The World Bank recently launched a new open data initiative developed to improve access to key global economic and development data by researchers. Traditionally only available to paid subscribers, data found at http://data.worldbank.org/ is now open to all. The site provides "...free, open and easy access..." to hundreds of indicators for over 200 countries, with some data going back as far as 50 years. Users of the data are able to download, manipulate and re-use the data freely. Data is presented in a variety of ways: browse key topics such as Aid Effectiveness or Financial Security, or examine specific indicators such as Malnutrition or Energy Use. Data is presented in English with the option to translate to Spanish, French or Arabic.
In addition to the World Development Indicators data now provided through data.worldbank.org, Western Libraries is able to provide access to thousands of World Bank publications in print and electronic formats. For a listing of print materials in Western Libraries click here, for electronic click here.
To learn more about how Western Libraries supports open access initiatives please visit Scholarship @ Western.
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