IRE Database Library || FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I place an order for data?
How do I pay for the data?
How will the data be sent?
How quickly will the data arrive?
How frequently is the data in the NICAR collection updated?
How does NICAR break down size of news organization for pricing?
When is the Database Library open?
If I’m not a journalist, can I purchase data from NICAR?
Can I buy data or services from the Database Library if I’m not an IRE member?
Why should I purchase the data from NICAR rather than going to the government agency directly?
What format is the data stored in? Can I use it in Microsoft Access?
Can I see a sample of the data or a record layout before purchasing?
Can I purchase data from the Database Library and stories from the IRE Resource Center at the same time?
Can I hire NICAR to convert data from magnetic media to CD-ROM?
Can NICAR analyze data for a news organization?
Can the Database Library search its aviation data on deadline after a plane crash?
Where can I find tipsheets on using this data or stories others have done?
Where can I get training on computer-assisted reporting?
How is the Database Library supported?

Q: How do I place an order for data?
You can either send in an order form or place the order over the telephone.

Download the order form here [PDF to download] and fill in the appropriate information. Be sure to circle the name of the database and the appropriate price for the size of your news organization and the data slice you have selected. If you are requesting a particular year, write that in the margin. When completed, fax the form attention to the Database Library at (573) 882-5431 or (573) 884-5544, or send via mail to:

Call the Database Library to place your order over the telephone, (573) 884-7711 or (573) 884-7332.

Q: How do I pay for the data?
You can pay by Visa, MasterCard or American Express or we can send an invoice along with the data. The invoice must be paid within 30 days of receipt. If you have a purchase order system and need to have the PO number on the invoice, let us know when placing the order.

If you place an order by telephone and pay by credit card, we'll send the receipt along with the data.

You can also send a check via mail with the completed order form when placing the order.

Q: How will the data be sent?
The Database Library sends data via FTP, or on CD-ROM or DVDs. For shipping, we offer the option of UPS or regular mail. If using UPS, we ask you to provide an account number. See the order form for the costs of using the NICAR UPS account. Generally, we send "standard overnight" meaning it will arrive sometime the next day. We charge $5 for regular mail, however beware that it could take up to a week to arrive because of our mail system.

Q: How quickly will the data arrive?
For most orders, including for FTP delivery, the Database Library staff can send out the data the same day that the order is placed. Large orders are the primary exception. If you want the data to arrive the next day via UPS, orders must be placed before 3 p.m. Central time.

Q: How frequently is the data in the NICAR collection updated?
Each database varies. Several are updated weekly, monthly or quarterly. Most are updated annually, usually the same time each year. Some, such as HMDA, INS and FBI Uniform Crime Reports, depend on release of the data from the government agency. Call the Database Library at (573) 884-7711 to ask about a specific database.

Q: How does NICAR break down size of news organization for pricing?
Small = Average daily circulation less than 50,000 for print publications; market size of 50-200 for broadcast organizations.
Medium = Average daily circulation between 50,000 and 100,000 for print; market size of 26-50 for broadcast.
Large = Average daily circulation above 100,000 for print; market size in the top 25 for broadcast.

Journalism students and educators and freelance journalists fall into the "small" category.

Q: When is the Database Library open?
Staff members are available to take orders or answer questions between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Central time, Monday through Friday.

If there is a large news event, such as an airplane crash involving numerous fatalities, staff may be available on nights and weekends. We will post messages to the NICAR-L listserv if we are available.

Q: If I'm not a journalist, can I purchase data from NICAR?
NICAR is a non-profit, journalism service organization, and our policy prohibits providing data or services to non-journalists. Data is sold at or below costs to IRE members only.

Q: Can I buy data or services from the Database Library if I'm not an IRE member?
No. You must be an IRE member.

Q: Why should I purchase the data from NICAR rather than going to the government agency directly?
Getting the data from the Database Library eliminates several time-consuming steps in the CAR process. First, we handle the Freedom of Information hassles in requesting and obtaining the data. You don't have to deal with the government flaks.

Second, we transfer the data from various media and formats, and put it in database format that is ready to use. We also convert date and numeric fields out of their text versions so they are ready for analysis.

Finally, we make sure you have complete, detailed record layouts, codesheets and other documentation. We let you know about glitches or flaws in the data that we've encountered, and offer suggestions for story ideas and places to find stories that have already been done using this data.

Our goal is to eliminate the headaches that are typically involved in the process of making data ready to analyze.

Q: What format is the data stored in? Can I use it in Microsoft Access?
We provide the data in dBase IV, which is a basic database format that is easily imported into most spreadsheet or database manager programs — including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access or FoxPro. We can provide specific directions for importing these files.

Q: Can I see a sample of the data or a record layout before purchasing?
Yes, a 100-record sample and record layout for each dataset is available to download on the NICAR Web site, http://www.ire.org/datalibrary/databases/databases.php. The tables are in Dbase IV, which can be easily imported into most spreadsheet or database manager programs — including Microsoft Access.

Q: Can I purchase data from the Database Library and stories from the IRE Resource Center at the same time?
Yes. We can arrange joint invoicing and shipment of materials from both the Database Library and the Resource Center.

Q: Can I hire NICAR to convert data from magnetic media to CD-ROM?
Yes. NICAR can convert the following media and transfer the data as raw text or DBF tables to CD-ROM.

We may have equipment for other media. Call the Database Library Director at (573) 884-7711 to check.

We charge by the hour, according to the size of your news organization.

Each transfer job is unique, making it difficult to estimate the amount of time it will take in advance. This is more easily done if you can provide a record layout in advance.

Please contact us in advance to arrange for this service. When you mail us the data please include the record layout, the code sheets, and the contact name of the person who gave you the data, in case we have any questions.

Ordinarily, we work with data which journalists acquire, and send us, but occasionally, we can work on getting the data for you and arrange a payment system. We do not do data entry.

Q: Can NICAR analyze data for a news organization?
NICAR is designed primarily to teach journalists this wonderful reporting tool, however the Database Library will provide analysis services on a case-by-case basis. Arrangements must be made in advance with the Database Library Administrator, including the submission of an indemnity letter clearing NICAR of any liability. Call the administrator at (573) 884-7711 for more information.

Q: Can the Database Library search its aviation data on deadline after a plane crash?
Yes. If you provide us the tail number, we can search for prior service difficulties, prior accidents or incidents and current registration data on that plane. We also have some older registration data to find previous owners.

The data will only be sent in Excel format, making it necessary for you to have the software and skills necessary to analyze the data yourself. We also send any documentation, such as record layouts and codesheets.

NICAR cannot search data without a tail number (N-number) provided by the person requesting the search. Foreign planes are not included in the Federal Aviation Administration data that we use.

Typically, we can complete the search within 1 or 2 hours and send you the data either via e-mail or make it available to download from NICAR's FTP server.

Cost: We charge $25 per database searched. Current registration data is automatically included. This service is for IRE members only.

If a major crash (i.e. U.S. commercial airliner, significant fatalities) occurs after business hours or on the weekend, NICAR staff will check the phone messages and may be at the office to conduct searches. We will post messages to NICAR-L indicating we are available.

Q: Where can I find tipsheets on using this data or stories others have done?
Search the IRE Resource Center tipsheet and story databases [ http://www.ire.org/resourcecenter/] to find information that may be useful in analyzing the data you purchased from the Database Library.

Call the Resource Center to order copies, (573) 882-3364.

Q: Where can I get training on computer-assisted reporting?
IRE and NICAR provides numerous training opportunities each year, in various parts of the country. These include week-long, intensive bootcamps in Columbia, Mo., that offer hands-on training in spreadsheets, database managers and Internet searching.

Trainers can also do custom sessions at your news organization, and some training sessions are offered at IRE and NICAR conference.

See the IRE Training page for more information, including schedules and costs.

Q: How is the Database Library supported?
The Database Library is partially supported by The Florence and John Schumann Foundation.