Fundamentals of Reference

49

nine

statistical sources

There are three kinds of lies: lies,

damned lies, and statistics.

—Attributed to Benjamin Disraeli by Mark Twain

h

ow muCh,” “how many,” and “what percentage” are frequently asked
questions at the reference desk. Statistics of all kinds, from the numbers
representing housing starts and crimes committed to the figures charting pop-
ulation trends and retail sales, are eagerly sought by library patrons. As is the
case with biographical and geographical reference sources, a search that once
involved looking through numerous print volumes can now be conducted
more quickly (but not necessarily more easily) by the use of online reference
sources. The origin of a statistic should always be kept in mind: numbers
compiled by an industry trade group might just possibly differ from statistics
gathered by the governmental agency which regulates that industry. Cur-
rency is usually of the utmost importance for most statistics seekers, unless,
of course, they are engaged in historical research.
Some of the areas in which statistics are frequently asked for include popu-
lation, business, and health. What follows are examples of statistical reference
sources in each of these areas, as well as examples of general statistical refer-
ence sources, ratings and rankings, and some miscellaneous statistical sources.