The museum is widely recognized as innovative in its development of open source technologies, institutional transparency, and collaboration between museums.[1][2][3][4][5][17] In 2008, the IMA became the first fine art museum to be named an Energy Star partner due to its greening initiative and efforts to reduce energy consumption.[18] In 2009, the IMA was awarded the National Medal for Museum and Library Service for public service, specifically the museum's free admission policy and educational programming.[19] The free admission policy ended in late 2014 after seven years to maintain long-term financial stability.[20]