Entering statistics -

Thanks to all for entering statistics as accurately as possible.  Here's a feature to be very careful with - at the very bottom of the form is a field for "Number of records to insert."  While it's very handy to just type in 5 and submit when you're busy and don't have time, be very cautious.  It's  very easy to type in 55, when you mean 5, and the field will allow you to enter more numbers than you can actually see - so 555555555, looks the same as 55 because the numbers are masked.   Access Services just had a problem with this feature that caused a lot of work to unravel.   We're actually considering eliminating that feature from the form, so would appreciate any input to Mary on how important you find it.   Click on the important link next to the box for more info about how this works! 

Simmons data now in DemographicsNow

The two most important sources of psychographic data are Mediamark Research & Intelligence (MRI) and the Simmons National Consumer Survey. Thanks to NC LIVE, we have had the MRI package in SimplyMap for many years.

Last month DemographicsNow added Simmons data:

 



The data is available from the national level down to block groups, and is organized into 21 product/lifestyle/media categories. Consumer data is available by brand (ex. autos) as well as product categories. Find out what percentage of folks living in your neighborhood like to watch "Adult Swim", or how many are watching their diets due to diabetes.

This data is probably most useful using the comparison or rank report type, not looking up one place, as I did above.

--Steve

Ref desk stats - a comment on form

from Mary I have been reviewing some of the data from the statistics online form. Under description of question - it is very helpful if you keep it basic and concentrate on subject matter or database used. So you don't need to EVER start an entry with "patron needed" or "question about." I use this data to figure out what subjects come up most frequently and if I am skimming the spreadsheet or downloading the data I would prefer to see as an entry "child abuse - research articles, used Psyc Info" instead of "patron needed research articles on child abuse." The subject of the research and the source you used are the most essential pieces. If you use the library catalog to help with the location of a book, the description can be just "catalog - book title" or even "catalog" rather than "patron looking for location of book." If a question relates to printing in any way just enter "printing" or "printer."

Thanks! I do use this data to get ideas about the types of questions we get, and very concise answers are helpful.

SPSS leases

I got a question today about getting a student copy of SPSS. It is possible but the info is HARD to find (thx ITS). So, here is the main link they need: https://web.uncg.edu/research-access/secure/spss/spss.asp

There is also information buried within 6-Tech online. I've pulled out the most relevant points.

1. This lease is available to install SPSS on a home computer belonging to UNCG students, faculty, and staff. Determine version (Most likely Mac or Windows versions)
2. Please go to the Information Technology Services (ITS) Software Lease System to order your copy.
3. Print off the indicated pages, and take them with your payment to ITS in 202 Forney Building.
4. Provide cash, a money order, or a check made payable to UNCG for the SPSS lease.* The cost is $10 per module. Most students will only need the base module for $10, but it goes up to 6 modules for $60. Mark Dixon in Forney will help them with that.
5. Mail or bring the lease paperwork from step two above and your payment to: Information Technology Services 202 Forney Building, UNCG Greensboro, NC 27402
6. ITS staff will contact you when the diskettes or CD and the set-up instructions are available. You may install SPSS on one computer per lease. Return the diskettes or CD to ITS when the installation is complete.

These instructions are just for students wanting their own copy. I have SPSS loaded on my computers locally and it is available from the Application Explorer if students want to use it in the library. I can help students with most basic SPSS questions and I have manuals if they need assistance when I'm not here.

BTW, SPSS is a statistical software package.

DESK TRACKER - gone July 1

Hello, all, we have a new home grown system for tracking stats, thanks to Chad. I'll go ahead and bookmark this on the desk machines later today - we have a user name and password that you need to use instead of your regular Google account, although I'm checking with Chad on making it possible to do this from your own Google account. I've also requested some changes to the form, but if they aren't made by tomorrow, we'll use the form as is for a few days. when you log in, you choose either Reference Offices or Reference Desk, we'll get the email one removed and may or may not use the instruction form.

Username: desktracking
Password: trackmydesk

you can go to it at https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?continue=http://sites.google.com/site/uncguniversitylibraries/
or.. click here to access site if already logged in:
http://sites.google.com/site/uncguniversitylibraries/

Note that this is a 'google' sign in profile, so if the workstation that is using the tracking site is normally logged in to 'google' (for googleDocs, iGoogle, blogger.com...), then that profile will need to be logged out before using the tracking site.

Questions or comments on the form?? Check with Mary