How to get datasets:

1. Download from a website to your computer.

The best way to get datasets is to download them directly from an online data archive to your computer. MU faculty, staff and students may download datasets directly from ICPSR and also from the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research (see menu links in navigation box on the left). There is no limit to the number of files you may download. There are also many more sources for data on the internet, some of which are available for free download.

2. Check out a CD-ROM from MU Libraries

Ellis Library has a small collection of data on CD-ROM format, for example, the General Social Survey. We also have CDs issued by federal statistical agencies, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the National Center for Education Statistics, the Census Bureau, and more.  Older CDs may not work in modern computers, and the better bet is to see if the data is available for download from a website. Browse our data CDs on the open shelves, or find them through the MERLIN Catalog.