The U.S. Census Bureau website is the traditional source for U.S. demographic data. American FactFinder is now the key to Census data and is the logical place to begin. Considerable population and labor force information may also be found on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website. An alternative site to search for federal demographic statistics is the FedStats website {may be slow}.
Another excellent place to find links to statistics on demographics and housing is at the University of Michigan's Documents Center.
The Search the Census Bureau page can be most helpful. Spend a few minutes becoming familiar with it.
Although aimed at genealogists, A Beginner's Guide to the U.S. Federal Censuses provides much interesting historical information.
There is a Council of Professional Associations on Federal Statistics that sometimes provides useful information on the state of federal statistics.
1. The Statistical Abstract of the United States is now available on the web. Create a reference query asking for census data and answer it with this version and compare it to the hard copy version. Comment thoughtfully.
2. A faculty member has heard of a United States Historical Census Data Browser. Create and execute a reasonably realistic sample search and then comment on the utility of this site.
3. You have been asked to speak at a local service club luncheon. The program topic is what the Census tells us about a changing United States. One of the questions you will be asked is what questions are asked in the population and housing census [U.S. Census Taking: Population and Housing Questions]. Prepare an outline for a 30 minute presentation. Can you find a brief summary of the most important findings of the most recent Census? Sources most useful in preparing a relatively short overview presentation?
4. You are helping a college student to answer the queries: (1) How many Latinos now live in your home state? (2) How many live in your county? Discuss your strategy and the answers.
5. A patron has found a reference to the State Data Center Program and wonders if there is a State Data Center in your state. What can you find out? If there is one, how visible is it, what services does it provide, and who may use it?
6. A patron needs a map of your federal Congressional District. Can you find a clear, printable map?
7. A colleague has found several references to TIGER files, but she doesn't really understand what they are. You may wish to look at library literature as well as that on government information. Provide an concise, informative overview and include three references to source material on the topic.
8. An information science student is doing a project involving the relatively new Blount County Public Library. She needs to identify Census Tracts that represent Maryville and Alcoa. After you have discovered the tracts, create a brief demographic profiles.
9. An information science faculty member is giving a lecture on Tennessee bookstores and needs statistical information. Which Census publications would be most useful? What information is available? How many bookstores are there in your state?
10. A genealogist wants to locate census information about Bakersfield, California in the late 19th Century. Step by step, indicate how you would proceed and what resources would be most useful?
11. A student in social work is interested in census information on child support and alimony in the United States. In particular, she is interested in doing some trend analysis. What census reports are available on this topic?
12. In what may be a bar room bet, a telephone reference question: how many homes in your county have in door plumbing? What can you find?
13. How many African-Americans live in poverty in Robeson County, North Carolina? You might begin with the U.S. Counties database. Where can you find it?
14. A student considering graduate study in Richmond, VA has questions about crime and violence in that city. Which sources are most useful? How many murders were there in Richmond in the most recent year where data is available? Visible trend?
15. A user wishes to compare sales tax revenue in Tennessee with that in Virginia. Is there a helpful Census publication that will answer this question?
16. You have been asked to order one of the Geolytics Census CDs. Why would you purchase this product when so much census information is available free? Can you find reviews for these products? You may wish to visit the GeoLytics WWW site.
17. The Census of Agriculture is now done by the USDA rather than the Census Bureau. Provide an overview of this Census with some consideration of audience and ease of use.
18. The Bureau of Economic Analysis provides much useful information, including access to country and metropolitan area economic statistics. Provide an introduction to BEA and evaluate its website re: audience and ease of use.
*19. American Factfinder is the key to current census information. If you had less than an hour to introduce this resource to undergraduates what would you include in your presentation?
20. What were the total sales of used car dealers in your County in 2002? [look at both employers and nonemployers].
21. In what industry would you find gambling cruises?
22. Which state had the highest receipts in legal services in 1997? [use Industry Statistics Sampler].
23. Use NAICS 62 in American Factfinder for all cities in your state to create a useful table.
Last major revision: August 2006
