Commissioned by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to assess the status of data collection activities in the museum community, this report reinforces recommendations made by a similar 1998 study, addressing the need for systematic data collection to inform public policy and museum management decision-making. The report examines a wide range of museum data, both qualitative and quantitative, including case studies, strategic plans, benchmarking, and best practices research. Surveying 490 sources, the report found that many museum studies are available on the internet and includes 246 of the studies in the report itself constituting an extensive compendium of museum data information. Categorized by annual reports, directories and surveys, economic impact studies, facilities, finance (financial reports, cost analyses and salary surveys), funding trends, and general, museums nationwide are encouraged to use the compendium as a new research tool. Among the recommendations for museums in the report are the creation of a collaborative working group tasked with different areas of research, standardization of definitions and data categories for conducting surveys, and collaborations with other organizations that collect data on museums. The report also recommends museums build platforms to showcase their value and share data collection efforts. Appended are: (1) Bibliography by Category; and (2) List of Organizations and Websites.