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.