Popularity, Prosperity and Programs at London Public Library
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Transcript of Popularity, Prosperity and Programs at London Public Library
Popularity, Prosperity & Programs Popularity, Prosperity & Programs at the at the
London Public LibraryLondon Public Library
By Ashley D’Andrea & Amanda R. Kelly
Purpose
• To understand the relationship between children’s programs in LPL branches and the average household income of patrons.
Why is this valuable?
Research Question
• Is there a relationship between the
average economic status of LPL’s
patrons and the availability and
use of children’s programs?
Hypothesis
• Programs offered in lower-income branches are more numerous and more popular than those of higher-income areas.
• Negative correlation between income and frequency, and income and attendance.
Conceptualization
• London Public Library
• Catchment Area
• Children’s Programs
• Attendance
Variables
• Independent: Average Household Income
• Dependent:Children’s Programs
• (A) Attendance• (B) Frequency
Methodology
• Average Household Income• Determine branch catchment.• Identify average income for
each catchment area.
• Children’s Programs• Select weeks of study.• Determine frequency (calendar).• Tally attendance.
Data Analysis
• Average Household Income• Ordinal data.
• Descriptive statistics.• Scatterplot.
• Income v. Catchment
• Children’s Programs• Ratio data.
• Descriptive statistics. • Histograms.• Scatterplots.
Reliability
• Overall high reliability.• High stability.• High equivalence.
• Consistent measurements.• Training for librarians/program
supervisors.
Validity
• Internal Validity.• Out-of-catchment patrons.• Alternate children’s services.
• Ex. Nearby community centre.
• External Validity.• Similar cities in Ontario.• Applicable to any library
system.
Additional Observations
• Ethical Concerns.• Library staff recording data.• Informed consent.
• Implications for Future Research.
Bibliography
Arrighetti, Julie. “The Challenge of Unattended Children in the Public Library.” Reference Services Review
29.1 (2001): 65-71. Web. Babbie, Earl. The Basics of Social Research. 5th ed.
Australia: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2011. Print.
London Public Library. The London Public Library, 2012. Web. 8 April 2012.
Vaughan, Liwen. Statistical Methods for the Information Professional. Medford, New Jersey: Information Today Inc., 2005. Print.