CHICAGO — “The Reference Guide to Data Sources,” published by ALA Editions, takes the guesswork out of locating the best sources of data, a process more important than ever as the data landscape grows increasingly cluttered. Much of the most frequently used data can be found free online, and this book shows readers how to look for it with the assistance of user-friendly tools. This thoroughly annotated guide by Julia Bauder will be a boon to library staff at public, high school, and academic libraries, as well as other research institutions, with concentrated coverage of:
- data sources for frequently researched subjects such as agriculture, the earth sciences, economics, energy, political science, transportation and many more;
- the basics of data reference along with an overview of the most useful sources, focusing on free online sources of reliable statistics like government agencies and NGOs;
- statistical datasets, and how to understand and make use of them;
- how to use article databases, WorldCat, and subject experts to find data;
- methods for citing data;
- survey Documentation and Analysis (SDA) software.
Bauder is the social studies and data services librarian at the Grinnell College Libraries in Grinnell, Iowa. Before becoming a librarian, she spent several years as a freelance writer and editor of reference books.
ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library professionals worldwide. ALA Editions publishes resources used worldwide by tens of thousands of library and information professionals to improve programs, build on best practices, develop leadership, and for personal professional development. ALA authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a growing range of print and electronic formats. Contact us at (800) 545-2433 ext. 5052 or editionsmarketing@ala.org.
Related Links
"The Reference Guide to Data Sources"
Contact:
Rob Christopher
Marketing Coordinator
American Library Association
ALA Publishing
rchristopher@ala.org312-280-5052
Featured News
January 13, 2025
American Library Association extends support to libraries affected by Los Angeles wildfires
The American Library Association extends our deepest sympathies to those who have been affected by and to those who have lost everything during the Los Angeles area fires.
December 16, 2024
Ten honorees receive prestigious I Love My Librarian Award for outstanding public service
The American Library Association (ALA) is thrilled to announce this year’s ten recipients of the coveted I Love My Librarian Award.
December 10, 2024
PLA provides funding to more than 100 public libraries as part of $2.7 million effort to boost digital literacy
The Public Library Association (PLA) has selected more than 139 public libraries across 42 states to host digital literacy workshops, powered by a generous $2.7 million contribution from AT&T.
December 9, 2024
The American Library Association Receives Transformational Gift to Fund Scholarships
James W. Lewis has made the largest individual bequest to the American Library Association in the association’s history.
December 5, 2024
Telgemeier, McCloud chosen as National Library Week honorary chairs
Award-winning author and illustrator Raina Telgemeier and cartoonist and comic theorist Scott McCloud have been selected Honorary Chairs of the American Library Association’s National Library Week, April 6-12, 2025.
November 14, 2024
American Library Association launches national search for executive director
The American Library Association (ALA) has reopened its search for an executive director in partnership with executive search firm Isaacson, Miller. The search will be led by a steering committee comprising ALA member leaders.
November 11, 2024
Cronk, Jamison, McCauley seek ALA presidency for 2026-2027
Lindsay Cronk, Tulane University, New Orleans; Andrea Jamison, Illinois State University; and Maria McCauley, Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge, Massachusetts, are candidates for the 2026-27 presidency of the American Library Association.
November 6, 2024
ALA vows to defend intellectual freedom and access to information against political threats
In response to results of the 2024 United States election, the American Library Association vowed to continue its defense of the core values of librarianship in the face of political threats.
October 16, 2024
American Library Association opens registration and launches Preliminary Program for 2025 LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience in Phoenix, AZ
LibLearnX is a four-day learning conference that invites ALA members and non-members to participate in collaborative and engaging education, networking, and celebrations.
September 23, 2024
American Library Association reveals preliminary data on 2024 book challenges
Between January 1 and August 31, 2024, ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 414 attempts to censor library materials and services.