Since the last comprehensive museum survey was conducted in 1971-72, no current data has been gathered about the museum field. Because the field has not remained static it has become difficult to apply the 1971-72 survey findings to current museum situations. Because of this, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) was requested to conduct a survey of museums and provide relevant data. NCES, in turn, requested the Statistical Analysis Group in Education (SAGE) to provide assistance in the development of the survey by conducting informal interviews with museum directors. This report, which is the result of the interviews, contains a discussion of issues and information needs facing museums and the justification for the inclusion of the nine sections of the questionnaire. These sections are (1) purpose and governing authority, (2) collections and exhibitions, (3) conservation, (4) education and public programs, (5) accessibility and attendance, (6) personnel, (7) finance and budget, (8) security, and (9) facilities. Concluding the report is a copy of the proposed survey and a list of definitions for terms which appear in the survey. (APG)