#United States #Philadelphia #PolicyMap #Public Libraries #Data Accessibility

A New Chapter in Data Accessibility for Public Library Patrons

PolicyMap is excited to announce the launch of its latest innovative product, PolicyMap for Public Library Patrons. This new tool is set to enhance how library users across the United States access and utilize critical data and mapping resources. Designed specifically for patrons of public libraries, PolicyMap offers an extensive array of informational datasets covering various sectors, including demographics, education, economics, housing, climate, and health. This empowers individuals to explore, analyze, and visualize geographic data relevant to their local communities.

A Shift in Data Provisioning

As public libraries strive to meet the evolving needs of their communities, the introduction of PolicyMap comes at a pivotal time. This launch aligns with the upcoming discontinuation of DemographicsNow, a product previously offered by Gale, which will no longer be available after March 28, 2025. With DemographicsNow previously serving as a significant source of demographic and business data, PolicyMap is stepping in to provide a broader range of information. It allows patrons to delve into intricate topics such as healthcare access, economic trends, and environmental justice, offering a well-rounded understanding of pressing issues that matter most to their communities.

Betsy Minnich, the Library Outreach and Development Lead at PolicyMap, emphasized the importance of libraries in providing resources that meet community needs. She stated, "Public libraries are continuously adapting to meet the diverse needs of their communities. Librarians play a crucial role in steering patrons to powerful online resources like PolicyMap, and library business information centers provide direct access to critical data and mapping tools. By exploring demographics, housing, workforce, and health data, patrons—small business owners, students, and community advocates—can make informed decisions, address local conditions, and better understand their communities."

Empowering Community Exploration

The core purpose of PolicyMap for Public Library Patrons is to empower users. Whether individuals are starting a new business, planning community projects, or conducting research, this resource is specifically designed to provide actionable insights. Recent early adopters, such as Brigid Novak, Collection Access Manager at the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, expressed enthusiasm, sharing, "We are pleased to offer PolicyMap for our patrons. We have had people interested in the regional real estate market and business demographics use the site. It has been a useful tool for both staff and patrons."

With this tool, users can now gain secure and intuitive access to data from hundreds of trusted sources, whether they are in the library itself or accessing resources remotely. It makes having a library card more valuable than ever. Patrons can explore a wealth of information, including:

• - Population demographics: Understand the makeup of local communities and how it changes over time.
• - Housing and affordability: Analyze trends in housing accessibility, costs, and related conditions.
• - Economic indicators and trends: Gain insights into local economic conditions that can inform business decisions.
• - Education and school performance: Access educational data that influences family decisions and policy development.
• - Climate impacts and resilience: Explore environmental data relevant to the community's sustainability efforts.
• - Healthcare access and outcomes: Evaluate health services available locally and their effectiveness.

Conclusion: Libraries and PolicyMap Joining Forces

The continuous adaptation of libraries to community needs bolsters the potential impact of PolicyMap for Public Library Patrons. By providing unparalleled access to geographic insights and analysis, libraries empower users with the tools they need to make informed decisions and drive community improvements. As PolicyMap continues to work with libraries, it remains dedicated to fulfilling its mission of simplifying geographic data analysis and supporting communities in their growth and improvement efforts. To learn more about PolicyMap and access these resources, visit PolicyMap's website.