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Data Discovery

Data Discovery. The reference interview. The reference interview. Always begin by clarifying the distinction between statistics and data with your patron. Never assume that the patron clearly knows this distinction.

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Data Discovery

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  1. Data Discovery The reference interview

  2. The reference interview • Always begin by clarifying the distinction between statistics and data with your patron. Never assume that the patron clearly knows this distinction. • Asking them if they want statistics or data isn’t a good starting question, though. • Ask a question that will help you understand what they might be seeking using the “frameworks” understanding of data sources...

  3. Frameworks • Table Dimensions: • Geography • Time • Subject content

  4. The reference interview • What does the patron intend to do with the numbers? What is their objective? • Include a statistic or two in a report? • Analyze data? • What geographic area is needed? • What is the smallest geographic area to be described? • What time period is needed? • What subject matter (variables) expressed in numbers is needed?

  5. The reference interview If you determine the patron does need data: • Determine what population (unit of observation) they want to describe. • Do they need aggregate data or microdata? Do they need spatial data? • What software does the patron intend to use? • How would the patron like the data delivered?

  6. Level of service • How much you do depends on the level of service you are offering. • Finding a resource • Retrieving a resource from an online service • Tailoring a product for the patron • Creating a product for a patron (e.g., postal code conversion linkage)

  7. YES Statistics in printor ready-ref. electronicsource? YES Go to print or ready ref.electronic source. Does the person want onenumber? Are they pursuing a fact or figure? Want to know “how many?”

  8. YES Go to computer-readablesource. Extract relevant datafrom computer-readablesource and compile statisticsusing appropriatesoftware. Does the person want onenumber? Are they pursuing a fact or figure? Want to know “how many?” YES Statistics in printor ready-ref. electronicsource? Are the data accessible incomputer-readable form? NO YES Go to print or ready ref.electronic source.

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