Finding Data Files at the U of S Library Darlene Fichter November 22, 2004

Finding Data Files at the U of S Library Darlene Fichter November 22, 2004 http://library.usask.ca/data/

http://library.usask.ca/

Ways to Find Files • Library Catalogue • Statistics Canada Catalogue • Web front ends to data: IDLS, CANSIM, … • Variable level • Talk to the Data Library staff (1,000’s of files available)

1. The Catalogue • Know the name of the survey • Looking for a print copy of a codebook Locate a survey by entering the survey name Keyword Search: Population Health & electronic resource topic: health & codebook

2. Statistics Canada Catalogue • Keywords: internet use  diabetes

3. Variable or Name of File • Library has access to several web extractors • Best choice IDLS from Western Ontario

4. Ask Data Library Staff • 1,000’s files • Other catalogues • New or soon to be released Darlene.Fichter@usask.ca (7209) Winnie.Smit@usask.ca (7261) Ingrid.Welsh@usask.ca (2677) Office: 2nd Floor, Main Library Ingrid Welsh Winnie Smit

Downloading Data 1. Using IDLS, select a survey. 2. Choose variables. 3. Choose values. 4. Submit our extraction request. 5. Download and unzip the spss and data files. 6. Edit the syntax files.

IDLS – Locate Your File • Browse/Search by Subject or Name or Variable Canada – Social Surveys General Social Survey  number of children & internet use

General Social Survey, Cycle 14Computer Use & Access • 4 links: • License • Select Variables • User Guide • File Description Choose Select Variables

Select Variables Check off variables Click “Select Values”

Select Values  Sask.

Submit Your Request

Email & Web Page Notification of Files to Download

Download and Unzip Files

Questions?

Finding Data Files at the U of S Library Darlene Fichter November 22, 2004