How to Use the Data: Compass Series

In recognition of the need to provide guidance on new concepts and the challenges they bring to users of American Community Survey (ACS) data, the U.S. Census Bureau has developed a series of educational materials called The ACS Compass Products. The Census Bureau will release data from the ACS in the form of 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year estimates. These estimates represent concepts that are fundamentally different from those associated with sample data from the decennial census long form. We hope The ACS Compass Products give direction and guidance to you in using ACS data.

Handbooks

These handbooks provide user-friendly information about the ACS and the new multiyear estimates available in 2008. Each handbook targets a specific user group including first time ACS data users.

Presentations

Need to conduct your own training? These PowerPoint presentations with fully scripted text allow individuals to conduct their own training on key aspects of the ACS. They are designed to help data users learn about the ACS and cover various topics from the ACS basics to understanding ACS multiyear estimates.

E-learning Tutorial - forthcoming

An on-line tutorial that enables users to understand and appropriately use ACS data. Basic and advanced topics on the ACS are covered and case studies to illustrate concepts are provided.

If you have questions, comments, or identify any areas of concern, we would like to hear from you. Please contact us by email at acso.users.support@census.gov.

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