Online Sources

2000 and 1990 Census information is available from the Census Bureau and can be accessed using American FactFinder, an interactive search tool which presents data in tabular or map formats. The SF 3 (2000) and STF 3 (1990) are frequently used because they contain socio-economic information.

Two excellent sources for an in-depth understanding of finding census information are available online from the University of Michigan: the Census Toolkit and Grace York's American FactFinder and Census 2000 powerpoint slides.

If you need help with specific census questions, contact Diane VanderPol (information above).

DVD/CD-ROM Sources

The Hekman Library also has census information available in CD-ROM format for both the 1990 and 2000 censuses, and in DVD-ROM format for the 2000 census. Both CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs are located in the large cabinets in the DRC area. To find specific CD-ROM or DVD-ROM products, use the Advanced Search feature of WebCat to limit location to GOVDOC-CD, and enter search terms such as "census" and "1990" or "2000."

The Hekman Library has also purchased a CD-ROM set from Geolytics that contains census information for prior censuses.

Paper Sources

The Hekman Library has some paper census reports for the 1950, 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990, and 2000 censuses, as well as a few random materials for earlier censuses. To search these, use the advanced searching screen and limit location to GOVDOC, and enter "census" as a subject or title term.

To browse the shelves, go to the government documents collection (see map) and browse the "C 3." call numbers.

Note: some census material that pertains to Grand Rapids is kept on general reserve at the Circulation Desk.