About Social Explorer

How do I access Social Explorer through Arlington Public Library?
Do I need to create an account to use Social Explorer?
What types of data are available on Social Explorer?
Do I need any special software to use Social Explorer?
Is Social Explorer mobile-friendly?
What if I need help using Social Explorer?

Email Us: eCollection Help

Go to the Social Explorer website through your library's digital resources page. Enter your Library Card Number and PIN.

Creating a personal account on Social Explorer allows you to save your searches, custom maps, and reports for future reference. With an account, you can also access your saved work from any device, collaborate with others by sharing your projects, and receive updates about new features or data sets. While you can use the platform without an account, creating one enhances your experience by offering more personalized tools and data management options.

Social Explorer includes the entire U.S. Census (1790 to 2010) and the American Community Survey (2005 to 2018).

Specialized U.S. data resources include the FBI Uniform Crime Report (2010 to 2016), American election results (1912 to 2018), Religious Congregations and Membership Study (1980 and 2010), Vulcan Project carbon emissions data (2002), U.S. Business Patterns (2014), and County Health Rankings and Roadmaps Program data (2010 to 2016).

International data resources include the United Kingdom Census (2011), Canadian Census (2011), Eurostat (1990, 2000, 2010 to 2014), World Development Indicators (1960, 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015), and Irish religion and population data (1911, 1926, 1936, 1946, 1961, 1971, 1981,  1991, and 2001).

Overall, the site contains billions of data points and hundreds of thousands of variables. 

No, Social Explorer is a web-based tool, so you only need an internet connection and a web browser to access and use the platform.

Social Explorer supports the following internet browsers:

• Chrome 74 and newer

• Firefox 72 and newer

• Safari 12, 13 and 14

• Edge 17 and newer

• Microsoft Edge (Chromium/Anaheim) 80 and newer

Yes. While the platform is optimized for desktop use, you can access and use it on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. The interface adjusts to fit smaller screens, allowing you to view data, interact with maps, and explore reports. However, for a more comprehensive and user-friendly experience, using Social Explorer on a larger screen is recommended, especially when working with complex data visualizations.

For additional help, please visit the Social Explorer Help Center or submit an inquiry via the Library's eCollection Help form.