The newest version of the US Statistical Abstracts just came out December 6. This is one of the top 10 reference books in libraries. Now free on the Web and fee for printed version from US Gov't. Printing Office.
Data charts are generated by the US Census, with a high commitment to accuracy. The charts are consistently numbered, so past charts are easy to find. Trends from the past, up to the date of publication make this is a good tool.
For crucial policy research on emerging issues it may already be outdated as soon as it is published. If outdated why bother using it? Well, glad you asked. There is a second use that is worth exploring.
At the bottom of every table you will find the source of the statistics that have been abstracted. This tells you what federal agency gathers the data, and gives you an opportunity to look up that organization and inquire whether they have newer or perhaps preliminary figures that are more up-to-date.
Bibliorati says -- for statistics a useful starting point. Definite must have for the Policy Toolbox.
