We have an Entire Resource Guide Just about Data
The resources listed here are mostly pulled from our larger Finding Data and Visualizing Information guide.
Also, understand that different data sources are used in different fields, and, in Alden, different librarians know more about data in their areas.
- Chad Boeninger is the business data guru
- Hanna Schmillen knows a lot about health data sources
- Paul Campbell is the journalism librarian, so he's good at popular culture data and media use, for example
Subscription General Statistics Sources
- StatistaSTART HERE! STATISTA IS EASY TO USE.
Statista is a searchable collection of statistics that are available on the open web, with a focus on market data and opinion research. Keep in mind that Statista compiles the data, but does not create it. When you cite information from Statista, you should cite the creator of the data, not Statista. For example, this - Data Planet
Data Planet lets you search for and analyze data sets on a wide range of topics. Use the search box to find data on your topic, or browse the list of subjects on the left side of the page. - Simmons OneViewContains data on US adult consumers, including demographic information, products and brands used, income and education levels, media consumed and psychographic/behavioral characteristics, has pharmaceutical information as well as general lifestyle data (attends yoga, shops organically, etc.).
- Simply AnalyticsProvides data related to demographic, business, consumer expenditures, crime, health, and quality of life data from the state down to the local level. Allows users to create customized maps and reports with different variables.
- Simply Analytics: Chad'sVideosChad Boeninger, business librarian, has a series of how-to videos for Simply Map. Thanks, Chad!
- Census ReporterDrill down to demographics for each political district.
Subscriptions: Raw Data Sets for the Social Sciences
- Sociometrics (formerly Social Sciences Electronic Data Library)A searchable collection of data from more than 285 social science studies. The data is organized into 9 major research areas focused on health and social policy areas.
Web Sites
Pew Research Social & Demograhic TrendsThis Pew project conducts public opinion survey research and demographic research.
"We generate a foundation of facts that enriches the public dialogue and supports sound decision-making. We are nonprofit, nonpartisan and nonadvocacy. We value independence, objectivity, accuracy, rigor, humility, transparency and innovation."- Population Reference BureauNonprofit seeking to gather and share data to help solve social problems.
- Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR)
We do not have a subscription to ICSPR, but many of its data sets are open. The data provided by ICPSR are available to support research in the social sciences, including economics and finance, population studies, sociology, health care, education, politics and governmental studies.
U.S. Government
- US Census BureauSo. Much. Data.
- American Community SurveyPart of the Census Bureau.
- Behavioral Risk factor Surveillance System of the CDCOngoing nation-wide phone surveys of health-related risk behaviors. 1984-ongoing.