Projected innovations in the data delivery system for the 1970 census

One of the critical pieces in the data-access puzzle is knowledge of the user's needs, for with this knowledge, creating data access would be relatively simple. But this knowledge can never be fully developed because unpublished census data are used for unanticipated problems.Many needs are known, however, and with a flexible definition of census results, there is some chance of meeting unanticipated needs. Now, a flexible definition would be: "a collection of basic data, edited summaries of these data, and a set of techniques for using the collection and summaries." This definition emphasizes software and organizational arrangements that permit flexibility in fulfilling the user's ever-changing analytic requirements. The results will represent a rudimentary information system.Using this definition, the Bureau is engaged in many activities. Pertinent developments are (1) a laboratory for the development of data-access and use-problem solutions; (2) a census-data files-documentation center; (3) a dictionary of universe definitions and of a universe index-code system for concepts; (4) analytic computer programs for comparing characteristics of many small areas; (5) computer-prepared demographic maps and charts; (6) evaluation of social indicators based on census data; (7) data-processing capability at non-Bureau sites; (8) data-access descriptions of new techniques; and (9) a data-needs clearinghouse designed to eliminate duplication.