This poster presentation will share our library’s explorations into utilizing data visualization software for the purpose of visualizing and analyzing usage statistics, with a specific focus on Alma Analytics and Tableau Public.
We will provide brief background information to explain the purpose and necessity behind our decision to investigate data visualization possibilities, including our determination regarding the value of usage statistics and their potential to help with strategic planning.
We will illustrate possible issues in the course of selecting, collecting and preparing data for visualization including data verification, aggregation problems, and formulation of “tidy” data. We will exhibit the process of exploratory analysis of findings, possible reworking of data, in-depth analysis of findings, patterns and trends, discussion of insights gained, and presentation of findings to stakeholders. We will share anecdotes of our experiences learning and using Alma Analytics and Tableau Public, including licensing and confidentiality of data, and factors that determined our choices to use those tools.
Finally, we will display future possibilities for data visualization in libraries.
