[Data-modeling] public libraries

[Jeff Prucher]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: data-modeling-bounces at freebase.com 
> [mailto:data-modeling-bounces at freebase.com] On Behalf Of 
> Kirrily Robert
> Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 6:38 PM
> To: Freebase data modeling mailing list
> Subject: Re: [Data-modeling] public libraries
> 
> 
> ----- "Alexander Marks" <al at metaweb.com> wrote:
> > Back in July 2007 I loaded a large dataset of US libraries from the 
> > National Center of Education Statistics 
> (http://nces.ed.gov/). There's 
> > data on the main libraries of most systems in the US, complete with 
> > NCES codes, addresses, phone numbers, and statistics on 
> circulation, 
> > collection size, and annual visits.
> > 
> > It encompasses two types: Public Library and Public Library System, 
> > which are still sitting lonely in my private user domain. 
> I'd like to 
> > move them out into a public domain. I can't see an existing domain 
> > that fits well, so it might warrant a new one (civics or public 
> > services?).
> > 
> > 
> http://freebase.com/view/user/alexander/default_domain/public_library
> > 
> http://freebase.com/view/user/alexander/default_domain/public_library_
> > system
> > 
> > The only open modeling issue is that the statistical fields 
> of Public 
> > Library System should almost certainly be migrated to dated 
> integers, 
> > and I'll need to find the dates from the original dataset.
> 
> Agreed on all points.  I like the look of these types but 
> agree that a CVT for collection size would be a good idea.  
> Are you able to fix that?  I'm pretty sure we'd be happy to 
> promote it as soon as that's done.  Of course, we also need 
> to choose a domain name for it.  Any thoughts on /library?  
> Or should it go into some broader domain that also 
> encompasses other public services?

I think a broader domain is a good idea -- a domain with only two types is
barely a domain, and while we could add types (eventually) for non-public
libraries, I doubt there would be many more.  Some kind of public services
domain is probably a good idea; we could include information about fire and
police departments and probably other stuff. (Don't you have a fire
department schema somewhere, Al?)  I'm drawing a blank on good names,
though.

Jeff