Reference at Newman Library

Tag: Statistical Abstract

New Interface for Statistical Abstract of the U.S.

On June 1, ProQuest will switch to a new interface for the Statistical Abstract of the U.S. According to ProQuest’s announcement, we can expect the following changes:

  • Responsive design providing a smooth experience on any device from laptop to mobile

  • A cleaner and more readable interface for a faster, more enjoyable experience with better in-line preview for tables and an improved document view experience

  • A reorganized screen with the more heavily used features easier to find and use

  • Enhanced after-search experience leaving the entire left side navigation for filtering and refining results, and putting the Table of Contents up near the search box

New Database: Statistical Abstract of the United States

We just updated the link on our databases page that is for the Statistical Abstract of the United States. Previously, this link connected to the free version that stopped being published last year. Now, that link goes to an updated version of the publication from ProQuest.

One thing that students may find especially helpful about this version is the inclusion of MLA and APA citations for each table (scroll to the bottom of the table to find these).

 

Trial: Statistical Abstract of the United States

Proquest is now offering the Statistical Abstract of the United States in electronic format.

The online ProQuest Statistical Abstract of the U.S. includes monthly updates to tables, deep searching at the line-item level, powerful facets for narrowing search results, image and spreadsheet versions of all current and historical tables, along with links to provider sites.

Proquest has published a LibGuide with searching and other information that might be useful as you evaluate this databases.

 

I am very interested in any feedback you may have. Please fill out our new form, leave a comment below or email me directly.

 

Trial to Two Statistics Databases from ProQuest

The trial to Statistical Insight and Statistical DataSets lasts only until December 15, so we’ll need to gather feedback fast. Please add your thoughts as a comment on this post or email Mike Waldman.

Statistical Insight includes the Statistical Abstract of the United States as well as thousands of other sources. ProQuest says that Statistical DataSets:

includes interactive data, such as EASI Demographical data, so students can easily search and retrieve detailed statistics, such as data for every zip code in the country. Plus, they can customize charts or tables to their needs, and easily drop them into a paper or PowerPoint presentation. Half of the data in Statistical DataSets is not on the open Web because it is licensed content or because the entire dataset is too large for standard web navigation.

With the trial, we were only given one URL to use for both products. If you select either database from the Database page in the library website, you are taken to the Statistical Insight database. If you want to get to Statistical DataSets, you’ll need to select it from the drop-down menu that says “Related Subscriptions.”

For an overview from ProQuest about these two databases, see the ProQuest LibGuide page for them or check out the company’s video overviews on YouTube.

Statistical Abstract Discontinued?

One of the librarians on the MAPS-L Listserv posted a response to a question he had sent to the US Census Bureau regarding the fate of the Statistical Abstract. It doesn’t look good, unless Congress acts to re-instate it. This is the response from the Branch Chief, Statistical Compendia Branch, ACSD US Census Bureau:

“The President’s FY 2012 Budget terminates the Statistical Abstract including all of its components. The statistical compendia branch program consists of the Statistical Abstract of the United States and its supplemental products: USA Counties, State and Metropolitan Area Data Book, County and City Data Book, State and County Quick Facts, and MapStats.

Given the current budget environment , the Census Bureau made difficult choices to terminate and reduce a number of existing programs in order to acquire funds for higher priority programs.

Final decisions about the FY 2012 budget are the responsibility of the Congress”