Frequently-Asked Questions

(Last Updated March 6, 1998)
Clarifications of Definitions

1. What do you mean by "mornings", "afternoons", and "evenings" for data collection?

ANSWER: "Mornings" refers to the time period from 12:01 a.m. (i.e., just after midnight) until just before noon. "Afternoons" refers to the time period from just after 12:00 p.m. until just before 6:00 p.m. Finally, "evenings" refers to the time period from 6:00 p.m. until midnight. This issue arose because of the instructions to collect library use data (accessed by pressing the key on the PDA) "on the hour." If your library is open until either noon or 6:00 p.m. on one or several days, go ahead and collect the library use data just before closing (since there are still library users in your library). On the other hand, if your library is consistently open before AND after those hours, then collect the 12:00 noon library use data on days you are collecting afternoon library usage data and collect the 6:00 p.m. library use data on days you are collecting evening library usage data.

2. What do you mean by the term "librarian" (e.g., on the library assistance code sheet under "Transaction Type" where it says "One-on-one with Librarian"?

ANSWER: For the purposes of this study, a librarian is anyone who is performing a service typically associated with a even though that individual may not have a MLS degree. The individual may be a student, library volunteer, or intern. However, that individual is acting in that capacity under the guidance, supervision, and knowledge of a trained librarian.

Data Collection Methodology Questions

1. Our library system would like to sample data for longer periods of time than called for by the three tables in the appendix. In doing so, we would not have to sample as frequently and we would be less likely to inadvertently miss a sample date. What would you suggest we do?

ANSWER: As long as you consistently apply the tables throughout the sample year and use one of the randomly-generated calendar dates as a starting point, many variations on the usage of the tables should be acceptable. We would recommend that you contact us with your proposed technique first to be sure.

One suggested method would be to use the dates in the tables to select whole weeks to count. For example, assign Table 1 to morning data collection periods as described in the instruction manual. Pick any of the random dates in Table 1 and during that entire week collect our library data for every morning in which the library is open. Assign Table 2 to afternoon data collection periods. Pick one of the random dates in Table 2 and during that entire week collect our library data for every afternoon in which the library is open. The same would apply to Table 3 for evening data collection periods. By following this method, data collection would be confined to a three week period (maximum). At the same time, by confining the data collection to just the morning, afternoon, or evening time periods for any given week, you would not be overly-burdening the librarians with data collection for an entire day.

2. What do I do with the extra library numbers? I have only two library branches in this study and you have given me five library numbers?

ANSWER: You don't have to do anything with them if you don't want. In producing the diskettes and programs, it was easiest to have a constant number of library numbers per library system. Most of you have either two or three library outlets participating in our study. In addition, we thought that at least some of you may want to add one or two outlets. Therefore, we decided to allocate library numbers in blocks of five. Just try to be consistent in which library number is used for each library outlet if you don't need all five numbers.

3. In collecting the library use data, how critical is it that I collect data "on the hour?" If I collect it at 10:00 am (when I open), there will obviously be no one there yet. Can I do it at 10:15 am instead?

ANSWER: It would be fine to collect it, say, at 15 minutes after the hour instead. The important variable is the "hourly" collection period, not the exact time you collect it. So if you think it would be more convenient to collect it at 15 minutes after the hour instead, do so. Just do it for ALL three time periods (i.e., mornings, afternoons, and evenings).

Operating System Software Questions

1.Can I use Windows NT to run this application?

ANSWER: We have had a few libraries try installing the provided software on Windows NT. The results have been mixed. One library system was not able to properly download the programs onto the APEX II using Windows NT 3.51 and the programs were ultimately transferred to a computer system running Windows 95, where everything has been working fine.

Another library system installed the software on Windows NT 4.0. He has experienced no problems to date with uploading or downloading.

Our recommendation would be to try it if Windows NT would be the most convenient platform for you to use. However, if problems arise, we may not be able to duplicate the problem here so you may be on your own as far as solving problems. If problems do arise, consider migrating the program to a Windows 95 computer

Data Transfer/Program Download Problems

1. I have connected the provided cable between my PC and the Compsee APEX II unit and attempting to transfer data between the PDA and the PC. But all I get is a message about a communication error. What's the problem?

ANSWER: You may have to adjust the COMM port on the PC using the SETUP pull-down menu.

Another possible source for this problem, especially on laptops, is that the COMM1 port had a serial mouse plugged into the port and all you did was unplug the mouse connector and plug in the cable leading from the PDA into the same serial (formerly mouse) port. If you do this in Windows 95, you must first REBOOT the computer WITHOUT THE MOUSE plugged into the port before data transfer can take place between the PDA and the computer.. Until you do this, the Windows 95 operating system will "remember" that the mouse was there and will not permit proper data tranfer to occur.

We have had some libraries encounter communication problems with trying to use the COMM 3 and COMM 4 port. Even when the appropriate adjustments were made using the SETUP menu, communication was still not occurring. Ultimately, the problem was resolved when the entire application was moved to a simpler computer configuration (e.g., no modem, no complicated memory management programs).