Actions for the future: determining sustainability efforts in practice in Arizona museums.

Increasing concern for sustainability in the museum field has prompted researchers to provide recommended sustainability efforts for museums. Yet many do not implement efforts and the underlying causes for this are unclear. This project gathered data on Arizona museum sustainability efforts, views about sustainability, and factors that determined which efforts were implemented. Data were taken using an online survey and museum employee interviews. Results showed a disconnect between how researchers and practitioners conceptualized sustainability. Additionally, results revealed that factors that determined which efforts museums selected included challenges to implementing efforts, and ease of implementation. Museums did not implement efforts unless they were already part of everyday practice. Museums and related institutions can use these data to evaluate their sustainability practices and incorporate sustainability into museum processes. Researchers can use this information as a basis for reframing literature suggestions to incorporate practitioner viewpoints. Survey limitations impact the degree to which results can apply to all museums or related institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]