1. Tabular or Microdata? Both or Neither

2. Dissemination of data  Published census volumes 1790 - 1999  Electronic tabular data 1960+  Microdata 1960+  Research Data Centers 2000+

3. Tabular data  Good geographic detail States, counties, metropolitan areas, Places, census tracts, zip codes, blocks  Multi-way tables Limited detail No flexibility  Skills Mixed;  some ready-to-use; Excel

4. Microdata  Geographic Detail is limited States, Metropolitan areas; PUMAs  Maximum detail on items Some limits due to confidentiality issues Top codes  Skills Data not in ready-to-use form

5. Research Data Centers  Not practical choice for most  Costly and Time-consuming  http://www.ces.census.gov/index.php/ce s/researchlocations http://www.ces.census.gov/index.php/ce s/researchlocations

6. Tabular or Microdata?