for users. They can and should be adapted to reflect national frameworks, institutional conditions, and data collection practices while aiming for maximum comparability.
A close examination of national museum statistics reveals that the only way to obtain fully comparable data on European museums is by incorporating uniform questions into national museum surveys. Building on international standards and current practices in participating countries, EGMUS developed the Standard Questionnaire.
Standard Questionnaire
This Standard Questionnaire was adapted by the EGMUS group in November 2013. You are invited to use all the questions or choose those which are appropriate for your national survey.
The EGMUS Standard Questionnaire (English) focuses on the key indicators for museums, including:
- Identification of museums (to differentiate them from 'museum-like' institutions, such as exhibition halls or 'Kunsthallen')
- Types of museums
- Opening hours
- Legal status and ownership
- Exhibitions and visits
- Expenditure and income
- Personnel
- Use of information and communication technology
Additional Questionnaire on Digitisation
Several countries have already integrated the EGMUS Standard Questionnaire into their national museum surveys. Other EGMUS participants plan to use the questionnaire or parts of it related to specific topics in their upcoming museum surveys. If you are using this questionnaire or any of its sections, we encourage you to share your experience and results with us.
Additionally, EGMUS has agreed upon a set of questions related to digitization. These questions cover:
- Digitization of collections, including management
- Access and use of digital collections
- Digital visibility and marketing on the internet
The use of digital tools in museums
You can find these questions as a PDF here.
