LAPOP Frequently Asked Questions address common inquiries about accessing and using AmericasBarometer datasets, developed by Vanderbilt University’s Latin American Public Opinion Project. Spanning over 34 countries since 2004, these datasets empower researchers, policymakers, and educators to study public opinion, democracy, and governance. Below, find answers to guide your use of the Annual Subscription or Data Repository License. For additional support, visit our Contact Us page.
How can I access licensed LAPOP datasets?
Institutional users choose between two methods for accessing both Annual Subscription and Data Repository License datasets: IP authentication, preferred for multi-user access via institutional networks, or username/password login, offering unlimited simultaneous users. Both are restricted to authorized users with no third-party distribution permitted. Credentials for username/password access expire upon license termination. For details, see our access instructions.
What are the requirements for IP authentication?
IP authentication allows multi-user access via your institution’s fixed IP addresses or ranges, ideal for university networks linking to the AmericasBarometer database. Anyone within the specified range can access the data. Requirements include:
- Use CIDR format (e.g., 192.168.0.0/24), spanning the full fourth octet unless a single address. Partial ranges (e.g., 192.168.0.0-17 to 192.168.0.29-255) are not accepted.
- No dial-up or home broadband; requires a static gateway, preferably with an institutional website/intranet.
What formatting is required for IP addresses or ranges?
Ensure proper formatting for IP submissions to access AmericasBarometer datasets:
- Use CIDR notation for ranges (e.g., 192.168.0.0/24), one per line, except for single addresses.
- Span the full fourth octet unless your institution doesn’t own the range.
- Avoid listing individual addresses for ranges; use CIDR format instead.
How can I send IP addresses or ranges to LAPOP?
For new licenses, include IP ranges in the checkout “Order Comments” section. Alternatively, submit them via our Contact Us form. Existing licensees can update or add IP ranges through the same process, ensuring CIDR format and full fourth octet compliance.
How can I update or add IP addresses for my institution?
Existing licensees can submit updated or additional IP ranges via our Contact Us form, ensuring CIDR format with one range per line and full fourth octet compliance, unless for a single address.
How can I request to set up username/password login access to LAPOP?
For username/password access, submit a list of authorized users, including full name and valid email address for each (email serves as username), to rubi.e.arana@vanderbilt.edu. Each user receives a confirmation email with their password and instructions for accessing the data.
What is the contact information for the LAPOP technical/research team?
For technical or research inquiries about LAPOP datasets, contact the team at rubi.e.arana@vanderbilt.edu, by phone at (615) 322-4033, or by fax at (615) 343-6003. For purchase or license inquiries, use our Contact Us form.