The South Australian Museum is one of the most trusted organisations in the country, according to the latest survey from the Council of Australasian Museum Directors (CAMD).
Director of the South Australian Museum and Chair of CAMD, Brian Oldman said the survey, which tested 17 organisations, revealed that public trust in museums was 78%, one of the highest ratings in the survey.
Mr Oldman said the research revealed that 87% of people who trusted museums recognised them as expert voices and highly credible sources of information, while 86% agreed museums should play an active role in providing public education in their areas of expertise.
“It’s great to receive recognition of what we are achieving in South Australia,” Mr Oldman said.
“At a time when trust in most information providers is declining, museums have increased their status as trusted sources of information and expertise.”
Mr Oldman said the online survey was conducted last October to explore community attitudes and perceptions towards the role of museums in Australia.
He said that among the survey’s key findings was the finding that around eight in 10 people placed a great deal of trust in museums.
The research showed that 87% of respondents trusted museums because they were highly credible sources of information; 87% trusted museums because they were experienced public educators; and 89% agreed that museums could care for and hold collections and mount displays.
“As well as being seen as a repository of factual information, I believe people use museums to escape the busyness and, over these past couple of years, anxiety that we have been faced with,” Mr Oldman said.
“Taking a minute to walk around a gallery and get lost in your thoughts is very good for the soul,” he said.
