HARRIS LIBRARY

Statistics provide an interpretation of data that has been collected and analyzed. Statistics are made available either in print or electronic format by various federal, state, local, and non-governmental sources. Increasingly statistics, particularly those that have been collected by government agencies, are available on the web. The following information will provide a starting point for finding statistics in the social sciences.

 

Keywords and Subject Headings

To find statistical sources using an online catalog, such as the Library Catalog, do a keyword search combining terms related to your topic with the word statistics. (For example:  alcoholism statistics, Hispanic statistics, substance abuse statistics, etc.).

Or do a subject search using Library of Congress subject headings in one of the following formats.

 Children -- Statistics
 Hispanic Americans -- Statistics 
 Older People -- United States -- Statistics 
 Social Services -- Statistical Methods
 Statistics
 United States -- Statistics

 

Web Sources

As stated earlier, government agencies are an excellent provider of statistics. The Government Information section of this website will lead you to a variety of government sites with statistical information. The Pathfinders will also point you to organizations doing research in your field that may provide you with data in specific subject areas. In addition, the following selected sites provide a good starting point for accessing statistics on the web. 

FEDSTATS
Access to statistical information produced by over 100 federal government agencies. Allows you to search by keyword or agency.

Statistical Abstract of the United States
This is the electronic version of this classic government publication. This title is also available thru the Case Research Databases.  The current (2007) edition is in Excel Spreadsheet Format and if you don't have Excel on your computer you can download the free Excel viewer available from Microsoft.  Earlier editions are  Adobe Acrobat PDF Files and you must have the Adobe Reader installed on your computer to view them.   (Last updated May 1, 2007.)

U.S. Census Bureau
Data collected from the Census 2000 and the 1990 census along with accompanying household surveys that supplement the census data. "Subjects A-Z" allows you to search for statistics by topic. Click here for a selected list of links to specific subsets of the U.S. Census Bureau website that provide information on specific populations or subject areas.

University of Michigan Library Documents Center
A guide to statistical resources on the web divided into subject areas such as demographics, education, foreign governments, health, and politics

Urban Institute State Database
This database is part of the Urban Institute's project titled "Assessing the New Federalism." It provides state statistical information on income security, health, child well-being, demographic, fiscal and political conditions, and social services.

 

Cleveland and Ohio Statistics

Local statistics are usually much more difficult to locate than those on the national level. Agencies may collect data on programs they manage or populations they serve, but unless that data needs to be reported to a government or licensing body, it will not often be published in a form that is easily accessible. The following selected sources provide access to some Cleveland area statistics, as well as the state of Ohio.

CANDO/VIN Databases
The Center on Urban Poverty and Community Development (formerly The Center on Urban Poverty and Social Change) of the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences has created two databases providing data at the neighborhood level for Cleveland and surrounding suburbs in Cuyahoga County:  The Cleveland Area Network on Data and Organizing (CANDO) and the Violence Information Network (VIN).

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Harris Library Print Resources

Following are a few print resources available in the Harris Library for finding statistics. Please click on the link to the public catalog for call numbers, locations and availability.

Darnay, A. J. (Ed.). (1994). Statistical record of older Americans.  Detroit, MI: Gale Research.

Dobrin, A. (1996). Statistical handbook on violence in America.   Phoenix: Oryx Press.

Ginsberg, L. H. (1995). Social work almanac  (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: NASW Press.

Manheimer, R. J. (Ed.). (1994). Older Americans almanac .  Detroit, MI: Gale Research.

Reddy, M. A. (Ed.). (1993). Statistical record of Hispanic Americans .  Detroit, MI: Gale Research.

Statistical abstract of the United States  (1997- ). Washington, DC: U. S. Bureau of the Census; Lanham, MD: Bernan Press.     Access the ELECTRONIC ONLINE VERSION. This title is also available through the Case Research Databases.

Statistical record of Black America  (3rd ed.).  (1995). Detroit, MI: Gale Research.  

Statistical record of children . (1994). Detroit, MI: Gale Research Inc.

Taeuber, C. M. (Ed.). (1996). Statistical handbook on women in America  (2nd ed.). Phoenix: Oryx Press.

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