Reference Reference MysteriesMysteries

20042004

Elizabeth Hamilton

Atlantic DLI Training

April 29, 2005

Reference MysteriesReference Mysteries::The Quest for AnswersThe Quest for Answers

20052005

Official DLI Parka

It all depends on the question....

Reference Desk Survival Skills

Reference Mysteries

1. Define the topic: What does the user need?

2. Does the data exist? What are the appropriate discovery tools?

3. How do you get the data?

4. And how do you use the data/resources?

User Needs: Statistics/data User Needs: Statistics/data flowchart flowchart

... to do analysis Data file

Print/e-source source available? Use sourceyes

no

Data available?yes

* In this case, assume an authorized user under DLI license

... to put in a report

Useyes

yes

If they want numbers…If they want numbers…

Data file

• Statistics or data?

• Nature of the user (shadling or PhD? time frame? Skills? DLI community?)

• Type of file: time series, microdata, spatial data, aggregate statistics

• Concepts involved• Start with major issue & target population • Focus on unit of analysis• Add geographical and/or time period limitations to focus the

search--cautiously

1. 1. User Needs:User Needs: Define the topic Define the topic

• Check the literature!

– Use the language of stats and data (“secondary analysis”, “empirical”) and read table footnotes

• Whose responsibility is this? – Who is interested in tracking or studying the issue?

(allows you to decide on appropriate search tools)

• Subject searching:– Use STC Online Catalogue, ICPSR topic search, ESTAT by

subject, e/print guides

• Variable Searching: – IDLS, UT, ICPSR, Sherlocke, QWIFS…

• Use specialty databases: Census, CANSIM, Trade

2. Does the Data Exist?2. Does the Data Exist?

3. Getting the Data3. Getting the Data

• The DLI Collection– Web/ftp, standard data products and release

dates; other routes (remote submission/custom/RDC)

• Access to non-DLI data files– Gallop, ISR, Jim Jacobs!

• Order/download/deliver data to the user– Local service model

4. Using the Data4. Using the Data

• Data interpretation:(Understanding variable definitions,

missing variables, using weights, surveys with multiple files)

• Data manipulation (Subsetting, linking files, regressions and

understanding user needs)

• Data citation

What kind of request is this? Do they need data or statistics?

I need demographic stats and spatial files for my watershed area for 1991, 1996, and 2001.

Reference Mysteries, Reference Mysteries, #137#137

I need labour stats, income (preferably from private woodlots), age, children, & percentage working in agriculture, forestry, fishing/hunting

Indicate what resources or tools you would you think of using for this question.

If you are able to come up with a suggestion for this user, indicate it

What constraints have they provided?

What further information would you like from this user?

Your Task?

In assigned groups, take the one question provided to your group and brainstorm the questions asked.

One person will be the recorder

Select one (1) additional question from those posted around the wall and do it as a group.

Cookie Group BrianSiobhanJoanMary Jessie

Maple Donut GroupAlbertaChuckHeatherDoug