Social Science Data Services
Finding and Managing Data for Research

Data Services > Locating Data

See also: Data Research Process, Understanding Data Files, and Data Centers.

Locating Data

In Barton, the MIT Libraries' catalog:

• Under Advanced Search, select Search by Physical Format and limit your search to either CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs or Electronic Resources.
• Use keyword and subject terms such as: statistics and data, combined with your topic of interest.

In Vera, the MIT Libraries' listing of databases and e-journals:

• Browse the databases under Statistics.
• Some databases within subject areas may also have data and statistics.

In the Harvard-MIT Data Center:

• Browse among collections available to MIT.
• Search for datasets across multiple collections.
• Utilize the Subset/Analysis feature to explore datasets before downloading.

For finding statistical resources by subject:

• our page on finding data by subject
• Statistical Abstract of the United States
  Collection of statistics on social and economic conditions in the United States. Containing detailed source citations, also points to other data from a variety of Federal agencies and private organizations.
  Dewey Library - Stacks | HA202.A2 1878- (latest on Reference)
• Instat: International Statistics Sources: Subject Guide to Sources of International Comparative Statistics.
  Guide to resources on comparative statistics from governmental and non-governmental sources.
  Dewey Library - Reference Collection | HA155.I42 1995 v.1 & 2.
• Historical Statistics of the United States
  This database provides not only tables of historical data, but extensive accompanying documentation which points to sources of data on various subjects.

Conduct a literature review in your field and investigate the data sources that the researchers cite.