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Statistical Sources

For online statistical sources, go to the Free Internet Resources section of this subject guide.

Statistical Abstract of the United States

[Reference Desk] HA 202  catalog record

Online version at www.census.gov/statab/www/

The web site presents all information in PDF, so if you are on campus it may be easier to consult the book. The Statistical Abstract is the "standard summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the U.S."  Remember to look at the source of any given table, for you will regularly find more detailed information there.  

United States Census

[Government Documents Reference and Shelves] C 3.2 and onward

The Government Documents reference shelf has representative volumes from 1910 and forward. Even though most years of the decennial census are available online (look under Statistical Sources), the bureau has printed thousands of unusual census volumes, such as

Paupers in almshouses 1910 and Religious bodies: 1906.

County and City Data Book

[Main Library, Gov Docs] HA 202 .A36 and C 3.134/2:C 83/2/ catalog record

Online version at www.census.gov/statab/www/ccdb.html

For statistical information derived from the Census for other U.S. states and territories. Population by age, sex, and race, education, housing, personal income and earnings, accommodation, and more by county and by cities of over 25,000 people. 

 

Statistical Handbook on Women in America

[Reference] HQ 1420 .T34 1996  catalog record

In this Statistical Handbook, all the data come from the U.S. Census. Although you could go to the Census for this data, this volume provides a handy and more manageable resource when you want to focus on women. There are explanatory forwards and notes that help put the tables of numbers in context. 

Uniform Crime Reports for the United States

[Government Documents Reference] J 1.14/7:YEAR  catalog record

Online version: www.fbi.gov/ucr/ucr.htm.

Online you can get from 1995 to the most current (the year depends upon the source), and the print goes back to 1930. Includes crime in the U.S., Hate Crime Statistics, Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, and more.

Editor and Publisher Market Guide

[Reference] HF 5905. E38  catalog record

A self-described "directory of newspaper markets and demographics," this is really a place to look at statistics. It has market data for cities and communities that support daily papers. The data include population, age and ethnicity, education, cost of living, crime, retail sales, and even the kind of tap water that is used. If you need quick comparative data this is a nice place to check.

 

Statesman's Yearbook

[Reference] JA 51 .S7 2002 catalog record

Excellent place to come when you need international statistics. Part I: International Organizations includes the UN, NATO, OPEC, Amnesty International, and many more. Origin, aims and activities, finance, publications, and how these organizations are organized are all covered. Part II: Countries of the World offers information such as key historical events, territory and population, social statistics and institutions, government and political structure, resources, economy, industry, trade, communications, culture, diplomatic representatives, and suggestions for further reading. An incomparable and authoritative resource. 

Mississippi Official and Statistical Register 2004-2008 (Blue Book)

[Reference] J 87 .M74a 2004-2008  catalog record

Online version: http://www.sos.state.ms.us/ed_pubs/ed_pubs.asp

A Mississippi reporter's handbook to everything and everyone political. Explanatory and contact information for the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of Mississippi state and municipal government. Website also has a link to the FREE Mississippi Code look-up.

Mississippi Statistical Abstract

[Reference] HC 107 .M7 M46  catalog record

Data displays include tables, graphs, and charts. Tax structure, population, health, education, labor, manufacturing/trade, transport, communications, law/courts/crime, resources, housing/utilities, welfare, and more for the state of Mississippi.

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Biographical Sources

Who's Who series

[Reference and Main Library] DA 28 .W6 (British) catalog record; E 663 .W56 (American) catalog record

There are many different books bearing this title. The original Who's Who is British; Who's Who in America covers the U.S. Various Who's Whos include African Americans, Asian Americans, Women, Scientists, and many more. In order to find the Who's Who that will best suit your needs, do a keyword search in the UM library catalog with "Who's Who" and a word or two that describes your target group. The entries, unlike the other books listed above, are non-narrative; for example, Profession: broadcast journalist.

Encyclopedia of Twentieth Century Journalists

[Reference] PN 4871 .T34 1986  catalog record

Concentrates on post-WWII journalists. It covers all kinds of journalists, including photojournalists, and cartoonists from about 1945 to the mid-1980s. Entries are concise (about 3 per page on average) but informative.

Biographical Dictionary of American Newspaper Columnists

[Reference] PN 4871 .B57 1995  catalog record

Features 600 columnists from the Civil War era to the mid-1990s. The word "American" in the title means journalists who were published primarily in U.S. newspapers, and so includes some non-U.S. nationals.

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Directories

News and Newspapers Online

http://library.uncg.edu/news/

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro has put together this website of online newspaper presences throughout the world.  Arranged geographically, each regional list can be sorted alphabetically by title or location.  Far more thorough than Newslink, but limited to newspapers.

 

Newslink

http://newslink.org/

Similar to the UNC Greensboro site, but also includes sites for radio, TV, and virtual broadcasting networks.  Use option to search papers by type (campus, major metros) and radio stations by format (rock, urban, etc.).

 

Gale Directory of Publications and Broadcast Media

[Reference] Z 6951 .A97 catalog record

Five large volumes of contact and other information for all kinds of media. Gale says that "this premier media directory contains thousands of listings for radio and television stations and cable companies. Print media entries provide directory information plus key personnel, including feature editors. Broadcast media entries provide directory info, key personnel; owner information; hours of operation; networks carried and more." Truly comprehensive.

Editor and Publisher International Year Book

[Reference] PN 4700 .E42 catalog record

Three parts comprise this exhaustive newspaper contact information directory. Part 1 contains international, college, and special service (trade) daily newspapers. Part 2 covers weekly papers, including shoppers, alternatives, ethnic papers, religious publications, papers aimed at seniors, and more. Part 3 is a personnel contact directory that has not only U.S. and Canadian newspapers and newsgroups information, but also syndicates and news services contacts.

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Free Internet Resources

Statistical Sites

American FactFinder

http://factfinder.census.gov/home/saff/main.html?_lang=en

American FactFinder is your gateway to Census data for 1990 and 2000. The interface is user-friendly and has many excellent features. Geographic comparison tables, thematic and reference maps, as well as more detailed data sets, such as 2005 population estimates, the Economic Census (taken every 5 years), and the American Community Survey.

 

United States Historical Census Data Browser

http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/census/

The Geospatial and Statistical Data Center at UVA provides this site of population and economic data from 1790 to 1960.  Depending on the year, the data vary in category and whether the collection was at the level of the household or the individual.  Geographic info by nation, state, and county level has a terrific mapping feature that must be seen to be believed!

 

FirstGov

http://www.firstgov.gov

Gateway to government (federal, state, and local) information on the weblinks to Bureaus of Statistics for labor, justice, economics, etc., and contact info.  Also has a library of free email alerts, podcasts, and RSS feeds from the U.S. government.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

http://stats.bls.gov/

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, foreign labor stats, import/export prices, on-the-job injuries, and productivity information are provided along with employment and unemployment facts and figures.

The State Data Center of Mississippi

http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/sdc/

Contains Census data from 2000.  A good place to find special data sets on Mississippi alone.   Also has demographics on FEMA designated counties in MS, AL, and LA after Hurricane Katrina.

United Nations InfoNation

http://www.cyberschoolbus.un.org/infonation/info.asp

At this site, you can compare up to five UN member countries in the areas of the economy, environment, health, and technology as well as general population information. The data display in easy-to-read bar graphs.

CIA World Factbook

http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html

Need a quick fact or two on any country? The CIA supplies information on population, industry, the military, political organization, the economy, transportation, and more.  Includes maps and definitions of data terms.

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Non-Statistical Sites

American Press Institute

API is "the oldest and largest center devoted solely to training and professional development for the news industry and journalism educators."  Excellent place for finding expert sources and locating both residential and online seminars.  See tabs across top of website for these partner sites:

Journalist's Toolbox (see description below)

BusinessJournalism.org - research & training for biz journalists

Learning Newsroom -tests concepts re: sustained learning in newsroom

Newspaper Next - researches new business models for newspapers

 

American Society of Magazine Editors

http://www.magazine.org/Editorial/

Publishers of the Best American Magazine Writing annual series.

 

American Society of Newspaper Editors

http://www.asne.org/index.cfm

"A membership organization for daily newspaper editors, people who serve the editorial needs of daily newspapers and certain distinguished individuals who have worked on behalf of editors through the years."  In addition to being an idea-sharing and networking membership, they lead projects on diversity, credibility, and readership.  Winning articles from their annual contest are published in Best Newspaper Writing.

 

American Women in Radio/TV

"a non-profit, professional organization of women and men who work in the electronic media and allied fields" (website)

 

Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication

http://www.aejmc.org/

"a non-profit, educational association of journalism and mass communication faculty, students, administrators, and media professionals."  (website) Examines teaching pedagogy and content in graduate and undergraduate programs, and publishes numerous journals, directories and reports.

 

Broadcast Education Association

http://www.beaweb.org/

"the professional association for professors, industry professionals and graduate students who are interested in teaching and research related to electronic media and multimedia enterprises." (website)

 

Center for Media and Public Affairs

http://www.cmpa.com

"The Center for Media and Public Affairs (CMPA) is a nonpartisan research and educational organization which conducts scientific studies of the news and entertainment media." (website)  Contains studies of major network news, elections, entertainment media, and an unusual, amusing archive of political humor.

 

College Media Advisers

http://www.collegemedia.org/

"working since 1954 to help student media professionals improve their media operations...CMA communicates and works with professional media organizations and education associations on the local, state, and national levels." (website)

 

College Newspaper Business & Advertising Managers, Inc.

http://www.cnbam.org/

Professional organization for students and managers working in a student newspaper environment; offers training and professional development seminars each spring. 

Ole Miss is a CNBAM member school.

 

Collegiate Broadcasters, Inc. (CBI)

http://www.collegebroadcasters.org/

Mission: "The Association represents students involved in radio, television, webcasting and other related media ventures; ensures a commitment to education and the student pursuit of excellence through active involvement in electronic media; promotes cooperative efforts between the Association and other national, regional, and state media organizations; facilitates the discussion of issues related to student-operated electronic media; and other community oriented programs." (website)

 

Finding and Using Public Records

http://www.ala.org/brassmainTemplate.cfm?Section=BRASS

See "Public Libraries Briefcase"

Written by members of the Business Reference and Services Section of the American Library Association, this publication is intended to help researchers mine business data from publicly obtainable information.  It defines public, personal, and private records, their accessibility, the types of records containing business data, and numerous websites with descriptions of the information available therein.

Freedom Forum

http://www.freedomforum.org/

"The Freedom Forum, based in Arlington, Va., is a nonpartisan foundation dedicated to free press, free speech and free spirit for all people. The foundation focuses on three priorities: the Newseum, the First Amendment and newsroom diversity." The Newseum, in addition to being an interactive museum under construction in Washington, D.C., is also a website full of online exhibits, such as daily front pages from 46 countries, editorial cartoon collections, and "War Stories," to name a few.

Investigative Reporters and Editors

http://www.ire.org/

Hosted by the University of Missouri School of Journalism.  "IRE provides educational services to reporters, editors and others interested in investigative journalism and works to maintain high professional standards." (website)

 

Institute for Public Accuracy

http://www.accuracy.org

"As a nationwide consortium of policy researchers, the Institute for Public Accuracy seeks to broaden public discourse by gaining media access for those whose perspectives are commonly drowned out by corporate-backed think tanks and other influential institutions." This is an excellent resource for thoughtful articles on current topics with an alternative viewpoint.

 

Journalist's Toolbox

http://www.journaliststoolbox..com/

Learn how to do research online, find information on .com/

Learn how to do research online, find information on editing and fact-checking resources, discover how to accurately write about statistics, browse current news, view teaching and reporting techniques, and more.

Kappa Tau Alpha

College honor society that recognizes academic excellence and promotes scholarship in journalism and Mass Communication.

McGraw-Hill Newspaper Designer's Handbook, 5th ed.

http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072407611/student_view0/

What is a dingbat? Ever wish there was a checklist you could use to see what your newspaper may be lacking? This online handbook comes complete with glossary, checklists, chapter outlines, exercises, flashcards, and instructional crossword puzzles to test your knowledge.  DON'T pass over the "Recommended Links,"  which leads you to outstanding examples of online newspaper finesse.

Mr. Magazine

http://www.mrmagazine.com/

Dr. Samir Husni of UM's journalism department maintains this informative site. He details new magazine titles regularly, has a list of frequently asked questions and advice, and supplies an archive so that you can see which magazines have debuted over the past year or so. A helpful site for magazine journalists!

 

National Association of Black Journalists

Founded in 1975, it is the largest organization of journalists of color in the nation.  In addition to providing programs and services, NABJ is an advocate for black journalists worldwide.

New Media Curriculum Web Page (N.A. edition)

"a collection of ideas, action plans and links for educators grappling with the challenge of incorporating new media technology, philosophy, and practice into an already overloaded curriculum."

 

Poynter Institute

http://www.poynter.org

News Research bibliography (recommended by Dr. Wickham)

Media Ethics bibliography

Computer Assisted Reporting bibliography

The Poynter Institute's web site is one of the best journalist's resources on the Internet. Sections include Centerpiece (current general and journalism-specific news stories), online discussions [e.g., What do you think of Google News?], job market info, notices about upcoming conferences, ethics essays, photojournalism, diversity, research and writing, design/graphics, the Nelson journalism search engine (search 221 journalism web sites), and finally, Poynter's great print and electronic bibliographies--three of the most interesting are linked above.

Public Records Online

http://www.netronline.com/public_records.htm

"...an information portal to official state websites, and those Tax Assessors' and Recorders' offices that have developed websites for the retrieval of available public records over the internet. Public records information that you may find includes copies of deeds, parcel maps, GIS maps, tax data, ownership information and indexes, and will vary to the extent that the particular office has developed their site..." Where no data is available, homepages or phone numbers are provided.

Public Relations Association of Mississippi

Network of professionals  working in Public Relations in advertising and PR agencies, corporations, non-profits, government, education, etc., in the state of Mississippi.  See Local contact information here.

Radio-Television News Directors Association

"World's largest professional organization devoted exclusively to electronic journalism...its purpose was to set standards of news gathering and reporting."

 

Southeastern Journalism Conference

http://www.students.emory.edu/sejc/

Look for Ole Miss journalists in SEJC's annual "Best of the South Contest!"

 

Society of Professional Journalists

http://www.spj.org/

Society for journalists, educators, and students.  Publishes The Quill, has a job bank, writing and training institutes, a legal defense fund, and supports Freedom of Information requests and open records.  Link here to the Ole Miss chapter: Local SPJ Chapter

 

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