Tips for Handling Census Questions
at the UCF Reference Desk

Resources for Statistics, Demographics & Census
http://library.ucf.edu/govdocs/statistics.htm

Statistics vs. Names

If the patron needs statistics/numbers, particularly for Florida, we’ve probably got some info.

If the patron needs information about specific individuals, i.e., genealogy research, then we may have some information, but they’re going to find much more at Orlando Public Library.

Geographic Boundaries

Are they already committed to using cities, ZIP codes, metropolitan areas, etc? Some boundaries are more volatile than others over time. I’d recommend using either counties or tracts if they’re trying to compare data from different decennial censuses.

Terminology

Definitions matter tremendously, and the questions asked on the short and long forms change from census to census. If the official data doesn’t identify "immigrants", the patron may have to interpret data from "place of birth". What is the difference between someone who is in the labor force and someone who is employed? Consult Understanding the Census by Michael R. Lavin [US DOCS REF HA.U55.L38 1996]

Availability of Census 2000 Data

Basic data about race and ethnic background is available now, but most of the other details from the 2000 Census will be trickling out over the next two years.

Names & Genealogy – before referring patron to Orlando Public Library:

Population Schedules, Florida [MFLM HA312.A23] lists individual names for each household in Florida. UCF has the Florida population schedules for 1830-1880, with name indexes for 1830, 1840 & 1850 available [REF F310.J3].

Other information about individuals, particularly for Orange County, might be found in Florida Microform Sets <http://library.ucf.edu/govdocs/flamicro.htm>

County Boundaries in Florida are fairly stable from 1930 on.

Map Guide to the U.S. Federal Censuses, 1790-1920 [REF G1201.F7.T5 1987] – track the boundaries of Bradford County, Florida on pages 69-78.

Census Maps & Data for 1960-1980

UCF has the 1960 Census maps & data for Census of Housing, City Blocks - Daytona Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, Jacksonville, Miami, Miami Beach, Orlando, Pensacola, West Palm Beach [US DOCS C3.224/5:960/]

UCF has most of the 1970 and 1980 Census maps & data for the entire U.S.

Census Maps & Data for 1990 & 2000

Very little data is available from the 2000 Census yet. Commercial estimates for recent years based on the 1990 Census might be available at the Reference Desk in County and City Extra or MPA Market Profile Analysis – Orlando or similar resources.

American FactFinder <http://factfinder.census.gov/>

Use the "Start with Basic Facts" box to retrieve tables for subjects and geographic areas. Example: select "Population, Race and Hispanic or Latino (2000)" for "County-Census Tract" for "Florida" for "Orange County" and then "Go"

Select "Main" at the top right on the screen to return to the Main page.

Use the Search oval in the upper left corner to retrieve a place name.

• Example: search for "union park", then select "Union Park, CDP, Florida" under "Place-Census 2000" and then "OK".
• Take a look at the Reference Map and then go back and select "More…" under Thematic Maps and then take a look at one of the thematic maps.

Select "Main" at the top right on the screen to return to the Main page.

Use the Search oval in the upper left corner to retrieve a keyword. Example: Let’s create a new table with several levels of geography identifying the number of people from Cuba.

• Search for the keyword "cuba", then scroll down and select "POO9. HISPANIC ORIGIN – Universe: Persons" under "1990 Summary Tape File 1 (STF 1) - 100-Percent data."
• Then select "Change Selections - Geography" at the top of the screen.
• Select "Florida" and then "Add".
• Then change the type of area to "Metropolitan Statistical Area/Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area" and select "Orlando, FL MSA" and then "Add".
• Then change the type of area to "…County", select "Florida" and then select "Orange County" and then "Add".
• Then change the type of area to "…Place", select "Union Park CDP" and then "Add".
• Select "Show Table".

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Prepared by:  Rich Gause, Government Documents Librarian
URL of this page: http://library.ucf.edu/govdocs/training/census.htm

Last update:06/12/06 07:00:02 PM

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