The Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) library has added a new data and mapping platform to its digital resources, giving students and faculty expanded tools to analyze community trends, demographics and economic conditions.
PolicyMap, a web-based data analytics and geographic information system, is now available to the LMU community through the library’s Databases A–Z page. The platform draws from more than 150 data sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Small Business Administration, allowing users to create custom maps, reports and neighborhood profiles.
Unlike traditional statistics databases that present data primarily in tables or charts, PolicyMap layers information onto interactive maps. This approach allows users to visualize relationships, identify patterns and better understand how data connects across geographic areas.
The resource is expected to support coursework and research across multiple disciplines, including business, health sciences, social sciences and education. For example, users can combine population, income and consumer spending data to analyze market potential, or examine public health and socioeconomic trends across regions. Faculty members are already incorporating the platform into their teaching.
“My two cents: Great platform,” said Dr. Joshua Ray, who is teaching a doctoral course in entrepreneurship this semester. “The students are required to complete an ecosystem analysis for new venture creation, and I am pushing them toward PolicyMap as one of the sources. I am also encouraging the faculty to pull data for assignments and class examples.”
Dr. John McCook said he uses PolicyMap in his Ethics, Morals and Law doctoral course to help students better understand social issues through geographic context.
“It allows the student to ‘slice and dice’ a geographic area using multiple demographics to better understand and define issues,” McCook said. “It also serves as a good opening for deeper discussions.”
PolicyMap also provides built-in support through articles, video tutorials and weekly live online training sessions. In addition, LMU librarians are available to offer customized workshops and class sessions. Faculty interested in scheduling training can contact their department’s liaison librarian.
PolicyMap is available now and can be accessed by visiting library.lmunet.edu, selecting “Databases A–Z,” and navigating to the “P” section.
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@LMUnet.edu.
