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LexisNexis Statistical DataSets is a module within the LexisNexis Statistical database that provides the searcher with powerful tools to access and export long data sets. Included sources range from agencies of the Federal government to foreign stock exchanges.

Data is presented in both tabular and graphical form, and its presentation can easily be modified and expanded. In addition, one can select multiple data points by holding down the CTRL key and then clicking on the name of the elements one wishes to compare. The new data will appear in both the data table and the graph.

Here’s an example of the output for a search of the unemployment rate for the United States and North Carolina:

Accessing the DataSets

From the ZSR Database page, click on “L” in the “Browse by Title” area, then select LexisNexis Statistical from the list of databases shown. Once LN Statistical opens, select “Customize Data – – Create a Table” in the left-hand menu bar. It will look like this:

Finding Data

Once the DataSets section is open, one has the option to locate data by searching or browsing. If one enters a term in the search box located in the upper right-hand corner, a separate window will open with a list of sources that include the search term. Links are provided within the list, and clicking on a link will take the searcher directly to the particular data.

The searcher has several options for browsing: In the News; Key Economic Indicators; by Subject; or by Source. In the left-hand column, one will see a list of subjects; click on the plus sign next to a subject to see its sub-segments. Keep expanding a subject tree until one sees a list of sub-segments in blue font with icons that look like pieces of paper with lines on them. The folder icon indicates a further level of segmentation is available; the paper icon indicates access to data. Click on a name. One will see the data table and associated graph.

One can also browse by source. While many of the sources originate in the Federal Government, others, such as The China Data Center, London Bullion Market Association, Dave Leip’s Political Atlas and the World Bank, are also available. Click on the source name and drill down to the level at which data is presented.

Modifying Data

DataSets provides several tools for modifying the data once the table and chart has been opened. Above the chart will be additional details such as the years of coverage, which one can modify by clicking on those one wishes to delete from the data presented. Sometimes, one has the option of switching from annual to monthly or quarterly data here. Also, above the graph will be a list of further sub-segments; these vary by subject. So, if one has opened the chart for U.S. unemployment, one can click on ‘state’ and, while holding down the CTRL key, select a state or states to compare to the national rate.

One may also modify the dates of coverage by placing the cursor on the graph at the point one wishes to begin or end the data, clicking and dragging the cursor to the opposite end of the date range one wishes to examine. The expanded chart will appear immediately.

One may also modify the presentation of the data. Above the chart, there are 3 icons: trend, map and ranking. Returning to the unemployment example, once ‘state’ has been selected, one may toggle among trend, map and ranking to examine the data in each mode. Map and ranking are only available when one has selected data that can be presented thus.

Exporting Data

Data can be exported in a variety of formats such as Excel, SAS®, CSV and PDF. Exported data can be modified or saved. In addition, you can also print the results.

LexisNexis DataSets is a powerful addition to the collection. If you have questions about how to use it please contact the Reference Desk or your subject specialist.
Access to LexisNexis DataSets is provided by the Professional Center Library.