Government & Law Research Databases

This comprehensive site from the United States Census Bureau provides access to the data collected in the Decennial Census and the American Community Survey. Interactive maps of census data, American Factfinder, Quick Facts by state and other data tools can be accessed here.

Although initially centered on New York City, you can input your zipcode to find out the racial makeup, income, home values (increase/decline), and education levels of any neighborhood. Data is from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, based on samples from 2005 to 2009.

CQ Researcher Plus Archive provides unbiased coverage of current issues, international affairs, education, the environment, technology, and the economy. Each report is researched and written by a seasoned journalist providing an overview, chronology on the topic; an assessment of the current situation; pro/con viewpoints of opposing positions; and supporting data including bibliographies of key sources. The CQ Researcher archive includes more than 3,000 reports published between 1923 and 1990.

Looking for high-quality information on current events and controversial issues? Global Issues in Context gathers together journal articles, news reports, and other sources of credible information on topics of worldwide interest. Explore all sides of society's most important issues with this full-text database. Great for students and concerned citizens alike!
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This collection of scholarly, government and general-interest titles on environmental issues. Topics include global climate change, green building, pollution, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and recycling.
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Full text of books that cover both sides of social issues.

Catalog of U. S. Government publications from 1976 to the present.

There are five databases you can search, all using the same search page or interface. Use advanced search to limit it to only one database.

• Congressional
  Contains the full text of congressional publications, finding aids, a bill tracking service, and the full text of public laws and other research materials.
• Congressional Hearings, 1824 - 1979
  Both published and unpublished Hearings contain the full transcripts of proceedings, including all oral statements, committee questions, and discussion.
• Congressional Research Digital Collection
  Consists of research reports from 1916 to 1970 ranging from brief summaries to full-length studies prepared by subject experts for Members of Congress on a wide range of topics.
• United States Serial Set
  This collection of government publications (1789-1969) includes reports and documents either produced or ordered by Congress, as well as presidential communications and treaty materials.
• United States Serial Set Maps
  More than 56,000 maps of paramount importance to historians, other social scientists, students and scholars.

Access to thousands of do-it-yourself legal forms across all categories, including Real Estate, Business, Human Resources, and Wills. Forms can be saved, edited, and printed.

There are five databases you can search, all using the same search page or interface. Use advanced search to limit it to only one database.

• Congressional
  Contains the full text of congressional publications, finding aids, a bill tracking service, and the full text of public laws and other research materials.
• Congressional Hearings, 1824 - 1979
  Both published and unpublished Hearings contain the full transcripts of proceedings, including all oral statements, committee questions, and discussion.
• Congressional Research Digital Collection
  Consists of research reports from 1916 to 1970 ranging from brief summaries to full-length studies prepared by subject experts for Members of Congress on a wide range of topics.
• United States Serial Set
  This collection of government publications (1789-1969) includes reports and documents either produced or ordered by Congress, as well as presidential communications and treaty materials.
• United States Serial Set Maps
  More than 56,000 maps of paramount importance to historians, other social scientists, students and scholars.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's webpages on patents and trademarks will help you get started with your search. These pages are where you can find tips on patent searching, information about collection patents and links to helpful resources.