Introduction to Census Research
Introduction to Census Research
When using Census data, it is important to have a firm grasp on what it is you want to accomplish through your research. To simply explore what information is available, the U.S. Census Bureau provides a broad yet strong explanation. Before you begin searching for particular data, determine the following factors:
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Desired format of the data
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Time period
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Aggregated data versus information on individuals
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Comparing multiple locations to each other versus comparing multiple characteristics of one location
Once you have specific questions in mind, the descriptions of the resources included in this guide should be able to point you in the right direction.
Print (and microfilm) materials available at IU Libraries
Print (and microfilm) materials available at IU Libraries
Census materials are located in Wells Library, on the 2nd Floor of East Tower, within Government Information, Maps, and Microform Services.
Decennial Census: The data collected across the United States population every 10 years. The information collected from the 2010 Decennial Census is also available online. IU's collection includes the microfilm editions of the U.S. Decennial Census Publications 1790-1970.
The Economic Census is taken every 5 years and measures American business and economy. Please note that not every industry is included in this census. The U.S. Census Bureau gives a thorough overview of these industries.
Census reference books located in Wells Library:
IUCAT Search
Electronic resources available through IU Libraries
Electronic resources available through IU Libraries
- Historical Statistics of the United States
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Directs users to quantitative facts and statistics on American history. Users can download existing tables, create custom tables, and use advanced searching options to find completely revised and cross-referenced information. - ICPSR
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ICPSR (Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research) supplies the numeric raw data from a variety of sources, including survey research, censuses, and administrative records. PLEASE NOTE: User must create an account while on campus before they can access ICPSR while off campus. Please click "more" for additional details. - ProQuest Statistical Insight
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Access to statistical content information produced by U.S. federal agencies, states, private organizations, and major intergovernmental organizations. Includes tables, statistical reports, publication abstracts, and datasets. Results are ranked by relevance. Faceted search results can then be filtered by document type, source, date published, geographic area, and more. - International Historical Statistics
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International Historical Statistics is collection of statistical data on the Americas, Europe, and Africa, Asia and Oceania covers the years 1750-2010. - SimplyAnalytics
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Web-based mapping application that lets users create professional-quality thematic maps and reports using demographic, business, and marketing data. PLEASE NOTE: Users may "sign in as guest," or register for an individual account if they would like to save their work.
- Indiana MapGIS atlas for Indiana. Over 250 layers of geographic and geologic information users can work with to create maps based on Indiana’s population, demographics, transportation, hydrology, biology, geology, and environment.
- Social Explorer
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Provides access to data maps, profile reports, demographic data, and data elements and variables. Includes interactive tools that allow users to create and share maps, presentations and tables, or compare and analyze data.
OneSearch@IU: A Great Starting Place
OneSearch@IU searches most of the Libraries' databases. It is a great place to start your research.
Direct access at: libraries.indiana.edu/databases/onesearch
More databases can be found on the Libraries homepage under the "Research" tab or the "Featured Databases" located at the bottom of the page.
Open U.S. Government Data
Open U.S. Government Data
- Census.gov
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The home of the U.S. Census Bureau data. Find census and survey data, as well as infographics, a thorough look into the workings of the Census Bureau, and links to much more. The best place to start broad Census research.
- Data.govProvides a focused look at the census and survey data found on a specific community. Includes data related to population, income, geography, and more from the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Island Areas. Site replaces American FactFinder and DataFerret, both of which have been decomissioned.
- QuickFactsJust as it sounds, gives easy access to statistics and data from various censuses, surveys, and estimates across the United States.
Local resources
Local Resources
- STATS Indiana
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Statistical data on Indiana, including census and population data, economic and labor reports, and county profiles. - Monroe County Public Library Catalog
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The catalog of the holdings at Monroe County Public Library, Bloomington, Indiana. MCPL also has an Indiana Room.
- Monroe County History Center"[P]reserves, researches, interprets and presents the genealogy, history and artifacts of Monroe County, Indiana and provides an accessible learning environment for all to enjoy. "
Information on individuals
Information on Individuals
- Ancestry Library Edition
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Popular consumer online genealogy resource that includes birth, death, and marriage records as well as searchable manuscript census records for the U.S. 1790-1930. Similar records are also available for the U.K., Germany, and a few other countries. Only works with the latest versions of Firefox, Chrome, and Safari browsers.
Further Reference
Further Reference
- Census AcademyFree courses from the U.S. Census to help researchers use census data.
- FDLP Academy: Webinars and WebcastsSeveral census-related webcasts are among the offerings of the FDLP Academy.
Questions?
