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Government Information Resources

Find print and electronic resources, including websites, from the U.S. government

Importance of Government Data & Statistics

variety of media types represented by a smartphoneGovernment agencies and departments generate a wide array of data and statistics covering various aspects of society, the economy, public services, the environment, and more. The data and statistics are the result of studies conducted by experts at these various agencies and departments who have specialized knowledge in their organization's area. Academic research in various disciplines often rely on these data or statistics as part of their analyses. A few example cases where you might want to use data or statistics in your research include:

  • Education: using statistics from the Department of Education to study educational outcomes.
  • Environmental Science: utilizing data from the Environmental Protection Agency to evaluate the impact of humans on air quality.
  • Business: analyzing data from the Census Bureau to study consumer demographics in a specific region.

By using government data or statistics, you are supporting your research with reliable and authoritative information.

Data and Statistics Resources

The following websites and databases are a good place to start your search for government data and statistics. This is not an exhaustive list, but is instead intended to give you the most helpful resources that cover the widest range of topics or that are the most commonly used. If you do not find the information you're looking for, consider which government agency or department would be most likely to research your topic and search their website directly.