Date: May 31
Time: 7-9pm
Hours: 2
Total Hours: 20
Today, I cleaned up the Perry patron data spreadsheet and began using EasyMapMaker (the solution found yesterday) to create a map of the library’s 6,000+ cardholders. I also continued entering community surveys into SurveyMonkey.
After entering over 80 surveys, I have noticed some trends that may influence the data collected. One question on the survey asks users which electronic devices they own. Cellphone is the first choice listed, while smartphone appears further down the list. A few people selected cellphone, realized that smartphone was an option, and crossed out their initial choice. Most people, however, have both cellphone and smartphone selected. Most likely, they only have one cellphone, which is a smartphone.
Another complication with this question is the inclusion of Wi-fi hotspot. A hotspot is a small device used to connect mobile devices to the Internet via cell phone towers. They are typically purchased from a cell phone provider, though many libraries (including my own employer) have begun circulating them. Many surveys select Wi-fi hotspot as a device they own. Mostly likely, they have Wi-Fi access at home, but not an actual hotspot. Survey questions are notoriously difficult to construct and it can be difficult to anticipate how survey takers might answer questions.