PHILADELPHIA, PA — PolicyMap has launched PolicyMap for Public Library Patrons, a new platform designed to provide public library users with access to powerful data and mapping tools. The service includes hundreds of datasets covering topics like demographics, housing, economics, climate, health, and social determinants of health. Library patrons can now explore and visualize geographic data to support activities such as starting a business or investing in community projects.
The introduction of this tool comes as DemographicsNow, a similar data platform from Gale, is set to be discontinued after March 28, 2025. PolicyMap offers a more comprehensive range of data, allowing users to examine issues like economic trends, healthcare access, and environmental justice.
“Public libraries are continuously adapting to meet the diverse needs of their communities,” said Betsy Minnich, Library Outreach & Development Lead at PolicyMap. “Librarians play a crucial role in steering patrons to powerful online resources like PolicyMap, and library business information centers provide direct access to critical data and mapping tools. By exploring demographics, housing, workforce, and health data, patrons—small business owners, students, and community advocates—can make informed decisions, address local conditions, and better understand their communities. We are honored to partner with libraries in their mission to empower and inform.”
One of the first libraries to adopt the tool is The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County. According to Brigid Novak, Collection Access Manager, “We are pleased to offer PolicyMap for our patrons; we have had people who are interested in the regional real estate market and business demographics use the site. It has been a useful tool for both staff and patrons.”
The new service allows users to access the platform securely and intuitively, whether onsite at the library or remotely with a library card. Patrons can research topics such as housing affordability, economic trends, education performance, climate resilience, and healthcare outcomes, making library resources more impactful than ever.
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