COVID-19 Influences and Impacts:

A Curated Database of Databases

The searchable database consists of an annotated, curated collection of datasets and/or databases relevant to the antecedents, aftermath and progression of the COVID-19 pandemic for the social and environmental sciences and policy, particularly in the areas of health, environment and energy. Each entry (row in the database) represents a unique dataset or database that has been characterized according to a set of criteria. Live links to access data and metadata are provided, together with information about the database.

Purpose and use. The large variability in health, social and behavioral policies and practices enacted in response to COVID-19 offers an international “natural experiment.” Examining COVID-related policies or changes in policies before, during and after pandemic waves in relation to extant health, environmental, energy and economic policies and societal well-being can yield important insights to help guide future policy and behavior, particularly in long-term crises. Because the database includes data related to social, civic, economic and family life, as well as environmental and energy data, scholars from a broad range of disciplines may profitably use the tool. While many datasets focus on COVID-19 per se, others that predate the pandemic offer contextualization and comparative information. Details on project methodology and the types of datasets included can be accessed here (see Codebook).

By describing, categorizing and providing links to datasets, the COVID Influences and Impacts Database of Databases aims to reduce time and effort for researchers, facilitating new and more expeditious research. The schematic below illustrates the animating concept.

The project was developed and funded by the Policy Destination Area (+Policy) of Virginia Tech in partnership with the University Libraries. This version (v1) covers datasets found and characterized primarily from May – September 2020. Database updates will be designated by new versions, reflected also in updated metadata. The web-based platform is hosted by DataBridge at Virginia Tech, which created and monitors the platform.

Instructions: To access the most up to date tool, please select "Query Tool" from the navigation bar at the top of the page. This will launch the tool in a new tab. Once you have launched the search engine, you will be able to:

  • View characterized databases, with links access data and metadata, where available

  • Query the database with pre-built and with free-text filters

  • Export search results or the entire database for your use

  • Sort through relevant data to best answer your COVID-19 related questions

We would appreciate hearing your feedback as we work to continuously improve the utility of the database and the navigational ease of query search tool. A feedback survey can be accessed at the top right of the upper menu bar. Project methodology can also be found on the menu.

Questions about the project can be directed to Isabel Bradburn, at isbrad@vt.edu

To learn more about +Policy, see https://www.provost.vt.edu/destination_areas/areas_of_focus/da_policy.html

To learn more about University Libraries, click https://lib.vt.edu/

To learn more about DataBridge, click https://www.databridge.dev/.