1. Finding data and journal articles –
Economics M.Sc. and PG Diploma Databases session

2. How can the Library help you?
Information and online guides on the Library website
Library drop-ins in Room S 0.95 on Tuesdays from 10 – 12 noon, beginning on Tuesday 16th October
More support for MSc students at dissertation time…
Contact your academic support librarian for help by or an appointment

4. What can I do to support you?
Advise on relevant sources for your research
Show you how to use them

5. What can I not do??? Advise you on methodology
Help with Stata or other software – you need to contact a tutor or your supervisor for that
Obtain a new database

6. What should you do yourself?
Become familiar with the Library tutorials
Check what resources the Library can provide
PLAN AHEAD!
Have an alternative strategy – consider Plan B, in case Plan A does not work out

7. Access databases through the Library website

8. Recommended sources for journal articles
EconLit – specifically intended for Economics students
Business Source Complete
ABI/Inform Global
ScienceDirect
Plus papers found in free collections:
RePEc – Research Papers in Economics
SSRN – Social Science Research Network

9. Data sources – top tips
Bloomberg – available in the Economics Department – PCs in room S 0.84
Datastream – one PC in the Library
OECD iLibrary
UK Data Service for international macrodata and UK official statistics
And many more…

10. Why use Library databases???
Google may provide so many results that you miss what you seeking
The quality of free sources on the internet varies greatly
Using a database like EconLit allows you to find relevant and reliable articles quickly
Save time searching and spend it more profitably!

11. Many reliable free websites e.g.
Eurostat – data on all EU member states and some others
IMF
OECD
UNData – United Nations free data
World Bank

12. What if data is unavailable?

13. Remember Sometimes there are gaps in time series
There is more data for some countries than there is for others
It can be hard to find very long time series
Annual data is easier to find than quarterly or monthly data
Secure survey data is restricted to academic research staff

14. However… I may be able to find a better source for you
Data may be available freely from large NGOs
Concentrate on data which is available
Adapt and survive!

15. Contact your academic support librarian
See the Library website for details
is the best way to track me down
You are also welcome to call or ask for me at the Library Help Desk
Please allow plenty of time if you need to make an appointment