dataSource

The data source object to which the ListBox is bound:

<div id="listbox" ></div>

<script type="text/javascript">
    $(function () {
        $("#listbox").shieldListBox({
            dataSource: {
			    data: countries
		    },
            textTemplate: "{name}",
            valueTempate: "{id}"
        });

        // returns the dataSource to which the ListBox is bound
        var dataSource = $("#listbox").swidget().dataSource;
    });
</script>