1. The reference interview
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. Does the person want one number? Are they pursuing a fact or figure?
Want to know “how many?”
Statistics in print or ready-ref. electronic source?
YES
YES
Go to print or ready ref. electronic source.
Now we know enough to take a first look at the reference interview.
Flow chart showing decisions making points.
Statistical question
Fact
There is a statistical source
statistical abstract
volume of census publication

8. Does the person want one number? Are they pursuing a fact or figure?
Want to know “how many?”
YES
Statistics in print or ready-ref. electronic source?
Are the data accessible in computer-readable form? NO
YES
Go to computer-readable source.
YES
Go to print or ready ref. electronic source.
But if no statistical publication exists… it might be possible to extract the statistics from a data file….
We’re going to going to leave the reference question part 1 for long enough to look at some data and how one might handle a statistics question with a datafile.
Extract relevant data from computer-readable source and compile statistics using appropriate software.