Reconceptualizing Statistical Abstracts in the 21st Century: An Empirical Study of the Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics

Statistical abstracts have always formed a core source of statistical information for a wide variety of users. The increasing technological capabilities of online media has led to an interest in understanding how statistical abstracts might be adapted or transformed in the age of the Web. This paper reports on a study in which the Delphi technique was used to develop a consensus among a set of experts on the future of one particular abstract: Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics. Participant input was used to generate a mission statement for the Sourcebook and a prioritized list of requirements for accomplishing the mission. The findings indicate a continuing role for the statistical abstract but one that can better utilize technologies to create more personalized statistical displays as well as enhanced access to additional sources. Acknowledgements: This study was funded by the United States Bureau of Justice Statistics