Library Contact
Catherine Morse
she/her
Contact:
Government Information, Law and Political Science Librarian
Clark Library
Hatcher Graduate Library 2 South
Clark Library
Hatcher Graduate Library 2 South
734-936-2333
The Reference Guide to Data Sources
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The Reference Guide to Data Sources
by
ISBN: 9780838912270Publication Date: 2014-06-01This guide is designed to help you find sources for statistics on a variety of topics
Tips for Finding and Using Data
- When searching for data, think about who would collect this data. Social Scientists? Government?
- Pay attention to the data sources used in books and articles from your literature review.
- Did the authors deposit their research data?
- Even if they don't share their research data authors should cite the data they used, make use of those citations
- When you find a relevant data set, learn as much as you can about it.
- Read the codebook
- Read publications that used that data set and note how those researchers used the data
- Cite the data set!
Finding Census Data
Learn more about census data from the U.S. Census and Demographic Information Research Guide
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Social ExplorerLibrary subscription database that provides census data back to 1790. Also has some health, religion and crime data. No need to create a personal account--it's optional.
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data.census.govCensus Bureau's freely available data portal. It contains data for the most recent 2 decennial censuses as well as the American Community Survey.
To search by address and identify tract numbers use the Census Geocoder
Look up Census terminology in the Census Glossary
Statista-For current statistics
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StatistaA portal for current statistics from private and government sources on wide range of topics including technology, health, public opinion, and market research.
Sage Data
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Sage DataCreate tables, charts and maps with wide range of variables using data from governments and private organizations. Subjects include health, crime, population, finance, industry, and marketing.
MiSchool Data--For Data on Schools in Michigan
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MiSchool DataFrom the Michigan Department of Education. Provides statistics like drop outs and test scores for individual schools and districts
Sage Data--For creating time series
The United States government produces a large amount of data. A list of agencies that compile statistics can be found here
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Sage DataProvides access to statistical information produced by U.S. Federal agencies, private companies, and intergovernmental organizations. Create maps and reports from data you select from over 640 datasets. Subjects include health, crime, population, finance, industry, and marketing.
Health Data for Local Communities
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Michigan Department of Health & Human ServicesReports and statistics at the county level
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Directory of Local Health DepartmentsFind other health departments
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Washtenaw County Health DepartmentClick on the Data & Publications link at the top of the page.
ProQuest Statistical Insight--For Finding Statistics Buried in Publications
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ProQuest Statistical InsightIndexes and abstracts statistical publications from international, US and state governments and businesses
Last Updated: Nov 4, 2025 2:56 PM