Writing Resource: Information and Data

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Information and Data

These resources can help you to better research a story, offering access to a wide range of data, information, and primary resources.

1. Answers.com: Answers.com is an encyclopedia, dictionary, thesaurus, and almanac rolled into one.
2. Blackfacts.com: Here, writers can find a searchable database of facts related to black history that can be used to start research on a story.
3. ePodunk: ePodunk provides in-depth information about more than 46,000 communities in the U.S. through maps, cemetery listings, and even local newspapers.
4. FedStats: If you need government stats, this site is a smart place to look. It brings together data from more than 100 government agencies in one easily searchable site.
5. GeoHive: For global statistics, consider using this site.
6. InfoPlease: InfoPlease combines an encyclopedia, almanac, dictionary, thesaurus, atlas, and biography reference.
7. Internet Public Library: This online library is full of resources that are free for anyone to use, from newspaper and magazine articles to special collections.
8. The Library of Congress: If you’re looking for primary documents and information, the Library of Congress is a great place to start. It has millions of items in its archives, many of which are accessible right from the website.
9. NACo: If the information you’re looking for is at the county level, this website is one of the easiest places to begin looking for it, with information on everything from county representatives to local events.
10. The Old Farmer’s Almanac: This classic almanac offers yearly information on astronomical events, weather conditions and forecasts, recipes, and gardening tips.
11. RefDesk: Run a quick fact-check using the reference materials found on this useful all-in-one site.
12. State Health Facts: Kaiser Family Foundation provides this database, full of health facts on a state-by-state basis that address everything from medicare to women’s health.
13. U.S. Census Bureau: Learn more about the trends and demographics of America with information drawn from the Census Bureau’s online site.
14. Wikipedia: While you probably shouldn’t use it as your sole source, Wikipedia can be a great way to get basic information and find out where to look for additional references.