Realize that services often have their own terminology, jargon and abbreviations. Look for glossaries or dictionaries. Some sites will provide a definition when you hover over a word, others have a specific sub-page, or section at the bottom of a page.
Familiarize yourself with the structure of the site. Look for a site map, headings, subheadings and breadcrumbs.
Use advanced search whenever possible. If an advanced search option is not available, experiment in the standard search box with limiters, AND, OR or NOT, quotation marks etc.,
Not getting many results? Try 'zooming out''; think about your question from a broader perspective.
Getting too many results? Add a limiting factor to narrow your focus.
Minimize information overload by making your search as simple and specific as possible.
Provided by the government publishing office (GPO), this website provides free public access to official publications from all three branches of the Federal Government.
The United States Census Business and Economics section includes statistics for over 27 million United States businesses including, activity, characteristics, and locations.
Economic statistics at the federal and state levels. Includes: Inflation & Consumer Spending; Wages, Earnings & Benefits, Productivity, Safety & Health, International, Occupations; Demographics, Employment & Unemployment, Industries and Business Costs.
Industry specific data gathered on a five year basis (latest is 2012). Censuses include those for the construction industries, manufacturers, retail and wholesale trade, service industries, transportation, mineral industries. Based on NAICS codes. Also includes Economic Indicators and additional reports.
Industry and business facts, community profiles, links to Economic census reports. Users can search by industry or geography. A neat feature will produce free customized reports.
Nationwide household survey which considers both large purchases through the interview survey and smaller, more routine purchases through the diary survey.
SEC sponsored tutorial for using EDGAR to research investments.
Government Citations
Government documents use a specific style of citation which can be difficult to interpret. Check out this straightforward explanation by Government Librarian Jen Kirk at Utah State University for help.
