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Storytelling with Data
Using Visualization to Aid Reflective Practice in Libraries
Lisa Levesque, Evaluation & Assessment Librarian
Matt Gertler, Data Librarian
Ryerson University Library and Archives
I
Image Credit: Charles Joseph Minard,translated and uploaded to Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0
Image Credit: Charles Joseph Minard,translated and uploaded to Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0
Invisible Commitments, Oli Laruelle, 2009
This is a visualization of an open source software project, marking data, time, and effort.
black branches = folders branch thickness = frequency worked on branch length = # of subfolders fruit = files curved lines = collaborators
Image credit Oli Laurelle:goo.gl/r3hBvm
The Atlantic Slave Trade in Two
MinutesInteractive by Andrew Kahn. Background image by Tim Jones.
Library DataAt Ryerson we are working on:
An annual assessment plan aligned with the strategic plan: http://learn.library.ryerson.ca/assessment
An inventory of assessment data
A dashboard of assessment data
Visualizations
Apps:
Highcharts
Google Charts and Google API
Tableau and Google Sheets
VisualizationsExamples:
Indiana State*
Washington University*
Ryerson University
*Examples of library dashboards: goo.gl/Z7xQ7g Credit to Sita Periathiruvadi
Instruction Statistics
The range of years shown, and the comparison
between number of participants and
number of sessions, tells
the story
Image: Ryerson University Library and Archives Data
Image: Ryerson University Library and Archives Data
Image: Ryerson University Library and Archives Data
Using Data
Think about the questions you want to ask and the stories you want to tell:
● Determine if you have data related to the topic● If not would it be possible/ cost effective to collect● Considering the collection methods and methodologies used
ask yourself what can the data actually tell me● Work to get data into a shape and format that makes
analysis possible
Questioning Data
● What data is being collected● How is the data collected and who is in charge● Known issues with the data
Data Inventory
Image: Ryerson University Library and Archives Data
Finding the Story in your Data
Image: Ryerson University Library and Archives Data
Cleaning and Shaping the Data
RowThe unit of observation
Column One variable or question
CellOne observation
Image: Ryerson University Library and Archives Data
Visualization Resulting from Transformed Data
Image: Ryerson University Library and Archives Data
Data Visualization Principles
Keep it accessible.
Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario Handbook
How to Make Graphs, Charts, and Maps Accessible [Video]
● Design: remember to think about contrast, font and colour choices
● Provide text: alt text, and descriptive text, and perhaps a table
● Ask an accessibility expert
Don’t Do This
Image: Ryerson University Library and Archives Data
Descriptive Text
This pie chart shows the number of fancy donuts that Lisa purchased in a box of 12. Lisa has purchased 5 raspberry (41.7%), 3 boston cream (25%), 3 earl grey (25%), and 1 double chocolate (8.3%).
Do This Instead
Image: Ryerson University Library and Archives Data
Be aware of flaws in your data or potential distortions.
Data literacy is information literacy.
https://osf.io/n6tfe/ (paper and lesson)
Don’t be unethical.
Visual Cues
Visual cues communicate numbers with colour and geometry. An appropriate cue will help you to communicate information.
Image Credit: Yau, N. C. (2013). Data points: Visualization that means something. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Coordinate Systems
Image Credit: Yau, N. C. (2013). Data points: Visualization that means something. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Visualizations often include a coordinate system. There are three major systems used.
The purpose of the visualizationCompare the number of immigrants in Ontario by Country of Origin
Image: Stats Canada Data
Avoid 3D Visualizations
Pie charts use angle as a visual cue. Making a pie chart 3D distorts the angle.
Choose a Visualization where Form Follows Function
Image Credit: Data Visualization Catalog https://datavizcatalogue.com/
Keep it simple.
(to focus, try choosing a snapshot, limiting your scope)
“Library assessments that do not lead to decisions, actions, and communications with stakeholders are not worth doing"
Megan Oakleaf"Building the Assessment
Librarian Guildhall: Criteria and Skills for
Quality Assessment"2013
RFlowing Data - https://flowingdata.com
Dataviscatalog - https://datavizcatalogue.com check out their resources page, which includes gems such as
https://www.reddit.com/r/dataisbeautiful/
Choosing a Tool
Visualization Choices:
● Interactivity vs. stationary
● Dynamic Visualizations
Difficulty Considerations
● Required Skill Level● Point and Click vs.
Programming ● Infrastructure Support ArcGIS
Image Credit to Software Rights Holders
