- Email: [email protected]
Congress A to Z
Rev~ws
375
only data that meet the specified parameters are extracted and presented. This tool facilitates the extraction of highly-customized maps and files. Run compiles and presents the data in map, dbf, or ASCII form. The presentation tool allows for maps to be manipulated in a variety of ways, and lists the areas included. It should be noted that national level maps require a substantial amount of time to compile. Although the interface is not tremendously intuitive for the first-time user, several tools guide users through the process. A tour window pops up upon entering the program that explains the toolbar and the steps to complete in order to see results. A sample search complete with output map is then provided, including an explanation of the more advanced filter tool and links to additional help files. However, once the tour is completed the user is left with a blank gray screen to start the extraction process. As each step is completed and the "done" button is clicked, the user is again left with a blank screen and toolbar/menu choices. Despite the text prompts and status messages provided at the bottom of the screen, it would be helpful to have more prompts available within the screens themselves. The context-sensitive help features are useful and informative, and at each stage of the process a nice range of general and specific information is available. Although novices should be able to use this product reasonably easily, they may require assistance with terminology and acronyms. The glossary defines both data terms (e.g., Linguistically Isolated) and terms used in working with the program (e.g., ASCII). One notable problem within the help features concerns the context-sensitive help within the counts section. The screen contains a link to a list of the variables available for selection, but does not define or explain the difference between, for example, Place [census] or Place [FIPS]. The many variables available may be confusing for novice users. Overall, GeoLytics CensusCD Blocks is relatively easy to use and a valuable resource providing access to a rich set of information. The breadth and depth of data presented makes this product a valuable tool, and the well-organized interface allows even relatively inexperienced users to extract, present, and save customized information. The fact that it is all contained in one disc should also be a sanity and shelf space saver for information professionals. CensusCD Blocks would be a valuable addition for libraries needing a flexible demographic/GIS tool to serve both novice and expert needs.
Congress A to Z, 3rd edition, edited by David R. Tart and Ann O'Conner. Washington D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Inc. 1999. xv, 592 pp. $95.00. ISBN 1-56802-388-x. Elections A to Z, edited by John L. Moore. Washington D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Inc. 1999. xiv, 547 pp. $95.00. ISBN 1-56802-207-7. Presidency A to Z, 2nd edition, edited by Michael Nelson. Washington D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Inc. 1998. xvi, 603 pp. $95.00. ISBN 1-56802-359-6. Supreme Court A to Z, 2nd edition, edited by Kenneth Jost. Washington D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Inc. 1998. xiii, 584 pp. $95.00. ISBN 1-56802-357-x.
Reviewed by Ben Amata, Social Science and Government Documents Librarian, Library, California State University Sacramento, Sacramento, California 95819 < bamata @uic.edu>.
375
only data that meet the specified parameters are extracted and presented. This tool facilitates the extraction of highly-customized maps and files. Run compiles and presents the data in map, dbf, or ASCII form. The presentation tool allows for maps to be manipulated in a variety of ways, and lists the areas included. It should be noted that national level maps require a substantial amount of time to compile. Although the interface is not tremendously intuitive for the first-time user, several tools guide users through the process. A tour window pops up upon entering the program that explains the toolbar and the steps to complete in order to see results. A sample search complete with output map is then provided, including an explanation of the more advanced filter tool and links to additional help files. However, once the tour is completed the user is left with a blank gray screen to start the extraction process. As each step is completed and the "done" button is clicked, the user is again left with a blank screen and toolbar/menu choices. Despite the text prompts and status messages provided at the bottom of the screen, it would be helpful to have more prompts available within the screens themselves. The context-sensitive help features are useful and informative, and at each stage of the process a nice range of general and specific information is available. Although novices should be able to use this product reasonably easily, they may require assistance with terminology and acronyms. The glossary defines both data terms (e.g., Linguistically Isolated) and terms used in working with the program (e.g., ASCII). One notable problem within the help features concerns the context-sensitive help within the counts section. The screen contains a link to a list of the variables available for selection, but does not define or explain the difference between, for example, Place [census] or Place [FIPS]. The many variables available may be confusing for novice users. Overall, GeoLytics CensusCD Blocks is relatively easy to use and a valuable resource providing access to a rich set of information. The breadth and depth of data presented makes this product a valuable tool, and the well-organized interface allows even relatively inexperienced users to extract, present, and save customized information. The fact that it is all contained in one disc should also be a sanity and shelf space saver for information professionals. CensusCD Blocks would be a valuable addition for libraries needing a flexible demographic/GIS tool to serve both novice and expert needs.
Congress A to Z, 3rd edition, edited by David R. Tart and Ann O'Conner. Washington D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Inc. 1999. xv, 592 pp. $95.00. ISBN 1-56802-388-x. Elections A to Z, edited by John L. Moore. Washington D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Inc. 1999. xiv, 547 pp. $95.00. ISBN 1-56802-207-7. Presidency A to Z, 2nd edition, edited by Michael Nelson. Washington D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Inc. 1998. xvi, 603 pp. $95.00. ISBN 1-56802-359-6. Supreme Court A to Z, 2nd edition, edited by Kenneth Jost. Washington D.C.: Congressional Quarterly Inc. 1998. xiii, 584 pp. $95.00. ISBN 1-56802-357-x.
Reviewed by Ben Amata, Social Science and Government Documents Librarian, Library, California State University Sacramento, Sacramento, California 95819 < bamata @uic.edu>.