University of Missouri - Data that you can use

IPL 4 Web Extras Home

IMLS Data Catalog:

"The Office of Research and Evaluation (ORE) supports IMLS's efforts to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. ORE executes three key functions: policy research, evaluations, and surveys & data. Key initiatives include the evaluation of the Grants to States program and the data collections for the Public Libraries Survey and State Library Agency Survey.

ORE's functions are detailed in Section 9108 of IMLS’ authorizing legislation, which states that we collaborate and consult with state library agencies, library and museum organizations, and other relevant agencies and organizations to conduct our research, evaluations, and data collections." --https://www.imls.gov/research-evaluation

Two key data sets for public libraries are the Library Search & compare and SLAA Survey Comparison Tool:

Library Search & Compare : Includes data from over 9,000 public libraries that is collected annually by state library agencies and submitted to IMLS.

State Library Survey Comparison Tool: "The SLAA Survey Comparison tool is an online dashboard that allows users to select and compare data collected from the biennial SLAA Survey in a visually accessible and user-friendly fashion. State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAA) administer approximately two thirds of the IMLS grantmaking budget every year, providing substantial support to libraries across the nation." --from YouTube

RIPL, Research Institute for Public Libraries:

"is a singular event for public library leaders and others interested in public library data and evaluation. In this immersive, bootcamp-style event, participants learn practical, strategic methods of gathering, analyzing, and using data for planning, management, and communicating impact." (https://www.ripleffect.org/).

This page: How do I get Started with Data at my Library? has several tools that are useful for learning about library data - especially useful to complement Chapter 14!

Center for Applied Research and Engagement Systems, University of Missouri

"established in 1992 with the objective of using data and tools to support better informed decision making. Our staff of professional data analysts, programmers, project coordinators, and GIS specialists apply their skills to making maps, developing new data visualizations, and helping individuals and organizations figure out ways to do their work better. Over the past three decades we’ve collected, analyzed, and visualized data related to population health, the environment, agriculture, safety, education, and the economy."

CARES Data List

Community Assessment Tool

Library Data Archive:

This collection was begun and is maintained by Robert E. Molyneux (a.k.a. Dr. Data) for the purpose of bringing together library data for several projects. He worked as a statistician and analyst for libraries, private companies, and the U.S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science. The files are mostly raw data (e.g., .csv, .sas, and .spss), and some data goes back to the early 1900's. His web page includes annual data from many governmental sources, and everything is free for re-use. As some of the data is not available anywhere else, this is valuable resource for any LIS class that has a unit on data analysis.