How to Search Useful Databases (Start Here)
This page collects federal databases that do not fit neatly into a single record category — general-purpose government data tools, cross-agency search portals, and statistical databases.
What this page covers: Multi-purpose federal data portals, government statistics sites, and reference databases. What it does not cover: Topic-specific databases (those are on their own pages).
Where to start: If you do not know which agency has what you need, start with Data.gov or USA.gov. If you need statistics, start with the Census Bureau or the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Banished Words
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Lake Superior State University List of Words Banished from the Queens English for Mis-Use, Over-Use and General Uselessness.
Better Business Bureau Reports
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Better Business Bureau (BBB) Reliability Report searches.
Charities & Nonprofits
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GuideStar search for profiles of nonprofit organizations in the United States.
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Fire Safe Hotels & Motels
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U.S. Fire Administration database of fire-safe hotels and motels in the United States.
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Schools and Colleges
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Schools and colleges in the United States from the National Center for Education Statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use this page instead of a specific topic page? ▼
Use this page when you are not sure which agency or record type you need. If you already know you need court records, criminal records, or property records, go directly to that topic page — it will have the specific databases.
What is Data.gov? ▼
Data.gov is the federal government's open data portal. It provides access to datasets published by federal agencies on topics ranging from agriculture to transportation. It is a data catalog, not a record search tool.
Is there a single website that searches all government databases? ▼
No. Each federal agency maintains its own database. USA.gov provides a directory of government services and can help you find the right agency, but it does not search across all databases.
Other Federal Databases
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