This is a presentation that features a fictional research study designed by myself and another MLIS student that explores how a library may go about analyzing popularity of summer programs.

1. Popularity, Prosperity & ProgramsPopularity, Prosperity & Programs
at theat the
London Public LibraryLondon Public Library
By Ashley D’Andrea &
Amanda R. Kelly

2. Purpose
• To understand the relationship
between children’s programs in
LPL branches and the average
household income of patrons.
Why is this valuable?

3. Research Question
• Is there a relationship between the
average economic status of LPL’s
patrons and the availability and
use of children’s programs?

4. 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.

5. Conceptualization
• London Public Library
• Catchment Area
• Children’s Programs
• Attendance

6. Variables
• Independent:
Average Household Income
• Dependent:
Children’s Programs
• (A) Attendance
• (B) Frequency

7. 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.

8. Data Analysis
• Average Household Income
• Ordinal data.
• Descriptive statistics.
• Scatterplot.
• Income v. Catchment
• Children’s Programs
• Ratio data.
• Descriptive statistics.
• Histograms.
• Scatterplots.

9. Reliability
• Overall high reliability.
• High stability.
• High equivalence.
• Consistent measurements.
• Training for librarians/program
supervisors.

10. 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.

11. Additional Observations
• Ethical Concerns.
• Library staff recording data.
• Informed consent.
• Implications for Future
Research.

12. 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.