Look for New, Improved State Data Center Web site in 2009

The State Library's State Data Center Web site will get a new look in 2009, thanks to funding received from the IOWAccess Revolving Fund in early January. 

Proposed enhancements to the site will make it easier for Iowa citizens to find, use, and visualize demographic data about Iowa. The changes are in response to requests made by State Data Center customers during focus groups conducted by the State Library. Participants in the focus groups said they loved the State Data Center's data and services, and would like to see more functionality on the Web site.

Planned new features will allow citizens to view data dynamically on the Web.  Data users will be able to choose among variables and geographic areas to create customized reports; sort and rank data; visualize trends in charts, graphs, and maps; and download results into spreadsheet, text, or database files.

The funding also will make it possible to replace the obsolete application that is currently used to manage the State Data Center Web site and provide training to the State Data Center staff on the new technology.

The vendor for the project will be selected by June 2008 and conversion of the current site at www.iowadatacenter.org is expected to be completed by July 2009.

The IOWAccess Revolving Fund was established to enhance citizen access to government services or information through technology. It is administered by the Iowa Department of Administrative Services.