Introduction to ArcGIS- February 2, 2009 2:00 – 3:30 pm, O’Neill 245

Learn about Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and how this tool is used for research in all disciplines.

Co-taught by:
Constantin Andronache, ITS Research Services and
Barbara Mento,Data/GIS Librarian

This session will introduce users to:

• Basic GIS concepts
• GIS software and technical support at Boston College and license options
• An overview of ArcGIS features and capabilities
  
• Finding GIS data
• Hands on GIS experience using Census data

Registration
To sign up for a tutorial, please send email to researchservices@bc.edu with the name of the tutorial(s) that you are interested in attending.

ICPSR Webinar: Get Set-Up! - Creating set-up files for SPSS

DATE: Tuesday, January 27, 2009
TIME: 1:00-2:00pm EST


From ICPSR: Does the idea of dealing with raw data give you a headache? This webinar is a step-by-step demonstration of how to create a set-up file for an ICPSR study. You will learn how to begin with an ASCII data file and transform it into a file that’s ready to use in SPSS.

We will create a simple set-up file for a dataset . We will consider important issues in creating a set-up file, make decisions about how to proceed when faced with challenges, and explore alternatives if appropriate. This webinar describes the necessary parts of a simple set-up file and where to find the needed information in the study’s codebook.

This webinar is open to the public.
Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/684102132

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. Note system requirements when you register.

Questions: email Barbara Mento at :barbara mento@bc.edu

WRDS announces upcoming E-LEARNING training sessions

Register for upcoming E-LEARNING sessions from WRDS and learn how to navigate major business databases such as Compustat, CRSP, Executive Compensation and I/B/E/S.

General sessions are also available on how to use WRDS in Research and Teaching and using the SAS statistical software with WRDS data.

To register go to: http://wrds.wharton.upenn.edu/elearning/calendar.html


For information on setting up a WRDS account contact Barbara Mento at: barbara.mento@bc.edu

Free ICPSR Webinar: Enhancing Analysis of Racially & Ethnically Underrepresented Populations in the US

Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST

ICPSR’s Minority Data Resource Center offers streamlined access to data that are relevant to the study of immigration, place of origin, ancestry, ethnicity, and race in the United Sates.

The topics available for analysis are vast. Here are just a few intriguing findings from data featured in the MDRC:

• Female slaves in the state of South Carolina were valued at nearly twice the dollar value as males.
• The Crow and Chippewa Tribe Family Size Suffered the Largest Decrease from 1885 to 1930.
• Non-Hispanic Black Children Most Likely to be Diagnosed with Asthma (2004).
• Hispanic Voters Experienced Difficulty Casting Votes (2002 mid-term elections).
• Hospital Admissions Vary by Race (2004).

This webinar will serve as an orientation to the Minority Data Resource Center, its content, and its online analytic tools!

This webinar is open to the public - please forward this invitation to all with interest in these topics!

System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista

Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

GIS Week Nov. 17-21, 2008

The Boston College Libraries have partnered with ITS Research Services for over 10 years to support the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in both teaching and research across campus. Mapping data is a part of our daily lives with more people using Google Earth and Google Maps everyday and interactive mapping such as we experienced throughout Election Day.


Learn more about GIS at our workshops offered to both faculty and students every semester. These hands on sessions highlight our GIS data collection and demonstrate how GIS is used on campus and throughout the world. For more information about our collection and software go to our research guide: Finding Spatial Data for Mapping

For local and nationwide events this week go to GIS Day website. Click on "find an event near you".

Ask us about GIS!

If you are interested in more information or a GIS demonstration please contact Barbara Mento, Data/GIS Manager or Constantin Andronache, ITS Research Services

New OECD Interface and Expanded Content!

The new OECD interface, OECD.Stat Extracts, makes it easier to download large amounts of international data into Excel! This database now includes most of the OECD data in one data warehouse, including OECD Health Data, previously provided by the library on CD ROM.

Search by keyword or topics such as demographics, economic indicators, education, environment, health, industry and services, prices and purchasing parity, social and welfare, and more. You can also request regional and country statistical profiles.

OECD Spotlight on Statistics

A new feature of OECD news spotlights timely statistics of topical interest:

Rich man, poor man
posted Wednesday, October 22, 2008 5:09 PM

"Income inequality grew in most OECD countries between the mid 1980s and the mid 2000s. On average the income of the richest 10 percent of the population is now almost nine times higher than the poorest 10 percent. In Denmark and Sweden the gap is narrower with the richest 10% earning on average less than five times the poorest.

Only a few countries bucked the trend: France, Greece and Spain moved towards greater equality of incomes over the past 20 years.

The United States has one of the highest levels of inequality with the average earnings of the richest 10 % of the population 16 times higher than the poorest 10 percent. The gap between rich and poor in the US has also widened more rapidly than in most other countries over the past 20 years."