Getting databases from bureaucrats

• Identify agencies that have databases.
  • They'll often have names like information services, computer services or data processing.
  • These departments may reside in many different arms of government. For instance, in Nashville, databases are kept by:
    • Information Services (they handle most city functions)
    • Police Department Information Services (The NPD uses IS for payroll but they also have their own IS department for 911 data and another department which does crime mapping and analysis using  data GIS tools)
    • Health Department (all hospital and medicare/medicaid data)
    • Courts - docket and offender tracking
  • Don't forget the planning department  -- they've got the GIS data and probably a lot of simplified city databases

• Ask for compilations of databases
  • They always say they don't have one but a list is always available somewhere -- possible in a budget document, tape library list or some other related source. Urge them to be creative.
  • Lists of databases were often compiled for Y2K planning purposes (thank you Pat Stith)
  • If all else fails, tell them they got to know what they're supposed to be keeping track of and ask them to go through each one. 
  • A visit before a series of requests is prudent. Get them to know you

• Look for other sources of data
  • Databases are created every day. Just because there shouldn't logically be one doesn't mean there isn't.
  • Don't define databases rigidly. If there's a PC on a desk, there could be a database even if it's not in a database format. 

• Government reports
  • Reports will cite what data was used
  • Bureau of the Census and GAO reports are especially good at the federal level

• Take the time to think