FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                   MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2001


                               
Decennial Media Relations                                    CB01-26
301-457-3691/301-457-3620 (fax)
301-457-1037 (TDD) 
e-mail: 2000usa@census.gov


     Census Bureau to Offer Training for Media on New Database


  The U.S. Census Bureau said today it will offer training workshops for
the media on how to access Census 2000 redistricting data through its new
Internet data access tool called American FactFinder.
  
  Four two-hour training sessions, which include a briefing and a hands-on
computer tutorial, will be offered on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 22 and 23,
at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

  Redistricting data can be used by states to redraw federal, state and
local legislative boundaries. The file features the first small-area
population totals and the first Census 2000 race and Hispanic data.
Release of these data will start in March and be completed by April 1,
2001.

     Training sessions will be held as follows:

  Dates:  Thursday, Feb. 22, 2001
          from 10 a.m. to noon, or from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
          Friday, Feb. 23, 2001
          from 10 a.m. to noon, or from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

  Place:  National Press Club
          The Eric Friedheim Library and News Information Center
          529 14th St. N.W., 13th Floor
          Washington, D.C. 

      Please call the Public Information Office on 301-457-3691 to
register for one of the training sessions. Seating is limited.