To find out more about the data sets in the archive, you may first want to explore the Guide to the Data Resources which includes an abstract for each data set, general information on research design and methods of the study, a summary of data available for that data set, and a list of publications. Printed versions of the Guide are also available for sale. Before applying to use a particular data set, you may wish to first read its Documentation, a more detailed description of the study, which can be found through the links at the right, or ordered through the center free of charge. A Registration Form must be completed at the time of the first contact with the center. Any application involving computer data must also be accompanied by a Computer Data Request Form .
Applications can take anywhere from several days to several weeks to be approved and filled.