Data Resources

Consultation Support for handling data
The formats of data tables retrieved from the internet are sometimes difficult to work with. For help and guidance:
 * to access to these datasets,
 * to understand and work with different formats of the data,
 * and to learn software tools for manipulating such formats

Statistical Programming Support is one good starting point on campus.

If you plan to work with data that has spatial components in it (maps, addresses, collection points latitude and longitude) a terrific resource on campus is the GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Core Facility run by our campus’ Geography Department.

Another reference center to explore is the campus Main Library Reference Department’s Data Services.

Business students interested in recent financial/stock price data and portfolio management should visit the Zurack Trading Room (AAG10) at the School of Management.

Vendors and Online Repositories
Census

COMPUSTAT

CRSP, Center for Research in Security Prices

ICPSR, Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research

IPUMS, Integrated Public Use Microdata Series

U Chicago Federal Reserve Bank – Commercial Bank data

Local Data Documentation
Most researchers needing access to financial data will prefer working through the data services (browser-based access to CRSP and COMPUSTAT) administered through the Library and School of Management

Older documents that may be retrievable (from backups, upon request) from ITS services are: (links are not currently correct/up-to-date - --Rhansen 18:53, 7 August 2007 (EDT) ) Compustat Manuals (large, fragmented, Word format, available for on-campus download)


 * User manuals (BU only)


 * Technical Guides (BU only)

CRSP


 * User Guides


 * Sample Program Files (C and Fortran)


 * Accessing CRSP using SASECRSP (with sample SAS programs)