With public spending cuts topping every national agenda, the need for museums, libraries and archives to demonstrate their contribution to the UK economy has never been greater. MGS is working as part of ALMA-UK (the Archives, Libraries and Museums Alliance, UK) to initiate research that will help the sector to address the challenges of capturing consistent, robust, high quality economic data.

ALMA-UK initially published the results of extensive research into all existing economic studies.  Behind the report results lies an extensive review of 60 economic impact research and consultations with people from across the sector which means that for the first time the museums and galleries sector has an overview and rating of existing economic impact tools. 

Econonomic Impact Toolkit now available

Following the work described above a major new tool which enables archives and museums to accurately assess their economic impact has been launched. Piloting of the toolkit has shown that it is easy and speedy to use. It is now freely available on the ALMA-UK website. For more information go to the Economic Impact Resources page.