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Finding Data: Find Data

Finding, interpreting, and managing data

Before Starting...

Ask yourself questions about the type of data you are looking for.

  • Do I want time series data (data that is measured over time) or not?]
  • What is my research area? Do I need a specific geographic coverage?
  • Am I looking for data on a specific population?
  • What format of data do I need? A .csv? A geospatial file?

Once you have determined the type of data you need, consider where this data may be found - who might collect this data? 

  • If you are looking for a data on a specific population, consider whether or not the government might collect this data.
  • If you are looking for geographical or historical data, consider what organization might also be interested in this information.

If you are interested in using somebody else's data set, make sure that you either have permission or that you are using a data set from an open access website.

Remember...

  • Raw data is unprocessed or unedited data.  
  • Data is a set of values of either quantitative or qualitative variables. Once data has been collected, it is cleaned up for analysis.

Data in Auraria Library Subscribed Databases

Data About Colorado

Open Access

Open access refers to online research that is freely accessible to everyone.  For finding data, check out any of these open access resources listed below: