Data Sets

About This Guide

The goal of this guide is to help XULA community members identify relevant data sets to their interests. Of note, if you are on the hunt for datasets. you've already identified a research question and determined that an already exisiting dataset will best suit your interest. These datasets are organized by topic, but if you are in need of specific support in your research, reach out your subject specialist or to the data visualization lab manager. 

Some data sources listed will provide you with curated data, while others will provide raw data that will need to be cleaned, processed, and sorted. Be sure to evaluate each set of data to meet your information needs. 

This is a curated list and is updated periodically to ensure that links still function. If you encounter a broken link, or if you'd like to see a repository or data source included, email vizlab@xula.edu.

When accessing and using data from this resource guide, please keep the following in mind:

• Respect Copyright: Always respect the copyright and licensing terms associated with the data you access. Some data may have restrictions on its use, modification, or redistribution.
• Attribute Properly: If the data source requires attribution, make sure to provide the appropriate credit to the data provider as specified in the terms of use. Proper attribution acknowledges the hard work that went into collecting and sharing the data.
• Follow Terms of Use: Familiarize yourself with the terms of use or licensing agreements associated with each dataset. Compliance with these terms is crucial to ensure responsible and legal data usage.
• Data Privacy: Be cautious when working with sensitive or personal data. Ensure compliance with data privacy laws and regulations to protect individuals' privacy rights.
• Data Integrity: Use data responsibly, maintaining its integrity and accuracy. Misusing or misrepresenting data can have far-reaching consequences.
• Ethical Considerations: Consider the ethical implications of your data analysis and research. Be aware of biases, potential harm, and the impact of your findings on individuals and communities.
• Ask for Help: If you have any questions about data usage or copyright, don't hesitate to reach out to a member of the library staff. 

Remember that responsible data usage not only upholds legal and ethical standards but also contributes to a collaborative and trustworthy data ecosystem. Additionally, be sure to contextualize and situate data appropriately.