2011 UK Census

However, a small number of questions did allow for more open form user entered answers or comments. So, from time to time we will select one or two to talk about here as a basis for further discussion, and ask for more feedback and comment.

We'll start by taking a look at the question which asked

Question Are there any other output products that could be produced for 2011 that you would find particularly useful and why ?

A sample response to this open question was

"A simple guide to everything available" which would let you "… know at a glance everything that is available".

Thinking about this, let's extend it a little, and ask what might be included in some form of "Guide to using Census data".

No guide as such is planned yet, but if it is produced it might be something similar to a refined version of the 2001 Census Output Prospectus - a high level guide produced at the start of the output release phase, to be supported later by a richer definitions volume.

It would be defined in advance in conjunction with users to include the things users most want to see. Perhaps a guide which not only introduces the data available, but also the product content, the release media, the planned timetable for release, and a suitable amount of high level information covering some background to the output development, the changes from previous censuses, how to use the products and data, and links to more detailed or technical information.

Considering the form and content, some useful questions to ask might me:

1 Is a guide to the Census output - with information covering such things as the schedule for releases, products, results, data, metadata, changes between censuses, geography and other supporting information - a useful one stop shop that users will find useful and appealing?

2 If so, what form should it take? Some or all of - a series of dedicated webpages, a downloadable pdf or other file, a printed pocket book or catalogue, or something else?

3 What should a guide be? A simple catalogue (similar to the online catalogue for 2001) and release timetable? A catalogue with some supporting information and links to methodology? A slightly more rounded and comprehensive document which at least introduces all facets of Census output and the considerations needed when using it, with links to deeper technical data?should be included?

We have a page in the wiki where users can contribute their thoughts about a possible guide, and help develop an outline of content.

Initially this is just a very loose suggested contents list. If you have suggestions for amendment, then just copy the contents list into a new comment on that page, and edit to add or remove section or sub section headings you think are missing or unnecessary. Also include some notes about your edits, and what you think

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