Finding data and journal articles –

Economics M.Sc. Databases session

• Information and online guides on the Library website

• Library drop-ins in Room S 0.95 on Tuesdays from 10 – 12 noon, beginning on Tuesday 24th October

• More support at dissertation time…

• Contact your academic support librarian for help by e-mail or an appointment

How can the Library help you?

• Advise on relevant sources for your research

• Show you how to use them

What can I do to support you?

• Advise you on methodology

• Help with Stata or other software – you need to contact a tutor or your supervisor for that

• Obtain a new database

What can I not do???

• Become familiar with the Library tutorials

• Check what resources the Library can provide

• PLAN AHEAD!

• Have an alternative strategy – consider Plan B, in case Plan A does not work out

What should you do yourself?

Access databases through the Library website

• EconLit – specifically intended for Economics students

• Business Source Complete

• ABI/Inform Global

• ScienceDirect

• Plus papers found in free collections:

• RePEc – Research Papers in Economics

• SSRN – Social Science Research Network

Recommended sources for journal articles

• Bloomberg – available in the Economics Department – PCs in room S 0.84

• Datastream – one PC in the Library

• OECD iLibrary

• UK Data Service for international macrodata and UK official statistics

• And many more…

Data sources – top tips

• Google may provide so many results that you miss what you seeking

• The quality of free sources on the internet varies greatly

• Using a database like EconLit allows you to find relevant and reliable articles quickly

• Save time searching and spend it moreprofitably!

Why use Library databases???

• Eurostat – data on all EU member states and some others

• IMF

• OECD

• UNData – United Nations free data

• World Bank

Many reliable free websites e.g.

What if data is unavailable?

• Sometimes there are gaps in time series

• There is more data for some countries than there is for others

• It can be hard to find very long time series

• Annual data is easier to find than quarterly or monthly data

• Secure survey data is restricted to academic research staff

Remember

• I may be able to find a better source for you

• Data may be available freely from large NGOs

• Concentrate on data which is available

• Adapt and survive!

However…

• See the Library website for details

• E-mail is the best way to track me down

• You are also welcome to call 02476 572712 or ask for me at the Library Help Desk

• Please allow plenty of time if you need to make an appointment

• Helen.Riley@Warwick.ac.uk

Contact your academic support librarian