As part of our standard reference services, we assist patrons in finding and using statistical information, that is, data that has been summarized in some way, such as the tables in Statistical Abstracts. The additional data services described here refer to assisting patrons who require "raw" datasets not tabulated statistical information.
We strongly urge patrons with data needs to make an appointment in advance for a consultation.
Data Resources
Our department is the primary source for computer-based numeric and geospatial data resources in the Library. Most of these resources are produced by the Federal government or other non-commercial sources and are available to the general public as well as the UNH community.
Through our institutional membership in the Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research, we provide access to the members-only datasets in the ICPSR repository for UNH faculty, staff and students. These data can be ordered directly by setting up an ICPSR MyData Login account. Other datasets in the ICPSR repository are open to all. The Government Documents and Maps Librarian is UNH’s ICPSR Official Representative.
Data require use of specialized software. In some cases, the user must know how to use SPSS, SAS, ArcView, ArcGIS or other programs, many of which are available on Cluster computers; in others, we have purchased data that has its own user interface. Many government datasets are freely available online; some privately produced datasets in our collection are also available online; other datasets, particularly large geospatial datasets, may be on CD-ROM or DVD.
Locating Data
Staff members assist in locating datasets in our collection and on the web for use in research and in the classroom.
Our services involve helping patrons determine if a particular dataset may be potentially useful, but we do not provide help in manipulating or analyzing data.
Providing Access to Data
Our public-access workstations in the Data Center and the Map Room provide access to:
Other data accessible through the Library:
Check the Statistical Sources on the Library’s Database Page for both statistics and data sources. Some data may have use restrictions.
Data freely accessible anywhere:
Additional Federal government statistical and data sources are found in the library catalog and in the Government Information Department subject links. Many web sites contain both statistical tables and downloadable data. (examples include the U.S. Census, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and National Center for Health Statistics).
Purchasing or Acquiring Data:
We work with UNH faculty to obtain datasets for the library collection that will be of ongoing use in teaching or research. Faculty members should approach either their library liaison, the Collection Development Librarian or the Government Document and Map Librarian to initiate a request. Purchases are dependent on available funding, anticipated amount of use, and technical support required.
| Return to Government Resources Page | Last Updated December 12, 2007 |