By collecting and analysing data about the impacts on the learning, attitudes, perceptions and behaviour of participants in informal learning environments and experiences, we discover “what works” for whom and under what conditions. In addition to helping us improve our design and implementation strategies for exhibits, programmes and projects, how can we plan and document reflective practices so that our findings contribute evidence and build knowledge for our growing professional field? Conducting systematic, independent evaluation is one way to guarantee that there will be written reports that project leaders and the wider field can draw on and learn from. In this session presenters will share a range of approaches to creating local knowledge, and some ideas about sharing it globally.