Large-scale databases are an underutilized source of data for secondary analysis by researchers. Major government and private databases available to the public, the types of agencies developing them, and how to obtain and utilize them are described. A catalogue of 20 databases, their characteristics and sources is included. (BS)

Presents a model approach to data services in academic research libraries through the Machine Readable Data Center, an information center established at the University of Minnesota to facilitate end-user access to government data files such as the Census. Organizational issues, service issues, and collections issues are addressed; and future plans…