Data Access
Categories of Data Access: Accessing data from a third-party source usually falls into one of two categories: Free Data & Cost-Based Data
Free to Access Data
This type of data is often collected by governments or NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) focused on specific topics. Think of it as openly accessible info that anyone can access without paying a dime.
Examples:
Demographic Data: The U.S. Census Bureau provides a wealth of free data about the population, such as age, race, and housing.
Health Data: The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) offers free public health data, including information on diseases and health behaviors.
Environmental Data: The USGS (United States Geological Survey) shares data on earthquakes, water quality, and more.
Quick Tips for Finding Public Data:
What to Do: Start by conducting a Google search with keywords like "data," "data repository," or "data set" to find relevant information. Evaluate the credibility of potential sources using data hallmarks and look for citations or references to ensure the information is reliable. Since public data repositories can be highly specialized, it’s a good idea to reach out to your course instructor or librarian for personalized recommendations and support.
Example: If you’re looking for data on student mental health, searching "student mental health dataset" might lead you to repositories like the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Verify the credibility of the dataset by ensuring it includes proper citations and is sourced from a reputable organization. Your librarian or course instructor can help you navigate through various public repositories to find the most accurate and relevant data.
Cost-Based Data
Cost-Based Data: This data is typically collected by private companies or specialized organizations and requires payment to access. It's like subscribing to a premium service for exclusive content.
Examples:
Market Research: Companies like Nielsen provide detailed consumer behavior data that businesses pay for to understand market trends.
Financial Data: Bloomberg offers financial data and analytics for professionals, but access requires a subscription.
Academic Journals: Many academic papers and their associated datasets are behind paywalls, requiring institutions or individuals to purchase access or subscriptions.
Data at JMU
Finding Proprietary Data at JMU
JMU Libraries subscribe to databases with proprietary data, offering more in-depth resources.
Steps to Find Proprietary Data:
Start with Guides: Check your subject research guide or class-specific course guide.
Browse Statistics/Datasets: JMU Libraries’ listing of statistics and dataset databases is a goldmine.
To find these resources, go to the Libraries’ homepage, click on "Databases," and select "Statistics/Datasets" from the dropdown menu.
