Types of Sources: Government Data and Reports

Data is collected by the US Government and compiled into reports provide information.

Use this data and analysis:

• To discover new developments or findings from communities, economics, policy, science, and technical research before its publication in journals
• To see how the research in specific topic areas was approached from an historical perspective

Authors are: government employees often economists, statisticians, scientists, engineers, government contractors, or technical personnel.

Sources are: always cited with references and/or footnotes.

Articles are:Long and often have sections such as abstract and appendixes. Often includes tables, images, and charts. Information is in the public domain unless noted.

They have: no ads.

• Bureau of Economic Analysis 

  Find information on such issues as economic growth, regional economic development, inter-industry relationships, and the nation's position in the world economy.

• Bureau of Transportation Statistics 

  Presents data on all modes of transportation.

• Census Bureau 

  Extensive collection of statistical reports and data about U.S. people and economics.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

  Data and statistics categorized by topic. Page also provides links to additional sources of health data.

• Congressional Budget Office 

  The CBO provides the Congress with analyses to aid in economic and budgetary process. Reports may be searched or browsed by subject.

• Data.gov 

  Allows users to locate, download and utilize datasets generated by government agencies.

• USA.gov 

  Data and statistics by topic.

Due to the Freedom of Information Act many government projects, data and reports are available online.  However, they may not always be easy to find. Contact the library if you need help locating a report. 

A sample of links to information:

• Agricultural Statistics Annual 

  Offers statistics on agricultural production, supplies, consumption, facilities, costs, and returns.

• Annual Energy Review 

  Includes data on total energy production, consumption, and trade; overviews of petroleum, natural gas, coal, electricity, nuclear energy, renewable energy, as well as financial and environmental indicators.

• The CIA's World Fact Book 

  Provides information on the history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues for 267 world entities.

• Survey of Current Business 

  Presents the latest national, international, regional, and industry estimates. Each issue includes numerous tables and charts of various economic estimates.

• Treasury Bulletin 

  Presents data and narrative related to Treasury issues, federal financial operations, international statistics, liabilities, and financial commitments of the U.S. government.