In the early 1980’s, the Census Bureau looked at its quality control approach and the analyses for 1980 census operations attempting to answer several questions. What was the quality of the product? What were the errors and what were the deficiencies in the process? Particular interest was placed on the quality control techniques used and, where problems existed, what were these problems and how could they have been prevented? In this light, what should be the approach for the 1990 census?
Census statistics date back to 1790 and reflect the growth and change of the United States. Past census reports contain some terms that today’s readers may consider obsolete and inappropriate. As part of our goal to be open and transparent with the public, we are improving access to all Census Bureau original publications and statistics, which serve as a guide to the nation's history.