Library & Information Technology supports researchers across Quantitative data (numerical datasets for statistical analysis), Qualitative data (interviews, text, and non-numerical sources), and Spatial/Geographic data (maps, GIS layers, and location-based datasets).
Finding Data
Not sure where to start? We can help you identify datasets that fit your research question.
- Data Resources A–Z — Browse the library's full list of licensed and open data sources
- Open Datasets & Visualization Resources — Includes open data sources and a GIS tab for spatial datasets
- GeoPortal (coming soon) — A curated portal for finding usable geographic and humanities-related maps and datasets, with tutorials to help you get started
Cleaning Your Data
Data cleaning creates data sets that are standardized and uniform to allow for visualization, reporting, and analysis.
- Open Refine - OpenRefine is a free, open source application for working with "messy" data. It looks like a spreadsheet, but operates like a database, allowing for increased discovery capabilities beyond programs like Microsoft Excel.
Managing Your Data
If you're conducting original research or working with data over time, good data management practices matter.
- Research Data Management Guide — Covers organization, documentation, storage, and sharing of research data
- Digital Commons — Connecticut College's institutional repository; a great option for sharing or archiving your research data
Visualizing Data
Turning data into something meaningful and communicable is a skill we can help you build.
- Open Datasets & Visualization Resources — Overview of popular visualization tools and how to use them effectively
- Excel Basics Guide — Foundational skills for working with data in spreadsheets
Software Support
The following tools are commonly used for data analysis at Conn. Library and IT staff can help point you to resources and tutorials:
- Excel and Google Sheets — Spreadsheet analysis and basic visualization
- STATA — Statistical analysis, commonly used in economics and social sciences
- SPSS / R — Statistical software used across disciplines
- ESRI Suite: ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online (including web apps) – Software designed for capturing, storing, analyzing, and visualizing spatial and geographic data
Library staff can help you find and access datasets while the Digital Scholarship Center can support GIS and mapping software. For support with analysis and software, see the resources below or connect with your faculty member or the Quantitative Center, part of the Office of Academic Support.
Can AI Help With Your Data?
Working with a dataset that feels too large or complex? AI tools are increasingly being used to help researchers explore, clean, and interpret data. We encourage students to communicate with their faculty members regarding the appropriateness of using AI for course projects.
- AI + Data: Responsible Tools for Exploration, Cleaning, and Analysis - This guide helps students, faculty, and staff use AI responsibly for data-related work, with attention to privacy, verification, documentation, and academic integrity.
Get Help
Not sure where to start? Schedule a research consultation with a librarian. We'll help you figure out the right next step.