MUNCIE, Ind. -- Ball State University's 62-year-old art museum has again achieved national recognition for excellence by earning reaccreditation from the American Association of Museums.

AAM's "stamp of approval" signifies that the Ball State University Museum of Art operates on all levels according to the highest and most current professional standards and practices, managing its collections responsibly and providing quality service to the public.

Only 750 of the nation's 8,000 museums of various sizes and types are accredited. Ball State’s museum was first accredited in the early 1970s and has earned reaccreditation twice since then.

"The standards have risen over the years as the field becomes increasingly professional and more museums get involved in the process," said Alain Joyaux, director of the Ball State Museum of Art. He noted that accreditation challenges the museum to strive for higher standards.

The rigorous accreditation process includes a yearlong self-study of nearly every aspect of museum operations plus an on-site review by a team of experienced museum professionals.

Accreditation can help museums attract volunteers, visitors, donors, contributions, loans and traveling exhibitions, according to AAM. The evaluation process also builds teamwork within the museum, which gains a clearer sense of purpose and understanding of its strengths, goals, priorities and mission.

AAM accreditation helps museums develop clearly articulated policies and procedures so they can run smoothly, use resources efficiently and better define their operations. It can also be an incentive to improve facilities.

The American Association of Museums is a national organization based in Washington, D.C., that has served the museum profession since 1906. It offers a variety of programs to help museums achieve and maintain standards of quality and excellence.

The federal Institute of Museum and Library Services has also repeatedly honored the Ball State Museum of Art for outstanding performance in all areas of museum operations, awarding seven General Operating Support grants during the past 15 years. The most recent was a $92,000 grant announced this fall.

IMLS grants recognize the nation's best museums for following professional operational practices and efficiently using available resources to fulfill their stated missions.

Ball State's art museum opened in 1936 and boasts a permanent collection of some 10,000 works valued at more than $40 million. Works include a wide range of American, European, Asian, African, Oceanic and pre-Columbian art, from paintings and prints to sculpture, ancient glass and other decorative arts.

The museum also presents numerous educational and social programs throughout the year, including Gallery Talks, Friday With Friends receptions and Art for Lunch talks.

Admission to the Ball State Museum of Art is free. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Phone: (765) 285-5242.