Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

How can I obtain copies of the research papers?

The BLS working papers are available on the website at http://www.bls.gov/osmr/workpapers_catalog.htm. The Monthly Labor Review articles are available on the MLR website at http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/mlrhome.htm. Many of the published papers are available to subscribers at JSTOR. The unpublished papers can be obtained by contacting the authors directly.

Are there opportunities to be a full-time or visiting researcher at BLS?

• The Compensation Research and Program Development Group advertises full-time job opportunities in the Job Openings for Economists.
• There are also opportunities for research fellowships (see http://www.bls.gov/osmr/nsf_bls_fell.htm),
• Finally, researchers can visit BLS via the Intergovernmental Personnel Act which allows researchers access to confidential data files at BLS. See http://www.bls.gov/bls/blsresda.htm for complete details.

How can I obtain access to confidential data?

BLS has opportunities available on a limited basis for researchers from colleges and universities, government, and eligible nonprofit organizations to obtain access to BLS data files not available on public-use or the NLS geocode files. These confidential files are available for use only at the BLS National Office in Washington, DC, on statistical research projects approved by BLS. Access to data is subject to the availability of space and resources at BLS.

For more information about how to request access to these and other confidential data files, please see Researcher Access to Confidential Data Files at the Bureau of Labor Statistics at http://www.bls.gov/bls/blsresda.htm.

How can I learn more about the research that is conducted by the staff?

Research economists on the staff are currently conducting research in a wide variety of areas. Many of the staff present their research at academic conferences, such as the Allied Social Sciences Association meetings, the Society of Labor Economists meetings, and the Joint Statistical Meetings. In conjunction with the OEUS research group, the Compensation Research Group runs a seminar series to which it invites outside researchers to present their papers.

Last Modified Date: March 23, 2007