ProQuest Statistical Abstract of the United States 2013: National Data Book
Since it was first published, in 1878, Statistical Abstract of the United States has been one of the top reference books in libraries. In 2011, the Census Bureau announced that it would cease production of this venerable source. A call to arms by the library community ensued, including a discussion as to how to save the source at the 2012 ALA Midwinter Meeting. ProQuest came to the aid of librarians and announced that it would publish both print and digital formats of Statistical Abstract.  The new print volume is larger (8 ½ by 11 inches rather than 6 by 9) than previous editions. With more than 1,000 pages, a two-volume edition might have helped the ease of use. The content is similar to previous editions. It begins with lists of both deleted and new tables. (Deleted tables include those that the publisher was not able to reach agreement with the source to continue coverage.) One of the deletions was the number and gross leasable area of shopping centers. New tables include the percent of adults who own electronic devices by age in 2010 and amusement-park attendance at the top 15 U.S. facilities from 2007 to 2011.   The online version of Statistical Abstract is a user-friendly database. Searching for subjects under such offered headings as “Horse Racing,” “Bingo,” “Online News,” and “Instant Messages”is quick and easy as opposed to the print index, which does not include these headings. Searches display results in tables in PDF and Excel formats and give the source (section) where the table is located. This allows the user to actually page through a section to read introductory material and see additional tables. Citation information for APA and MLA is provided for the tables. Pricing for the online version varies by size of library. There will be monthly updates to the database. More information is available at http://proquest.libguides.com/statistical_abstract.   ProQuest and Bernan are to be congratulated for continuing to provide librarians and users necessary statistical information. The publishers have succeeded in giving researchers of any age statistics at a reasonable price in print and online. --Christine Bulson