Looking for statistical support? TMU Libraries now offers a statistical consulting service for researchers interested in learning more about navigating statistics and data analysis.
Launched in early 2024 as part of the Libraries’ Geospatial, Map and Data Centre (GMDC), the team has been enhancing services to specifically address increased requests for more in depth statistical research support.
Statistical Consultation and Learning Specialist, Bhaswati Mazumder joined the GMDC team in 2023, and works with Data Librarian, Kevin Manuel, Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) and Map Librarian, Dan Jakubek, and GIS Specialist, Noel Damba to support researchers and faculty with data and statistical components of research.
The past year has acted as a soft launch as the team worked to hone the service and support a number of different disciplines and faculties. “A lot of times we see researchers coming from non-quantitative backgrounds, who are dealing with data analysis and statistics for the first time,” says Mazumder, noting “it can be quite overwhelming for them.”
Now in full swing, researchers or faculty working on quantitative research projects at any stage, regardless of experience, can get support. “We can guide people through foundational resources for statistical learning, exploratory data analysis, data collection, organization, software selection, visualization, and overall approaches to data and statistical analysis,” says Mazumder.
To book an appointment, researchers fill out a form which asks them to specify their topic–as much as possible. The team then works to triage the type of support required in order to best direct researchers to the appropriate resources and contacts.
In addition to individual appointments, faculty can arrange guest talks, class visits, custom workshops, or information sessions.
While workshops and assistance are open to undergraduate students, the statistical consulting service provides more in-depth support for students and faculty involved in quantitative research.
“We can help students and faculty find the best learning resources, based on individual learning needs,” says Mazumder.
Learn more about about statistical consultation and the Geospatial, Map and Data Centre
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Geospatial, Map and Data Centre
TMU Libraries’ Geospatial, Map and Data Centre is located on the main floor (2nd floor) of the Library. It offers two computer labs with specialized software including: ArcGIS, QGIS, R, SPSS for mapping and statistical analysis.