Rocking the boat: geological collections and social change

Abstract

As experts in geological collections, we know well the important role our collections can play in engaging a wide range of people with geoscience themes, including understanding the natural environment, evidencing climate change and encouraging young people to consider STEM careers. In the context of increasing social inequality, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, we should also consider how our geological collections can address social challenges such as inequality and low social mobility. By developing a good understanding of our audiences and carefully targeting our activities and resources, we can use our public engagement work to contribute to outcomes directly relating to specific audience needs. Using examples from the work of the Sedgwick Museum and the University of Cambridge Museums, I demonstrate how a strategic approach can better align with wider social priorities and strengthen advocacy for our collections. This paper was originally given as a presentation at the Geological Curators Group AGM in November 2020.