LibGuides: Economics and the Economy: Working Papers

What is a working paper?

A working paper is a pre-publication version of an academic book or journal article. Authors often release working papers for the purpose of sharing ideas or soliciting feedback before submitting the papers for publication.

Ask your instructor if he or she considers a working paper to be an appropriate resource for your assignment.

Working Paper repositories

Fed in Print
The Fed in Print provides access to research published by the Board of Governors and all 12 Federal Reserve Banks. "Coverage includes the core economic reviews, as well as specialized regional and international publications, working papers, and annual report essays. Also included are selected speeches, community development publications, and conference papers."
National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)
The National Bureau of Economic Research is a "private, nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of how the economy works." Once connected, select the "Working Papers & Publications" option. Abstracts are freely available to everyone. Full-text downloads of NBER Working Papers are limited to subscribers.
Social Science Research Network (SSRN)
The Social Science Research Network (SSRN) is comprised of a number of specialized research networks in each of the social sciences. Those networks include the Economics Research Network (ERN), Financial Economics Network (FEN), and Health Economics Network (HEN). The majority of downloads are free.