6.2+Environics+Interview

Aug 2, 2011, 9:15am

Environics - Peter Baker, interviewed by Adele Reid

The question I posed was that I am interested in understanding what Environics has to offer beyond the data available from StatsCan, how does one access the data, and the cost.

Peter advised the following:

- Environics data starts with information from the latest census by StatsCan, but it is enhanced by linking to 3rd party surveys that are more marketing oriented such as interests, hobbies, ethnicity, preferences - using the postal code information in the library's catalogue system, these can be overlaid on Environic's demographic information and provide information on our current users - while census is based on a static point of analysis, Environic uses combination of software and 3rd party informaiton to create 3, 5 and 10 year projections on population and demographics

- with the purchase of a license, the user has access to the databases located on the web. These databases can be filtered/sorted etc to bring focus to the particular situation that one is investigating. Ie., how many families with toddlers in the following postal codes. - one needs a minimum on IE6 and typically broadband or DSL service to use the web program. - Environics also offers adhoc reporting on more abstract topics, in th $4000-$10000 range

- a one-year license is $18K, with a three year license offered at $15,000. - recognizing that as a small library this may be out of scope, he advised that many smaller communities have partnered with the muncipality being served (Ie., Oakville) to reduce the cost. OPPORTUNITY - have the Library offer the township the ability to have the library conduct demographic studies for muncipal purposes. The cost of a second license is $4000, enabling two users. (But I think I'd keep it at one and offer the service to township) - They would be amenable to a group of libraries creating a consortium to blend pricing - ie the Northern 6 that King Township belongs to.

understanding that I would not be in the position to probably do anything in 2012, Peter offered me an invitation to an Environics user conference in November to learn more about the system as well as how other non-profits have marketed their services using Environics data. (I accepted!)