CQ's Encyclopedia of the United States Census [Hardcover]

Rolf Anderson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 10, 2000

"Encyclopedia of the U.S. Census" represents a unique and definitive collaboration among more than 80 leading experts on all aspects of the U.S. Census. Drawing from academia, government, and the private sector, CQ Press and the editorial board have commissioned more than 100 concise, definitive articles on the decennial census and related topics. Subjects covered include: content of the census - what the census tracks, and when it began to ask specific questions, how questions are formulated, and factors that affect which questions are asked, and other types of censuses (housing, economic, and agricultural); procedure - how the census is planned, advertised, and conducted, state and local involvement, and how results are tabulated and stored; and uses of the census - publications, databases, and electronic products that provide census information for statistical and demographic research, and archiving of census records and genealogical use of census schedules. It also includes: census history - census taking in America from colonial times to the present and at each census, population trends over time, including changes in family composition, racial and ethnic groups, and the social, economic, and educational status of the population; politics of the census - effect of census data on congressional districts and funding of federal programs, controversies: from slavery and the three-fifths compromise in 1790, to the use of statistical sampling in 2000. Other features include a 16-page photo collection that visually shows the census evolution, and an extensive glossary of terms, as well as an appendix of useful information and a detailed index round out the volume. Most articles include references for further reading; many also point the reader to online resources for census information.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

As the basis for apportionment, the U.S. Census is the "mechanism for distributing political power and economic resources, " which makes it among the most important activities the federal government performs. According to the editor the decennial census, with more than 500,000 employees, is "the largest peace-time operation undertaken by the federal government." Just in time to help researchers comprehend the results and significance of Census 2000, this new resource is designed to serve as a ready-reference tool for anyone interested in the concepts, politics, and history of census taking in the U.S.The signed articles are alphabetically arranged and have been prepared by scholars and professional census experts to explain the history, methodology, and results of U.S. censuses since 1790. Users can read about the Accuracy and Coverage Evaluation (ACE) program, designed to measure and correct the net undercount; learn the confidentiality policy that keeps information on specific individuals under wraps for 72 years; see how demographic shifts in the U.S. population led to political controversies and compromises; identify federal depository libraries; and view sample forms and questions.Maps, tables, and charts show how the composition of the population has changed, where the center of population has moved over time, and how the address lists and census tracts are developed. Gerrymandering is illustrated clearly in the article Apportion ment and districting. A 16-page photo section gives a historical overview of U.S. census-taking operations^B and shows, among other things, the evolution of the related technology, from Herman Hollerith's punched-card system to UNIVAC to today's computers.The appendix includes information on census-related budgets and costs ($44,000 in 1790 versus $2,600,000,000 in 1990), a list of the 35 Census Bureau directors to date (only two women), and a list of Internet sites that provide census information. There is a limited glossary, which includes acronyms like PUMS (Public Use Microdata Sample) and terms like special place and census designated place but does not list terms patrons often hear in population discussions, like DINK and POSSLQ.P.L. 94-171 mandates the Census Bureau must supply congressional redistricting data to the states by April 2001. This volume should be on library shelves by then to help field the questions that are sure to follow. RBB
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Product Details

• Hardcover: 424 pages
• Publisher: CQ Press; 1 edition (July 10, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568024282
• ISBN-13: 978-1568024288
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,145,921 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)