The Maps, Data and Government

MADGIC Information Centre

Let our information specialists guide you to the best resources

■ Maps and atlases ■ Numeric survey data and public opinion surveys
■ GIS mapping data ■ Statistics, including Statistics Canada
■ Air photos ■ Government reports from around the world
 Get answers in your pajamas!
Send your questions to the MADGIC DESK at madgic.chat@gmail.com
10 Tips to enrich your research and papers using primary sources

1.Search efficiently 6.Get the latest government information

Use LOCATION to limit your search for Get access to topical, high level government
specific types of material. For maps and information – legislation, debates, statistics,
atlases, check the library catalogue using and commissions of inquiry. To keep an eye
your subject keyword AND ‘maps’ and on world events check “In the News…” whose
LIMIT the search to the “MAPS AND ATLASES” topical themes are drawn from current events
location. To find government publications with selected links to official sources and
quickly, LIMIT your search to “GOVERNMENT news backgrounders www.library.carleton.
DOCUMENTS”. ca/madgic/index.html

If you find a “Connect to Web Resource” box
above the call number in a catalogue record,
click on the link for an online text of the
publication.
2.Visualize your information
Find topographic and thematic maps in the
sheet map and atlas collection to include
in your paper. Borrow a map to support in-
class presentations. Look for Ottawa area air
photos in print and digital formats at www.
library.carleton.ca/madgic/maps/airphotos.
html. Locate downloadable maps on the Web
from our Online Maps page www.library.
carleton.ca/madgic/maps/onlinemaps.html
3.Explore the world with GIS
GIS combines maps and data to put the
world’s geographic information and statistics
at your fingertips. Locate the library’s GIS
data, digital air photos and tips on using GIS
software on the GIS web page: www.library.
carleton.ca/madgic/maps/gisweb/index.htm
4.Use data to beef up your paper
The Data Centre collects Statistics Canada
survey data and public opinion polling
data. These surveys cover economic, social,
financial, educational, tourism and industrial
themes. Chart your data for a bigger impact.
Our Data Centre staff can help you make
the best use of data resources. Find full
descriptions of data files at www.library.
carleton.ca/ssdata/.
5.Find statistics on (almost) anything
Access Statistics Canada statistics as well
as the CANSIM and E-STAT databases
for free. Never pay for statistics without
first checking with MADGIC. You also have
access to statistical databases like World
Development Indicators, STAT-USA, and
Global Development Finance. Find worldwide
statistics on the Web at www.library.carleton.
ca/madgic/stats.html
7.Use international organizations for
comparisons
The extensive publications of the United
Nations, the European Union, SourceOECD
(the online collection of the Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development)
and the World Bank’s E-Library are great
resources for international comparisons and
reports on issues of worldwide interest like
SARS.
8.History is found here
We have a large collection of historical
atlases, 19th century U.S. and British
government reports online, Canadian census
reports from 1871, Canada-U.S. boundary
maps and reports, collected documents on the
origins of the world wars, British and Foreign
State Papers from 1812-1968, and more...
9.Save time!
Use Subject and Course Web guides to
navigate the Web efficiently. Expert staff
selected high value links for a wide range
of topics such as Biodiversity, Employment
Statistics, the European Union, Canadian
Census Guide, National Security and
Terrorism, and International Organizations.
See the full list at www.library.carleton.ca/
subjects/index.html
10.Cite your resources properly
Government publications www.library.
carleton.ca/madgic/docs/index.html#citing
Maps www.library.carleton.ca/madgic/maps/
onlinemaps/topics.html#citing Numeric data
files www.library.carleton.ca/ssdata/faq.
html#9 GIS files www.library.carleton.ca/
madgic/maps/gisweb/examples.htm
239-07 ?M 07