Librarian
Gateways to Statistics
- Statistical Abstract of the United States This link opens in a new windowProbably the single most useful published collection of statistical information on virtually all aspects of life in the United States. And it usually directs you to the originally-published sources of data for more in-depth coverage.
Earlier editions also are available online from the Census Bureau. Printed copies (1878-2011) are available in the library's Reference collection.
- Statista1 million statistics from over 18,000 sources (including both national and international data) ranging from agriculture to media & marketing and consumer & demographic data; also includes company dossiers and Industry Reports
- ProQuest Statistical Insight This link opens in a new window
Contains references to tens of thousands of data sources from the U.S. Federal Government, U.S. state governments, international intergovernmental organizations, and private sector groups, such as trade and professional associations.
Datasets
- DatasetsW&L librarians have identified several dozen sources which contains datasets which can be useful for social science research by our students and faculty.
- Google Dataset SearchNew resource from Google (still "beta") collates thousands of online data sources and makes them searchable.
U.S. Federal Government
These are tools for finding information from the Congress and Executive agencies of the U.S. Federal Government.
- GovInfoOfficial Government Publishing Office database provides access to hundreds of thousands of Federal Government documents, dating back to the 18th century.
- U.S. Federal Government Watchdog AgenciesThese agencies of the U.S. Federal Government are considered reliable, non-partisan research resources, especially for analyses of government programs and policies.
- ProQuest Congressional This link opens in a new window
This is almost certainly the most comprehensive database of Congressional publications, some dating back as far as the late 1700's. Includes the complete texts of hearings and most other documents. An interesting sub-set of the database provides legislative histories. (Law Library subscription.)
Public Opinion Surveys
Here is a collection of public opinion sources available to W&L researchers.
Foreign Governments -- Worldwide
- List of Foreign GovernmentsHundreds of foreign government sites (Northwestern University).
- National Statistical OfficesLinks to the primary national statistical agencies for over 200 countries. Provided by the International Statistical Institute.
International Governmental Organizations
- Search International Governmental OrganizationsThis is a Google-based search engine which focuses on the contents of the Web sites of these 25 major international governmental organizations.
- List of International Governmental OrganizationsDozens of IGO's. (Northwestern university)