Research Guides: ECON 111-01: Principles of Microeconomics (Swoboda): Finding Data

Brainstorming Sources

What are some organizations that might collect and/or publish data on your topic? Think in terms of the following categories:

Government agencies
Intergovernmental organizations
Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)
Think tanks
Academic research organizations
Philanthropic foundations
Business forums
Faith-based associations
Labor unions
Community groups

Search for numbers (and their sources)

Statistical Abstract of the United States This link opens in a new window
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This compendium of statistics produced by the U.S. government contains basic tables summarizing the vast amount of data collected by the government. Find a table here that is related to your topic and follow the cited source to identify which agency collects the data you need. Also available in print in the Ready Reference collection at C 3.134: 2012.
ProQuest Statistical Insight This link opens in a new window
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Search summaries of statistical publications, then link to the full-text of selected publications on Statistical Universe and government Web sites.
Sage Data This link opens in a new window
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(Searches through citations, subject indexing, and abstracts)
Creates interactive statistical tables, charts and maps from over 4.3 billion licensed and public domain datasets on many areas of research, from traffic to international trade.

More data compendia

Official Government Data

The Statistical Abstract is a good way to identify official data-gathering agencies. Keep in mind that state and local agencies might collect relevant data as well.

You might want to do a broad search of government agency web sites to see which agencies come up on your topic. I like Google's Government Search.

You can also always ask a librarian for suggestions.