Ask Us - Meet with Us
Gateways to Data
These guides provide starting points for locating and downloading statistics and data. Visit these sites for areas of coverage.
- Surveys & Series By Topic (Wellesley College)Links by type and topic, including economics, education, health, polls, and more.
- Sources for Raw Data Sets (Grinnell College)Extensive resources, most openly available to public.
- Social Science Data Resources (Northwestern University)Resources arranged in many categories, organized by topic.
Major Statistical Databases
- General Social Survey (GSS) websiteGSS contains a standard 'core' of demographic, behavioral, and attitudinal questions, plus topics of special interest, covering 1972 to present. Use GSS Data Explorer to find data.
- Data.govThe gateway to statistics from U.S. federal agencies.
- Sage Data (formerly Data Planet) This link opens in a new windowProvides access to statistical data produced by U.S. Federal agencies, states, private organizations, and major intergovernmental organizations. Browse contents; search topics & variables; view data in side-by-side tables & charts. Includes interactive maps, trends & rankings. Export results to Excel, XML, etc.
- ICPSR Data Archive This link opens in a new windowInter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research provides data, documentation and links to related literature, which can be searched and downloaded by member institutions.
- Social Explorer 1790+ This link opens in a new windowEasy access to demographic information about the U.S. Off-campus users: first click in upper right corner - Professional Edition provided by Smith College - and create a personal account for full functionality.
- World Bank Data Catalog 1960+ This link opens in a new windowIncludes World Development Indicators, Global Development Finance, Africa Development Indicators, Education Statistics, etc.
- Ancestry (Library Edition) This link opens in a new windowCensus, vital, church, court & immigration records for the US & UK, plus material on other areas. Major components: US federal census 1790-1940 (incl. manuscript returns); historical maps; Social Security Death Index; etc.