Library

Library Catalogs

Bowdoin College Library Catalog
Books, videos, government documents, etc. in Bowdoin's library.

NExpress
A combined catalog containing the library holdings of Bowdoin, Bates, Colby, Wellesley, Williams, Middlebury, and Northeastern. Requests take 2-3 days.

MaineCat
Includes the holdings of most Maine libraries. Requests take 2-5 days

WorldCat
A combined database of many library catalogs worldwide. Request items found in WorldCat through our Interlibrary Loan service.

Economic Concepts: Dictionaries & Encyclopedias

Secrets of Economic Indicators
Main Ref. HB3730.B38 2005
A look at individual domestic and international indicators: what are they, where they are found, why they are important, and how they are computed.

Revolution in United States Government Statistics, 1926-1976
Govt Doc C 1.2:St 2/10/926-76
A review of the history of selected important developments in Federal statistics from 1926-1976. Good source for understanding the background and uses of national economic indicators, such as National Income and Product Accounts

Finding & Using Economic Information
Main Ref. HC106 .J63 1993
Don't understand the consumer price index? Want to know more about the Big Mac Index of International Prices? This book is an especially good guide to understanding economic concepts and indicators, finding out who produces them, and how they are used.

New Palgrave: A Dictionary of Economics
Main Ref. HB61.N49 1987

New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics and the Law
Main Ref. K487.E3N48 1998

Economics Dictionaries, Glossaries & Encyclopedias (from RFE, Resources for Economists on the Internet)

Encyclopedia of American Economic History
Main Ref. HC103.E52 1980
Excellent historical source.

Gale Encyclopedia of U.S. Economic History
Main Ref. HC102.G35 1999

EH.Net Encyclopedia of Economic and Business History
From the Economic History Association, lengthy articles written by experts.

State of the World: Trends & Analysis

World Economic Situation and Prospects (United Nations)
Main Ref HC59.15.W6595 (Annual; Library has 2001- )
A look at the global economic situation with attention to trade, development and regional issues.

World Economic and Social Survey (United Nations)
Main Ref HC59.A169 (Annual; Library has 1997- )
Provides a discussion of the world economy, policies and poverty; concludes with statistical tables.

The Least Developed Countries Report (United Nations)
Main Ref HC59.7.L328 (Annual; Library has 1984- ; Statistical Supplement, 1995- )
Each issue contains a discussion of economic trends in the group of least developed countries then turns its attention to a specific topic such as "Escaping the Poverty Trap" or "Linking International Trade with Poverty Reduction. The Report concludes with a statistical annex.

World Development Report (World Bank)
Main Ref HC 59.7.W659 (Annual; Library has 1978-)
Internet (1978- )
The Report is a guide to the economic, social and environmental state of the world. Each annual volume provides analysis of a particular topic of development, e.g., creating a better investment climate, sustainable development, services. Each volume includes a statistical annex.

State of the World (World Watch Institute)
Main Ref HC59.S734 (Annual; Library has 1984- )
Environmental, economic and sustainability issues around the globe. Each issue has a separate focus, e.g., global security, consumerism, climate change. Excellent source for keeping abreast of these topics.

Human Development Report (U.N. Development Programme)
Main Ref HD72 .H85 (Annual; Library has 1991, 1999- )
Internet (1990- )
Economic policy and advocacy as they relate to the goals needed to achieve long-term human well-being. Each yearly volume concentrates on a theme. Includes many tables of economic and social indicators. Internet version has regional and national reports as well as the global reports.

Statistics - American Economy

Major Portals for U.S. Data

Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR)
ICPSR provides a significant archive of social science data sets. For use only with statistical software such as SAS or SPSS.

Statistical Resources on the Web: Comprehensive Economics
A collection of links to U.S. economic data sources from the University of Michigan.

EconData.Net
An impressive collection of links to demographics, employment, occupation, income, output & trade, prices, economic assets, quality of life, industry sectors, and business listings. Links to federal, state, local, and private sources; some are fee-based. Sponsored by Economic Development Administration.

Business & Economics DataLinks (American Statistical Association)
Links to business, financial, and economic data sources.

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Forecasts

Congressional Budget Office
The Budget and Economic Outlook contains budget projections and forecasts of the economy as well as comparisons of CBO's and OMB's (White House Office of Mangement and Budget) baselines.

White House Office of Management and Budget

Overviews & Analysis

Note: See also articles and working papers above.

Congressional Budget Office
Of particular interest: An Analysis of the President's Budgetary Proposals for Fiscal Year ...

Summary of Commentary on Current Economic Conditions ("The Beige Book") (1970- )
Published eight times per year, summarizes economic conditions based on data reported from each of the twelve federal reserve districts.

Economic Report of the President
Govt Doc Collection, call number varies (Annual; Library has 1947- )
Internet (1995- )
Each annual issue summarizes economic policies; includes annual report of the Council of Economic Advisors

Treasury Bulletin (Monthly; Library has 1975- )
Main Periodical
Internet (1996- )
Each issue begins with a profile of the economy.

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Economic Indicators

Note: While there is overlap between the following sources, each also has unique indicators. The first source, ESBR, looks to be the most comprehensive.

Economic Statistics Briefing Room (Updated daily)
Quick access to current employment, income, money, output, prices, production, transportation, and international data.

Latest Economic Indicators (Updated daily)
From the Economics & Statistics Administration, covers a number of indicators drawn from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and Census Bureau

Economic Indicators (Updated monthly)
Main Periodical (Library has 1941- )
Internet (1998- )
Ouptput, income & spending; employment & wages; production & business activity; prices; money, credit & security markets; federal finance; international statistics.

STAT-USA (Daily & Weekly Releases) (Some sections require librarian assistance for login)
The State of the Nation portion of STAT-USA contains current & historical economic and financial releases, economic data.

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Current Data

Economic Research Div., Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Excellent source of money and banking, macroeconomics, and international and regional economics data. Includes:
-Fred2 is a database of over 3000 economic time series covering banking, prices, employment, exchange rates, GDP, interest rates, reserves & monetary base, trade & international transactions
-Fraser, an archive of historical data and publications.

Bureau of Economic Analysis
Historical and current NIPA tables, direct investment, balance of payments, income, state and regional data, industry data, and international data.

Bureau of Labor Statistics
The best source for labor data. Among the topics covered are unemployment, employment, earnings, productivity, consumer expenditures and prices, industrial relations, employee benefits, occupational safety and health, and much more.

Bureau of the Census
Many economic series are conducted by the Bureau, including the Economic Census, County Business Patterns, Annual Survey of Manufactures, Current Industrial Reports. Topics covered include: finance, trade, demography, prices, income, labor, and much more. Use the A-Z list on the left-hand side.

Economic Report of the President
Govt Doc Collection, call number varies (Annual; Library has 1947- )
Internet (1995- )
This annual report includes statistical tables covering national income or expenditure, population, employment, wages, productivity, business activity, prices, money stock, credit, finance, corporate profits, agriculture, and some international data. Many of the tables have historical data.

Survey of Current Business
Main Periodical (Monthly; Library has 1921- )
Internet (1994- )
Monthly publication includes a section of selected national, regional, and international economic and business statistics. Extensive annual NIPA data appear in August issue.

Statistical Supplement to Survey of Current Business/Business Statistics of the United States
Govt Doc C 18.37: (Library has 1931, 1932, biennially 1936-1953)
Govt Doc C 59.11/3: (Library has: biennally or triennially 1975-1991)
Main Ref. HC101 .A13122 (Library has 1997- )
Each issue contains historical data.

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Historical Data

Statistical Abstract of the United States
Govt Doc C 3.134: (Annual; Library has 1886- [some years missing]; current edition in Govt Ref)
Internet (1878- )
This and the next title are very good starting places for historical economic data.

Historical Statistics of the United States : Colonial Times to 1970
Govt Ref C 3.134/2:H 62/789-970/
Govt Doc C 3.134/2:H 62/789-970/
Internet
An excellent starting place for historical state- and national-level statistics.

Long Term Economic Growth: 1860-1970
Govt Doc C 56.102:Ec 7/860-970
1200 annual economic time series, carried back to 1860 when possible.

Bureau of Economic Analysis
Historical (some back to 1920's) and current NIPA tables, direct investment, balance of payments, income, state and regional data, industry data, and international data.

Bureau of Labor Statistics
Among the topics covered are unemployment, employment, productivity, consumer expenditures and prices, industrial relations, employee benefits, occupational safety and health, and much more. Current and historical (some back to 1920's) data.

Survey of Current Business
Main Periodical (Monthly; Library has 1921- )
Internet (1994- )
Monthly publication includes a section of selected national, regional, and international economic and business statistics. Extensive annual NIPA data appear in August issue.

Statistical Supplement to Survey of Current Business/Business Statistics of the United States
Govt Doc C 18.37: (Library has 1931, 1932, biennially 1936-1953)
Govt Doc C 59.11/3: (Library has: issued every 2-3 years 1975-1991)
Main Ref. HC101 .A13122 (Library has 1997- )
Each issue contains historical data.

Economic Report of the President (Annual; Library has 1947- )
Govt Doc Collection, call number varies
Internet (1995- )
Includes statistical tables covering national income or expenditure, population, employment, wages, productivity, business activity, prices, money stock, credit, finance, corporate profits, agriculture, and some international data. Many of the tables have historical data.

Statistics - Maine Economy

Policy Institutes

Muskie School of Public Service (University of Southern Maine)
Home to several research institutes and centers that focus on public policy as it relates to social, business, economic, and environmental issues. Of particular relevance is the Center for Business and Economic Research

Margaret Chase Smith for Public Policy (Univ. of Maine)
Policy analysis across a range of civic, economic, health, environmental, and social issues. Of particular interest is the Economic & Community Development Unit

Current Data

Regional Economic Accounts
From the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis, contains data on state & local area personal income, employment, gross state product, and more

Maine QuickLinks - U.S. Census Bureau
A good, quick site for demographic and economic statistics for the state, counties, and towns.

Maine State Planning Office
This site contains Maine economic data (current, forecasts, & analysis) and policy information

Historical Data

Please see the guide Bibliography/Research Guide for Maine Economic History

Statistics - Foreign Economies

Major Portals

WebEc
Major portal for economics. The categories are clearly defined and there is a search function.

Statistical Resources on the Web: Foreign and International Economics
A collection of international statistical resources from the University of Michigan.

International Economic Statistics Database
From the St. Louis Federal Reserve, links to individual economic indicators for countries worldwide.

International Statistical Agencies
From the U.S. Census Bureau, links to international statistical agencies

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Current Data - Updated Monthly

International Financial Statistics (IMF)
From the International Monetary Fund, provides data for most countries on exchange rates, international liquidity, international banking, money & banking, interest rates, prices, production, international transactions, government finance, and national accounts.

Monthly Bulletin of Statistics (United Nations)
Main Periodical (Library has 1919- )
Internet
Country data on population, production, prices, employment, manufacturing, transport, construction, trade, finance and more.

Main Economic Indicators (OECD)
Main Periodical (Monthly; Library has 1963- )
Internet (2000-present)
Country data on national accounts, production, composite leading indicators, construction, retail trade, prices, earnings, employment & unemployment, interest rates, share prices, monetary aggregates, exchange rates, trade, and current balance. See also: Main Economic Indicators, 1960-1975 (Main Ref HC59.M3 1960/75)

OECD Economic Outlook
Main Periodical (Monthly; Library has 1972- )
Internet (1998-present)
In addition to chapters on special topics, has statistical annex with these sections: demand & output; wages, costs, unemployment & inflation; key supply-side data; saving; fiscal balances & public indebtedness; interest rates & exchange rates; external trade & payments; and other background data. See also: OECD economic outlook. Historical statistics, 1960-1982 (Main Ref HC10 .O42 1960-1982).

World Economic Outlook (IMF)
(two issues each year; 1997- )
The statistical annex in each issue contains many macroeconomic indicators for countries and country groups

Current Data - Updated Annually

Economist Magazine
Main Periodical; Current year on Library Reserve (Library has 1931- )
Recent macroeconomic data is available in the December issue

International Financial Statistics
From the International Monetary Fund, provides data for most countries on exchange rates, international liquidity, international banking, money & banking, interest rates, prices, production, international transactions, government finance, and national accounts.

World Economic Outlook Database (IMF)
(1980- )
Selected macroeconomic series for countries and groups

World Development Indicators (World Bank)
Over 500 development indicators for over 200 countries and country groups

Statistical Yearbook (United Nations)
Main Ref. HA12.5.U63 (Annual; Library has 1948- )
Similar topics as the Monthly Bulletin above.

The World Economic Factbook
Main Ref. HC59.15.W67 (Annual; Library has 1997/98- )
Statistical source distinguished by its Comparative World Rankings section.

National Accounts Statistics: Main Aggregates and Detailed Tables
Main Ref. HC79.I5N388 (Annual; Library has 1982- )

Laborsta Internet (International Labour Organization)
This very useful database contains country data on population, employment, unemployment, hours of work, wages, labor cost, consumer price indices, occupational injuries, strikes and lockouts; some data available back to 1969. Corresponds to the printed Yearbook of Labour Statistics (Main Ref. HD4826.I63), Bulletin of Labour Statistics (Main Periodical), and Statistics on Occupational Wages and Hours of Work and on Food Prices (Main Ref HD4826.B85).

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Historical Data

Statistical Year Book of the League of Nations
Main Libr JX1975 .A25 subser (Library has 1931/32, 1935/36, 1939/40, 1941/42, 1942/44)

International Historical Statistics: The Americas, 1750-2000
Main Ref. HA175.M55 2003
Population, vital statistics, labor, agriculture, industry, trade, finance, prices, education, national accounts.

International Historical Statistics: Europe, 1750-2000
Main Ref. HA1107.M54 2003
Population, vital statistics, labor, agriculture, industry, trade, finance, prices, education, national accounts.

International Historical Statistics: Africa, Asia & Oceania, 1750-2000
Main Ref. HA4675 .M551 2003
Population, vital statistics, labor, agriculture, industry, trade, finance, prices, education, national accounts.

International Organizations

International Monetary Fund
The IMF works "...to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty." Free and fee-based publications. Check the Bowdoin Catalog for subscriptions to fee-based titles. Of particular interest:
  -Country Information
  -World Economic Outlook Reports
  -IMF Publications - Browse by Title, Author, Subject

World Trade Organization
Of particular note:
  -Trade Statistics
  -Economic Analysis & Research

World Bank Group
Of particular note:
  -Data & Statistics
  -Publications (browse by subject, country, region...)

Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development
A prodigious producer of statistics, OECD work covers macroeconomics, trade, education, development, and science & innovation. Free and fee-based publications. Check the Bowdoin Catalog for subscriptions to fee-based titles. Of particular interest:
  -Browse by topic
  -Browse by country
  -Statistics

United Nations
Free and fee-based publications. Check the Bowdoin Catalog for subscriptions to fee-based titles. Of particular interest:
  -Economic and Social Development Programs and Publications
   Starting place for U.N.-sponsored activities, programmes, and statistics
  -U.N. Conference on Trade and Development

Major Economics Portals

WebEc
An especially comprehensive gateway to business and economics sources.

Resources For Economists (RFE)
Includes sections on: data; dictionaries; economists & academic departments; forecasting & consulting; jobs; user groups; meeting & conferences; organizations; and more.

Google Economics Directory