As the U.S. Census Bureau moves closer and closer to Internet-only dissemination of data, it should be mindful that there are still gaps in Internet access by certain demographic groups and ensure its data dissemination and access services are sufficient to meet the needs of all of its data users. This report provides important baseline information on who the Census Bureau’s typical data users are, how they have changed over time, and ways to improve access for communities and populations with limited knowledge of Census Bureau data who do not have full access to the Internet. These issues were explored with Census Bureau divisions and offices. Other principal federal statistical agencies were asked how they have addressed these same issues within their organization. The data intermediaries in the State Data Center (SDC) and Census Information Center (CIC) programs were asked to identify barriers in accessing census data and to suggest ways to improve data access services to communities without full access to the Internet.

The findings show that the Census Bureau’s major data user groups have not changed in decades, but the number of data users have expanded and there are more casual/nontraditional data users who require more time and resources to address their needs. The findings also show that the Census Regional Offices, SDCs, and CICs are on the frontline in providing data access services to communities and populations without Internet access. In terms of data dissemination, the agency has experienced a gigantic change over time that has taken it from referring to summary files and massive volumes of paper to accessing and disseminating data in seconds.