##Variables
#Dependent Variable
The dependent variables I’ll be measuring in my research are the statewide library use indicators. These variables include library KPIs like registered users per capita, visits per capita, and the total circulation per capita. I specifically chose per capita metrics in order to better control for the large differences in populations, both of citizens and libraries, amogst the states.
#Indepedent Variable
I’ll be using the economic metrics as my independent variables. I aim to see if economic conditions affect the availability and use of library services. Some of the economic metrics supplied by the IMLS datasets that I think might be related most significanty to my dependent varfiables are the states’ poverty rates and their percent of population with no access to internet at home.
##Hypotheses
#Hypthesis
My central hypothesis is that states with better economic metrics will have better library services and usage indicators. I believe this will be the case due to the intuitive notion that more economically well-off states can better fund their library systems and the libraries’ programming. I also expect that better funded libraries will correlate with higher rates of usage by the public, and conversely less-well funded libraries will have lower rates of usage by the public.
#Null Hypothesis
The economic condition of a state has no influence on its citizens use of their library services.
#Alternative Hypthesis
Citizens in states with worse economic metrics will make use of their libraries’ services more. This hypothesis is counterintuitive, but might be the case if citizen populations in more economically distressed states lean on library programs like free community internet and entertainment media.