What Drives Trust in Public Libraries? Applying the OECD Framework to Libraries and Services in the U.S.

This study establishes baseline measures of trust in public libraries in the United States and examines the perceptions that contribute to that trust. Guided by the OECD Framework on Drivers of Trust in Public Institutions, an online survey of 449 U.S. adults measured trust in public libraries, local libraries, staff, information, collections, services, and programs. Respondents also evaluated statements reflecting the OECD trust drivers (i.e. reliability, responsiveness, openness, integrity, and fairness) and library values. Findings revealed consistently high levels of trust, with local libraries receiving the highest ratings. Trust was most strongly associated with perceptions of fairness, openness, and reliability, suggesting that libraries are trusted for both their services and their institutional values.