Market segmentation is a methodology that uses many of the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics for an area to classify the area into one of a number of predefined market segments. The goal behind this segmentation is to aggregate the many residents of an area into groups in hopes of better targeting your services to those groups. For instance, if the population of an area is comprised of a large number of seniors, the market segments could include prosperous empty nesters, simple living, senior sun seekers, or retirement communities, to give an example of a few possible market segments.

Thanks to the generosity of Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), iMapLibraries is able to provide you with access to this type of data for YOUR library with their Tapestry product (more information). Such data sets are normally very costly. Both ESRI and iMapLibraries are very interested in your reaction to the potential utility of this information for improving public library services. Please provide us feedback on the usefulness of this product for your particular library by clicking on the feedback link after trying this product out.

Want to know more about the ESRI's Tapestry Segmentation? Click here to view a small pdf.