- Email: [email protected]
Understanding the Census: A Guide for Marketers, Planners, Grant Writers and Other Data Users
Pergamon
Journal of Government Information, Vol. 24, No. 2, pp. 127-151.1997 Copyright 0 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd Printed in the USA. All rights reserved 1352-0237197 $17.00 + .OO
PII S1352-0237(%)00006-3
REVIEWS
MELISSA
LAMONT
Documents/Maps Section, C201 Pattee Library, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801 USA; Internet: [email protected]
Understanding The Census: A Guide for Marketers, Planners, Grant Writers and Other Data Users. By Michael R. Lavin. Kenmore, NY: Epoch Books, Inc. 545~. ISBN O-89774-2 (cloth); ISBN O-9629586-1-1 (paper). $59.95. Cloth edition distributed by Oryx Press. In Understanding the Census: A Guide for Marketers, Planners, Grant Writers, and Other Data Users, the author endeavors to communicate to the unenlightened the importance, complexity, and often inexplicable absurdities contained in the various publications and publication formats of the 1990 census. Though such a task may seem daunting to those familiar with Census Bureau history and convoluted publishing practices, Lavin accomplishes his mission of creating a “working handbook” by guiding the reader from the most basic census concepts to the more complex elements of the 1990 census including the use of Extract software (p. vii). While the intended audience of this publication is users outside the library world, that is, the marketers, planners, grant writers, etc., of the subtitle, its most widespread use will probably occur in libraries where the publications mentioned in the text are readily available for examination and use. According to the table of contents, the publication is divided into four sections: “An Introduction to the Census;” “ Understanding the Census;” “Using the Census;” and “Additional Topics.” It also includes extensive use of figures, some taken from Census publications others created specifically for this publication, five appendices, and an index. A minor oversight, and one that does not affect the content of the publication, is the use of the above section titles in the table of contents but not throughout the book. Each chapter follows the previous one without a break or notification that the reader has moved on from the “introduction” section to the “understanding” section. One of the most useful elements is the use of “Q&A,” “Census Tips,” and “New in 90,” boxes located strategically throughout the text. While these add a somewhat haphazard look to the chapters, the information they provide is invaluable to the reader. For example, in Chapter 9. ‘&Print Reports and Maps,” one “Q&A” box discusses the format of the tables and why each table is not the same for each population universe. The corresponding “Census Tip” on the following page alerts the reader to the fact that “the smaller the geographic Summary Level, the less subject detail is provided...” (p. 285). While this provides no new insight to those familiar with the concept of confidentiality, it is a frequent question raised by students and researchers looking for data at the neighborhood (tract or block, in census terms) level. The first four chapters discuss census fundamentals, the use of census data, and planning and conducting the census. In Chapter One, “Census Fundamentals,” Lavin more than adequately covers the origins of census taking, in general, and includes along the way some interesting tidbits of information. While censuses are often seen as a vehicle to count people, businesses, and the resources of a country, they can also be used to discover more sinister occurrences. Lavin briefly mentions the early years of Stalinist USSR and how the Soviet census data of the late 1930s was suppressed and census workers shot so that the effects of mass starvation and oppression, of which possibly millions died, would not be known. In Chapter Two, “Uses of Census Data,” Lavin highlights both the official governmental uses of census data and the public and personal uses. By Chapter Three and Four, the author has begun to focus on the true purpose of the book: discussion and analysis of the 1990 Census. Chapter Four, “Conducting the Census,” illustrates how complicated taking the decennial census has become. One particularly interesting section covers the fabrication of census data. “Curb stoning” or falsifying census questionnaire answers by temporary workers is briefly discussed, as is the alleged ordered fab127
128
Reviews
rication of forms in the Chicago District Office. While this discovery would not surprise those familiar with the history of Chicago politics, it did cause the Census Bureau some concern as they ordered a recanvassing of the questionable response addresses. The next three chapters examine 1990 Census specifics such as concepts, collection methods, enumeration surveys, processing census data, and publication timetables. It is difficult, if not impossible, to comprehend the complexity, and often absurdity of census terminology and concepts. Lavin does an excellent job of explaining the differences in population, housing, and financial characteristics. As throughout the book, the author highlights some of the most frequently asked questions. For example, the data related to homeless persons appears in the housing/group quarters areas of the 1990 Census. If this concept is not confusing in itself, the calculation of the number of homeless persons must be taken from two categories: emergency shelters for homeless persons and persons in visible street locations. Another census concept that generates a great deal of interest is covered in this chapter as well. The “Hispanic Origin question” is one of the most confusing and least reliable of the latest census. The question itself relies on “self-identification,” meaning that those who believe they are of “Hispanic Origin” report it as such and those who do not, are not “counted as such.” Census geography is covered in Chapter Six. Lavin expertly examines the unique geographic areas and statistical units such as Census Tracts, Block Numbering Areas, and Urbanized Areas. The 1990 Census Questionnaires are discussed in Chapter Seven. This section highlights questions asked, questions dropped, and questions tested but not used. Facsimiles of the 1990 Census Sample Questionnaire are located in Appendix C. The rewards for the reader who makes his/her way through history, concepts, definitions, and geography in the previous pages, are Chapters Eight through Ten. These chapters list specific resources, discuss in detail the elements of different publications, and guide researchers to the publication most suited to their needs. One minor problem appears in Chapter Eight, “CD-ROM Products.” In the section discussing Public Use Microdata Sample files (PUMS), Lavin describes the software provided with these files, QuickTab, as “a very elementary microdata manipulation program” (p. 251). While it may be possible for experienced data users to easily manipulate data using QuickTab, the average, uninformed user (such as a grant writer, planner, or marketer new to Census Bureau information) might find this program somewhat beyond one’s scope. However, the author does direct the reader to a Census Bureau guide for more information on QuickTab. Chapter Nine presents an excellent discussion of print reports and maps and offers comparisons between CDROM and print publications that could be helpful in determining which resource would be best to consult. The final chapter in this group is likely one of the best in the book. One of the most confusing elements of research using census information is choosing the right publication and developing a flexible search strategy. Chapter Ten helps the reader to develop an effective strategy by providing examples of particular searches. It also states one of the most difficult concepts that researchers encounter-accepting that the data one wants is not always available in exactly the form or geographic level one needs. In addition, it outlines different options for those who are confronted with this issue and find themselves unable or unwilling to adapt to the existing information structure. The last four chapters cover a variety of topics including Urbanized Areas, Congressional Apportionment, EXTRACT, and the Internet. Chapter Eleven examines the rules affecting Metropolitan Areas and offers interesting insight into the issues related to the designation of Metropolitan Areas (MAs) and Urbanized Areas (UAs). The most satisfying section in this chapter is related to MAs in New England. Lavin not only explains the unique and often confusing structure of New England County Metropolitan Areas (NECMAs), but also offers several examples and tips illustrating the NECMA configurations. Chapter Twelve includes a concise explanation of the apportionment process, including the methodology involved in the creation of districts. Although Lavin stated in the introduction that a discussion of the current controversy related to congressional districts was beyond the scope of this publication, it would have added some depth to the section on apportionment. Chapters Thirteen and Fourteen seem somewhat out of place in relation to the stated scope of the text. A detailed discussion of EXTRACT is provided in Chapter Thirteen. Lavin explains the database structure, how to install and use the software, and offers samples of EXTRACT searches. Chapter Fourteen examines Internet resources and electronic products. The author does an admirable job of describing available resources and provides comparisons between online databases such as CENDATA and the Bureau’s WWW site. These chapters are followed by the five appendices which contain items such as data tables from STF 1 and STF 3, facsimiles of the 1990 questionnaire, and the MAs for 1990. No summary of the overall text is provided, nor is there discussion of future decennial censuses, which was deemed by the author to be beyond the scope of this book.
129
Reviews
The task of compiling, in a single volume, information necessary for “understanding the Census” must have been overwhelming. Despite the size of the task, the author has accomplished his stated goal of making this information more accessible and alerting users to the pitfalls incumbent in using census data. Lavin has made a significant contribution to the literature by providing unique insights and important factual information in a well written text. However, it may have been more accurate to entitle this work “Understanding the 1990 Decennial Census” or to make it part of a series of books that discuss the various censuses, as the title is somewhat misleading to those unfamiliar with the organization of census information. In the final analysis, however, Understanding the Census would be an important addition to any collection and will undoubtedly prove to be an excellent resource for many years to come.
Government
Documents,
MAURIE CAITLIN KELLY and Curriculum Department University Library (M/C 234) University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL 60680 USA
Maps, Microforms,
Rivals for Power: Presidential-Congressional Relations. Edited by James A. Thurber. Washington, DC: Congressional Quarterly Press, 1996,284~. ISBN l-56802-152-6, LCCN 96-48372. $24.95. Rivals for Power: Presidential-Congressional Relations is a compendium of political science essays reexamining the state of presidential and congressional conflict and, less often, cooperation, in light of a number of significant changes in the political and social landscape of the United States over the last 15 years. James A. Thurber, professor of government and director of the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies at American University serves as the editor of the work and is a frequent contributor to Congressional Quarterly’s impressive series of monographs and compilations detailing the workings of Washington, D.C. in general and Capitol Hill in particular. Other contributors include political science faculty from various academic institutions, for example, Christopher J. Deering, Michael L. Mezey as well as experts from the Congressional Research Service (CRS) such as Waiter J. Oleszek and Louis Fisher. With Rivals for Power, Thurber’s stated intention is to go beyond an update of the findings of many of these same authors in Divided Democracy: Cooperation and Conflict Between the President and Congress (CQ Press, 1991). The aim is to broaden the focus to emphasize the complex mix of factors and players, both inside and outside Washington that largely determine the success of a president or Congress regardless of which party controls the White House, Senate, or House of Representatives. As Thurber states in his introductory essay, “Policy-making gridlock often comes from competition among organized interests in society, not from divided party control of government” (p. 12). He further notes, “Cooperation may be more likely when both the president and the Congress are of the same party. Even so, because of a wide array of views within a party, unified government is no safeguard against conflict, as was shown with President Clinton and the congressional Democratic party in 1993 and 1994” (p. 13). The bulk of the work then amplifies points such as these through a variety of techniques including statistical analysis, case studies and literature reviews. While some of the essays cover presidential-congressional relations over the course of American history, most of the work focuses on the last fifteen years, with a particular emphasis on President Clinton’s successes and failures in working with the 103rd and 104th Congresses. In a general sense, any work that explains or clarifies the roles of the varied institutional players in the legislative arena will be of benefit to information professionals who spend a great deal of time trying to locate the by-product of the legislative process, whether it be a statute, a hearing or a failed bill. For this reason, the reviewers found the most relevant essays to be Roger H. Davidson’s “The Presidency and Congressional Time,” Walter J. Oleszek’s “The New Era of Congressional Policy Making,” Lester G. Seligman’s and Cary R. Covington’s “Presidential Leadership with Congress: Change, Coalitions and Crisis,” and Christopher J. Deering’s “Congress, the President and Automatic Government: The Case of Military Base Closures.” Roger H. Davidson uses various statistical measures, such as the length of statutes. the ratio of public to private laws enacted and the shifting percentages of substantive, administrative and commemorative laws, to illuminate the changes in the work procedures and work product of Congress throughout the 20th century. It will come as no surprise to documents librarians who have searched
Journal of Government Information, Vol. 24, No. 2, pp. 127-151.1997 Copyright 0 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd Printed in the USA. All rights reserved 1352-0237197 $17.00 + .OO
PII S1352-0237(%)00006-3
REVIEWS
MELISSA
LAMONT
Documents/Maps Section, C201 Pattee Library, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801 USA; Internet: [email protected]
Understanding The Census: A Guide for Marketers, Planners, Grant Writers and Other Data Users. By Michael R. Lavin. Kenmore, NY: Epoch Books, Inc. 545~. ISBN O-89774-2 (cloth); ISBN O-9629586-1-1 (paper). $59.95. Cloth edition distributed by Oryx Press. In Understanding the Census: A Guide for Marketers, Planners, Grant Writers, and Other Data Users, the author endeavors to communicate to the unenlightened the importance, complexity, and often inexplicable absurdities contained in the various publications and publication formats of the 1990 census. Though such a task may seem daunting to those familiar with Census Bureau history and convoluted publishing practices, Lavin accomplishes his mission of creating a “working handbook” by guiding the reader from the most basic census concepts to the more complex elements of the 1990 census including the use of Extract software (p. vii). While the intended audience of this publication is users outside the library world, that is, the marketers, planners, grant writers, etc., of the subtitle, its most widespread use will probably occur in libraries where the publications mentioned in the text are readily available for examination and use. According to the table of contents, the publication is divided into four sections: “An Introduction to the Census;” “ Understanding the Census;” “Using the Census;” and “Additional Topics.” It also includes extensive use of figures, some taken from Census publications others created specifically for this publication, five appendices, and an index. A minor oversight, and one that does not affect the content of the publication, is the use of the above section titles in the table of contents but not throughout the book. Each chapter follows the previous one without a break or notification that the reader has moved on from the “introduction” section to the “understanding” section. One of the most useful elements is the use of “Q&A,” “Census Tips,” and “New in 90,” boxes located strategically throughout the text. While these add a somewhat haphazard look to the chapters, the information they provide is invaluable to the reader. For example, in Chapter 9. ‘&Print Reports and Maps,” one “Q&A” box discusses the format of the tables and why each table is not the same for each population universe. The corresponding “Census Tip” on the following page alerts the reader to the fact that “the smaller the geographic Summary Level, the less subject detail is provided...” (p. 285). While this provides no new insight to those familiar with the concept of confidentiality, it is a frequent question raised by students and researchers looking for data at the neighborhood (tract or block, in census terms) level. The first four chapters discuss census fundamentals, the use of census data, and planning and conducting the census. In Chapter One, “Census Fundamentals,” Lavin more than adequately covers the origins of census taking, in general, and includes along the way some interesting tidbits of information. While censuses are often seen as a vehicle to count people, businesses, and the resources of a country, they can also be used to discover more sinister occurrences. Lavin briefly mentions the early years of Stalinist USSR and how the Soviet census data of the late 1930s was suppressed and census workers shot so that the effects of mass starvation and oppression, of which possibly millions died, would not be known. In Chapter Two, “Uses of Census Data,” Lavin highlights both the official governmental uses of census data and the public and personal uses. By Chapter Three and Four, the author has begun to focus on the true purpose of the book: discussion and analysis of the 1990 Census. Chapter Four, “Conducting the Census,” illustrates how complicated taking the decennial census has become. One particularly interesting section covers the fabrication of census data. “Curb stoning” or falsifying census questionnaire answers by temporary workers is briefly discussed, as is the alleged ordered fab127
128
Reviews
rication of forms in the Chicago District Office. While this discovery would not surprise those familiar with the history of Chicago politics, it did cause the Census Bureau some concern as they ordered a recanvassing of the questionable response addresses. The next three chapters examine 1990 Census specifics such as concepts, collection methods, enumeration surveys, processing census data, and publication timetables. It is difficult, if not impossible, to comprehend the complexity, and often absurdity of census terminology and concepts. Lavin does an excellent job of explaining the differences in population, housing, and financial characteristics. As throughout the book, the author highlights some of the most frequently asked questions. For example, the data related to homeless persons appears in the housing/group quarters areas of the 1990 Census. If this concept is not confusing in itself, the calculation of the number of homeless persons must be taken from two categories: emergency shelters for homeless persons and persons in visible street locations. Another census concept that generates a great deal of interest is covered in this chapter as well. The “Hispanic Origin question” is one of the most confusing and least reliable of the latest census. The question itself relies on “self-identification,” meaning that those who believe they are of “Hispanic Origin” report it as such and those who do not, are not “counted as such.” Census geography is covered in Chapter Six. Lavin expertly examines the unique geographic areas and statistical units such as Census Tracts, Block Numbering Areas, and Urbanized Areas. The 1990 Census Questionnaires are discussed in Chapter Seven. This section highlights questions asked, questions dropped, and questions tested but not used. Facsimiles of the 1990 Census Sample Questionnaire are located in Appendix C. The rewards for the reader who makes his/her way through history, concepts, definitions, and geography in the previous pages, are Chapters Eight through Ten. These chapters list specific resources, discuss in detail the elements of different publications, and guide researchers to the publication most suited to their needs. One minor problem appears in Chapter Eight, “CD-ROM Products.” In the section discussing Public Use Microdata Sample files (PUMS), Lavin describes the software provided with these files, QuickTab, as “a very elementary microdata manipulation program” (p. 251). While it may be possible for experienced data users to easily manipulate data using QuickTab, the average, uninformed user (such as a grant writer, planner, or marketer new to Census Bureau information) might find this program somewhat beyond one’s scope. However, the author does direct the reader to a Census Bureau guide for more information on QuickTab. Chapter Nine presents an excellent discussion of print reports and maps and offers comparisons between CDROM and print publications that could be helpful in determining which resource would be best to consult. The final chapter in this group is likely one of the best in the book. One of the most confusing elements of research using census information is choosing the right publication and developing a flexible search strategy. Chapter Ten helps the reader to develop an effective strategy by providing examples of particular searches. It also states one of the most difficult concepts that researchers encounter-accepting that the data one wants is not always available in exactly the form or geographic level one needs. In addition, it outlines different options for those who are confronted with this issue and find themselves unable or unwilling to adapt to the existing information structure. The last four chapters cover a variety of topics including Urbanized Areas, Congressional Apportionment, EXTRACT, and the Internet. Chapter Eleven examines the rules affecting Metropolitan Areas and offers interesting insight into the issues related to the designation of Metropolitan Areas (MAs) and Urbanized Areas (UAs). The most satisfying section in this chapter is related to MAs in New England. Lavin not only explains the unique and often confusing structure of New England County Metropolitan Areas (NECMAs), but also offers several examples and tips illustrating the NECMA configurations. Chapter Twelve includes a concise explanation of the apportionment process, including the methodology involved in the creation of districts. Although Lavin stated in the introduction that a discussion of the current controversy related to congressional districts was beyond the scope of this publication, it would have added some depth to the section on apportionment. Chapters Thirteen and Fourteen seem somewhat out of place in relation to the stated scope of the text. A detailed discussion of EXTRACT is provided in Chapter Thirteen. Lavin explains the database structure, how to install and use the software, and offers samples of EXTRACT searches. Chapter Fourteen examines Internet resources and electronic products. The author does an admirable job of describing available resources and provides comparisons between online databases such as CENDATA and the Bureau’s WWW site. These chapters are followed by the five appendices which contain items such as data tables from STF 1 and STF 3, facsimiles of the 1990 questionnaire, and the MAs for 1990. No summary of the overall text is provided, nor is there discussion of future decennial censuses, which was deemed by the author to be beyond the scope of this book.
129
Reviews
The task of compiling, in a single volume, information necessary for “understanding the Census” must have been overwhelming. Despite the size of the task, the author has accomplished his stated goal of making this information more accessible and alerting users to the pitfalls incumbent in using census data. Lavin has made a significant contribution to the literature by providing unique insights and important factual information in a well written text. However, it may have been more accurate to entitle this work “Understanding the 1990 Decennial Census” or to make it part of a series of books that discuss the various censuses, as the title is somewhat misleading to those unfamiliar with the organization of census information. In the final analysis, however, Understanding the Census would be an important addition to any collection and will undoubtedly prove to be an excellent resource for many years to come.
Government
Documents,
MAURIE CAITLIN KELLY and Curriculum Department University Library (M/C 234) University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL 60680 USA
Maps, Microforms,
Rivals for Power: Presidential-Congressional Relations. Edited by James A. Thurber. Washington, DC: Congressional Quarterly Press, 1996,284~. ISBN l-56802-152-6, LCCN 96-48372. $24.95. Rivals for Power: Presidential-Congressional Relations is a compendium of political science essays reexamining the state of presidential and congressional conflict and, less often, cooperation, in light of a number of significant changes in the political and social landscape of the United States over the last 15 years. James A. Thurber, professor of government and director of the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies at American University serves as the editor of the work and is a frequent contributor to Congressional Quarterly’s impressive series of monographs and compilations detailing the workings of Washington, D.C. in general and Capitol Hill in particular. Other contributors include political science faculty from various academic institutions, for example, Christopher J. Deering, Michael L. Mezey as well as experts from the Congressional Research Service (CRS) such as Waiter J. Oleszek and Louis Fisher. With Rivals for Power, Thurber’s stated intention is to go beyond an update of the findings of many of these same authors in Divided Democracy: Cooperation and Conflict Between the President and Congress (CQ Press, 1991). The aim is to broaden the focus to emphasize the complex mix of factors and players, both inside and outside Washington that largely determine the success of a president or Congress regardless of which party controls the White House, Senate, or House of Representatives. As Thurber states in his introductory essay, “Policy-making gridlock often comes from competition among organized interests in society, not from divided party control of government” (p. 12). He further notes, “Cooperation may be more likely when both the president and the Congress are of the same party. Even so, because of a wide array of views within a party, unified government is no safeguard against conflict, as was shown with President Clinton and the congressional Democratic party in 1993 and 1994” (p. 13). The bulk of the work then amplifies points such as these through a variety of techniques including statistical analysis, case studies and literature reviews. While some of the essays cover presidential-congressional relations over the course of American history, most of the work focuses on the last fifteen years, with a particular emphasis on President Clinton’s successes and failures in working with the 103rd and 104th Congresses. In a general sense, any work that explains or clarifies the roles of the varied institutional players in the legislative arena will be of benefit to information professionals who spend a great deal of time trying to locate the by-product of the legislative process, whether it be a statute, a hearing or a failed bill. For this reason, the reviewers found the most relevant essays to be Roger H. Davidson’s “The Presidency and Congressional Time,” Walter J. Oleszek’s “The New Era of Congressional Policy Making,” Lester G. Seligman’s and Cary R. Covington’s “Presidential Leadership with Congress: Change, Coalitions and Crisis,” and Christopher J. Deering’s “Congress, the President and Automatic Government: The Case of Military Base Closures.” Roger H. Davidson uses various statistical measures, such as the length of statutes. the ratio of public to private laws enacted and the shifting percentages of substantive, administrative and commemorative laws, to illuminate the changes in the work procedures and work product of Congress throughout the 20th century. It will come as no surprise to documents librarians who have searched