How to Acquire Datasets from the ICPSR Data Archive

Method 1: Use the Social Science Lab Datasets

The Social Science Lab has a limited number of ICPSR and other datasets (including ANES, the American National Election Study) in its data directory. These are mostly datasets used by various instructors for teaching purposes. The General Social Survey (GSS) in particular is a useful default dataset if you cannot identify something else as it has a large number of items covering a wide variety of social science topics.

Social Science Lab Datasets are obtained by being at a lab machine and going to the directory Y:/PC/Datasets/ .

Due to budget cuts, the position of CHASS Data Technician no longer exists. Then in fall, 2007, further budget cuts by the Dean led to the regrettable firing of the sociologist who directed the Social Science Research and Computing Lab, so that resources is not available for ICPSR help either.

Method 2: Use NCSU Library ICPSR Services

The NCSU library is the university's subscriber to the ICPSR and they maintain an ICPSR page. Data librarian Michelle Haslett, 513-4433, is available to help you identify and retrieve ICPSR and other datasets for your dissertation or research. The basic guidelines are here.

William Wheeler, Asst Head of Collection Management for the Humanities and Social Sciences, will help doctoral students purchase datasets, to be negotiated on a case by case basis. The contact is william_wheeler@ncsu.edu; tel 513-3642. However, if you have other data retrieval questions Michelle Haslett cannot answer, contact Jeff Essic, Data Services Librarian, jeff_essic@ncsu.edu; tel. 515-5698.

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