<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary information extracted from The Bureau of
National Affairs, Inc. consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statement of
income for the period ended September 9, 2000 and is qualified in its entirety
by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-09-2000
<CASH> 24,188
<SECURITIES> 10,508
<RECEIVABLES> 32,390
<ALLOWANCES> 1,384
<INVENTORY> 4,922
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 93,502
<PP&E> 111,342
<DEPRECIATION> 74,283
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 322,418
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 162,144
<BONDS> 14,000
0
0
<COMMON> 11,912
<OTHER-SE> 56,131
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 322,418
<SALES> 192,199
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 192,199
<CGS> 104,179
<TOTAL-COSTS> 104,179
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 75,098
<LOSS-PROVISION> 675
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 779
<INCOME-PRETAX> 18,727
<INCOME-TAX> 5,862
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 12,865
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 12,865
<EPS-BASIC> 1.62
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.62
</TABLE>