Top professionals for trustworthy information revealed

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A YouGov poll commissioned by CILIP, the library and information association, has revealed the professionals the public believe are most likely to provide trustworthy information.

Medical staff topped a list of ten professional groups with 74% of British adults saying they would provide trustworthy information, followed by teachers and police officers (both at 49%), librarians (46%) and lawyers (39%). Bottom of the list were politicians, with 2% of respondents saying they would provide trustworthy information.

The public poll reveals that it has never been more important to find trusted information in order to make good, evidence-based decisions, yet it has never been more difficult. The vast majority of respondents agreed they trust information more when it’s from a professional. The YouGov poll of 2,000 adults in Great Britain shows:

  • 66% agree that it is harder than ever to find trustworthy information.
  • 84% agree that they trust information more when it is given by a professional.
  • 90% agree that it is important to educate people on how to find trustworthy information.
  • Librarians were in the top five trusted professional groups out of the 10 tested, with 46% of adults saying they would provide trustworthy information.

The poll was commissioned by CILIP, the library and information association. CILIP provide support to information professionals throughout their careers to develop their skills, build their knowledge and demonstrate their professionalism. Every member signs up to CILIP’s code of ethics – demonstrating that they are committed to providing trusted information. CILIP has launched a new membership offer with improved benefits and lower subscription rates: www.cilip.org.uk/join.