Census

These are some books that are helpful in learning to use and understand the U.S. Census. Other books about the Census can be identified by consulting the Library Catalog.

Age Search Information (U.S. Bureau of the Census)

“Age Search” is a term used by the U.S. Census Bureau to refer to searches of the individual records in its custody
from the federal population censuses. The agency may issue official transcripts of the results to the inquirer. Individuals can use these transcripts, which may contain information on a person’s age, sex, race, state or country
of birth, and relationship to the householder, as evidence to qualify for social security and other retirement benefits,
in making passport applications, to prove relationship in settling estates, in genealogy research, or to satisfy other
situations where a birth or other certificate may be needed but is not available. This book provides an explanation of census records and instructions on how to obtain a transcript.

The American Census Handbook, by Thomas Jay Kemp

State-by-state guide to print and online census indexes. Useful for genealogists and local historians.

Encyclopedia of the U.S. Census, edited by Margo J. Anderson

Drawing from academia, government, and the private sector, CQ Press and their editorial board have commissioned more than 100 concise, definitive articles on the decennial census and related topics, including content of the census, procedure, uses of the census, and census history.

A Guide to State and Local Census Geography (U.S. Bureau of the Census)

This guide has information about geographical concepts used in the latest U.S. census. A separate entry is provided for each state and outlying area.

Manufacturing Measures: Census Bureau Data for Manufacturing (U.S. Bureau of the Census)

This booklet is designed to make users of manufacturing and related data aware of the resources available from the Census Bureau and how to use them. Whether you’re interested in analyzing your sales performance, locating sites for plants and warehouses, or measuring your market potential, you can find answers to many of your questions with data from the printed reports and CD-ROMs described in this booklet. Also provides information on locating additional resources.

Measuring America: The Decennial Censuses From 1790 to 2000 (U.S. Bureau of the Census)

This book document the history of the census of population from its beginnings in 1790, when marshals counted 3.9 million US residents, to the year 2000, when the census totaled 281.4 million residents. Includes descriptions of the questionnaires used in each census, as well as the instructions on how to complete them. Also explains how each census was conducted and discusses its historical significance.

200 Years of U.S. Census Taking: Population and Housing Questions, 1790–1990 (U.S. Bureau of the Census)

This book discusses the historical development of the census and provides examples of census questions in their original phraseology and format. Also includes historical photographs and cartoons related to the census.

Understanding the Census: A Guide for Marketers, Planners, Grant Writers and Other Data Users, by Michael R. Lavin

This book explains census concepts, methods, terminology, and data sources in plain English; assists census users in locating needed census data; and shows how easy it is to use inappropriate figures, or to interpret appropriate numbers incorrectly.

The Who, What, and Where of America: Understanding the Census Results, edited by Martha Farnsworth Riche and Deirdre A. Gaquin

Compilation of detailed information gathered from the census long form (filled out by a sample of the population) as well as basic information from the short form that most housing units received. Each section is prefaced by a discussion of trends and issues to help you understand your own community and how it relates to other communities and to the nation as a whole.