The role of footnotes in a statistical metainforrnation system

Issue title: Statistical Metainformation Systems

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Silver, Mick^{; 1}

Affiliations: Cardiff Business School, University of Wales, Cardiff, Colum Drive, Cardiff CF1 3EU, UK

Note: [1] Acknowledgements are due to Martin Fessey for helping identify the need for a paper on this subject and for useful ideas, and to workshop members for helpful comments, the usual disclaimers applying.

Abstract: The concern of this paper is with the much neglected area of footnotes to statistical tables. The role of footnotes in a statistical metainformation system is outlined with particular emphasis being given to user (as opposed to producer) needs. Footnotes are placed within the user's information context and their role and form analysed. The analysis ia grounded in a study of the actual usage of footnotes in a major statistical publication and a functional taxonomy derived. The state of footnotes is argued to be in serious disarray. In spite of their obvious importance the subject is bereft of study. The responsibilities of Statistical Offices vis-à-vis their use is argued to require explicit guidelines as to good practice. The increasing availability of series in electronic form without conventional footnotes to warn of comparability problems may be considered irresponsible.

DOI: 10.3233/SJU-1993-10207

Journal: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 153-170, 1993