Data in NJ

Availability

• Data has become more widely searchable and available for download over the last several years but…

• To make the best use of the data you’ll need to develop data analysis skills in a spreadsheet and database environment.

Sources

• Always check the source of the data.

• Remember, all data is bad, so don’t assume the records you search or download are accurate

Where is the data?

• A great deal of NJ related data is already available without filing an open records request.

• Research possible sources for the data before filing request including advocacy groups.

A case study in change

• Port Authority payroll file is now posted regularly and available for download.

• http://www.panynj.gov/corporate-information/employee-payroll-information-2013.cfm

• Years ago the PA denied a Bergen Record request for the same information.

Data you can use today

• Asbury Park Press Data Universe is a good place to start…

• http://www.app.com/section/DATA/DataUniverse

• Other data sites include state contracts, doctor profiles, licensed professionals, public school data, etc.

• Not all can be downloaded.

More data

• Some federal data sites are excellent sources for NJ information including OSHA inspection records, congressional financial disclosure records, nursing home inspection records, federal lobbying data.