DLI and EQUINOX

Question 1 How do I find out what survey datasets are available from Statistics Canada ?

Via the Daily  Every data release must be announced in the Daily  the discursive articles usually contain links to further information  So I use it as a catalogue  Keep in mind that Dalhousie users have FREE access to CANSIM data via E-Stat as well as the CHASS interface

Via the DLI collection on the Statistics Canada site Browsing by title of survey, no searching at the variable level

Question 2 How do I gain access to a specific Statistics Canada Public Use Microdata File ( PUMF )?

Not via the DLI collection on the Statistics Canada site  While this is useful for confirming availability and downloading the documentation, NO data is accessible from the Stats Can site except to the institutional contact.

EQUINOX While contacting me is always an option, Dalhousie also provides self-serve access to most DLI files via EQUINOX, a data delivery and web extractor housed at the University of Western Ontario. EQUINOX

EQUINOX Formerly known as IDLS  Accessible via the database search on the library web site, or on the DLI subject guide. library web site DLI subject guide  Scroll down to agree to the terms of the DLI license DLI license

Basic Search (default screen)  allows you to find data files within Equinox by searching holdings at the file and variable level

Advanced Search  permits robust searching of the Equinox holdings at the file (default) or variable level.

Data Retrieval  Equinox provides the choice of extracting a subset of a microdata file, or downloading a microdata file in its entirety, which includes all cases and variables from that file.

Canadian Community Health Survey [ ]: Healthy Aging 1. Variable Selections 2. Value Selections (optional) 3. Submit (specify delivery options)

Delivery Options  Enter your Dalhousie address  Choose the format/software you require, SAS, SPSS, or STATA  Do not remove the ticks for Data file and Code book file  Submit

Download and Unzip  On the next screen click on the download link starting with ft9….. Open file  Unzip/Extract all files to your drive OR if it is the first time you have used Equinox, wait for the message to arrive momentarily

PIN  Open the message from Equinox which includes the ftp….. link as well as a 4 digit PIN  Input the PIN as your password  If the PIN doesn’t work, or it is not visible please contact me

RDC