Government Information Statistical Resources for COM 682

The U.S. Government is a major collector and producer of statistical information. This information is collected by these agencies because they are required to do so by the U.S. Congress in the form of statutory legislation. Purdue University Libraries own and provide access to many government statistical resources and to commercial reproduction of such governmental statistical resources. Print and microform versions of government statistical resources are most commonly found in the Humanities, Social Science, and Education (HSSE) Library and the Management and Economics (MEL) Library. This guide will provide links to federal government agencies producing statistical and policy information relevant to communications. In addition, this guide will also provide links to relevant Indiana state resources and international government organization resources.

Executive and Independent Federal Agency Resources

U.S. Census Bureau
Economic Census-Collected every five years for years ending in 7 and 2 (e.g. 2002 and 2007) this resource provides national, state, and county level information on U.S. economic activity in a variety of sectors.
Statistical Abstract of the United States-Published annually since 1878, this resource provides a gold mine of government and private sector statistical information. Paper copies of this resource are located in most Purdue Libraries.
Current Population Reports-These numbered series provide detailed demographic analysis of the U.S. population.
Current Industrial Reports-Provide detailed data on specific industrial sectors.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB)-Agency responsible for preparing the U.S. Government budget and administering federal statistical and information policy programs.
OMB Federal Statistical Policy Resources
Federal Communications Commission-Independent agency responsible for regulating U.S. broadcasting and telecommunications industries. Website features legal rulings, decisions, and industry analyses.
National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) Commerce Department agency concerned with promoting the growth of the U.S. telecommunications industry.
STAT-USA-Government database featuring access to a variety of federal domestic economic policy and international trade/economic information.
Lexis-Nexis Statistical (Purdue Users Only)-Commercial database providing access to international, federal, state, and private statistical resources.
U.S. Government Statistical Agencies

Congressional/Legislative Resources
The U.S. Congress and congressional support agencies also produce numerous statistical resources. Congressional committees are responsible for funding and conducting oversight of federal programs including statistical programs. These committees are also responsible for creating and approving new legislation in areas they have jurisdiction over.
Examples of relevant resources include:

GPO Access-Provides one stop access to the U.S. Government's major legal, legislative, and regulatory resources including publications such as the United States Code, Code of Federal Regulations, and Federal Register.
Government Accountability Office-Evaluates the performance of governmental programs for Congress.
Congressional Budget Office-Advises Congress on federal budget issues and programs. Prepares reports on the budgetary implementations of individual federal programs.
House Energy & Commerce Committee HSSE DOC Y 4.C 73/8 This committee's jurisdiction covers a variety of economic sectors including telecommunication. Its membership includes Rep. Steve Buyer (R-IN) and its ranking member and former chair Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) is a Purdue graduate.
House Judiciary Committee-HSSE DOC Y 4.J 89/1 This committee regulates numerous legal and criminal issues including copyright and intellectural property issues such as patents and trademarks. Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) is a member of this committee.
Senate Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee HSSE DOC Y 4.C 73/7 Conducts oversight of various federal programs including those affecting communications.
Senate Judiciary Committee HSSE DOC Y 4.J 89/2 Similiar jurisdiction fo House Judiciary Committee, but also is responsible for approving presidential nominations.
Congressional Internet Caucus-Organization seeking to advise Congress on Internet policy issues. Includes 170 members of Congress.

Judicial Resources
Lexis-Nexis Academic (Purdue Users Only)-Besides newspaper articles, this resource includes the full text of federal and state court opinions and full-text articles from 552 law journals.

Indiana State Resources
Indiana State Statistical Agencies
Indiana General Assembly-Features the text of bills, House and Senate Journals, and committee reports on legislation.
Indiana Code-Text of Indiana state laws.
Indiana Administrative Code-Features the text of regulations used to enforce state laws.

International Government Organizations
International Telecommunications Union-United Nations affiliated organization working to increase standardization and coperation among international telecommunication systems.
World Intellectual Property Organization-Organization concerned with developing international intellectual property protection and standardization.
United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)-United Nations affiliated organization seeking to promote what it sees as international peace, cooperation, and education.
Access UN (Purdue Users Only)-Commercial database providing access to United Nations information resources.

Other Useful Purdue Libraries Resources
Government Documents on Telecommunications-Features information on and links to various government telecommunication resources including some foreign government telecommunication agencies.
Government Documents on Economics
Foreign and International Government Statistical Agencies

Professor Bert Chapman
Govt. Information & Political Science Librarian
chapmanb@purdue.edu