What is Data?

Data is the raw material from which statistics are produced. Data information is presented as originally collected, in raw and unsummarized characteristics. The data is usually available as digital files so that it can be manipulated using statistical software, such as SPSS, Beyond 20/20, etc.

What is the Data Liberation Initiative?

The Data Liberation Initiative (DLI) provides Canadian academic institutions with affordable access to Statistics Canada standard products, databases, public-use microdata and geographical files.

 The Research Data Centre (RDC) program provides secure access to detailed microdata for researchers. This program, designed to help strengthen Canada’s social research capacity and support social and economic policy analysis, is part of an initiative by Statistics Canada, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and participating universities.

Library Resources for Manipulating Data

The Learning Commons on the main floor of the Cardinal Carter Library provides an array of learning support services including word processing workstations, printing and photocopying facilities. The word processing workstations are equipped with the statistical manipulation software, Beyond 20/20. 

Where can I go for Help with Data?

For information on all the data resources available check Western’s Internet Data Library System page, found at http://janus.ssc.uwo.ca/idls/

For general information on Western’s Data Resources Library, such as staffing, user community and resources available, please refer to their page at http://www.ssc.uwo.ca/ssc/resources.html#datainfolib

Data Resources Librarian, Vince Gray, is the local contact for the Data Liberation Initiative.

Please contact Vince by email or phone 519-679-2111 ext 85044.

Remote Access for Data

Students can download statistical manipulation software such as SPSS, Beyond 20/20 onto their own computers. The SSC Network Remote Access Service lets you run software and use services on the SSC Network from any remote internet location

Remote access is available for such products as SPSS, Stata, Matlab, Acrobat, Photoshop, etc. For more information on the resources available for download and for information on how to access these resources check out the page at http://ssnds.uwo.ca/remoteaccess.asp

King’s Student Computer Lab

The Student Computer Lab is located in Wemple Hall Room 143. The lab offers students full internet access, colour scanning, black and white printing and photocopying. The lab has 30 workstations equipped with Microsoft Office, (including Power Point, Word, Excel, and Access) and data manipulation software such as SPSS Version 15 and Beyond 20/20.

Lab hours and accessibility can be verified online, view Schedule. The Lab is accessible after hours with a valid King’s student card.

If you require additional help with Data ask library staff for assistance.