Just spent an exciting week analyzing the data that had come in from the student survey I’d been working on, which closed 5/29. I took that data and cut it up this way and that, coding here, graphing there, and smushing it all into a Powerpoint, which I then presented to library management and then library staff at large last Thursday.
“Well, you see…”
I tried to make it visually interesting to counter it being full to the gills of data to take in; here is a sample slide (Microsoft Office clip art photo):
While presenting, I realized I should’ve maneuvered some data in a way I hadn’t – I cut the responses up by which library the student used the most, #1, #2, or both, but only started doing that some ways into the questions. As doing almost all the data that way would’ve revealed some interesting stuff, I knew I had to go back and fix it (or I’d drive myself nuts thinking about it). Now the amended presentation, raw data, and my analysis are available for all staff to view and use as they see fit.
Every time I use Excel in some depth I learn and relearn new tricks. That program is deceptively massive.
The effects of the survey: One commenter wanted more info about public libraries in NYC, so I put together a quick info sheet about the three library systems (NYPL, BPL, QL) and how students could get cards at all three, which they can do because they are in-state students, and it is now in our ref desk spindle. BAM! Progress.
referencius victorious 