This document provides guidance on using data visualization to effectively communicate information through presentations and reports. It discusses choosing the appropriate chart type based on the data, including pie charts for comparing parts of a whole, line charts for comparing changes over time, and maps for geographic data. Basic rules for making clear and informative charts are outlined, such as checking the data, including labels and sources. Tools for creating different chart types are presented, like Juicy Labs' Chart Chooser and Google Sheets. Guidance is also provided on creating word clouds and data maps, with examples like Tagul and Google Fusion Tables. The document concludes with recommendations on selecting informative color schemes and additional readings on data visualization.

1. Visualization
Making an Impact with Your Data
An Online Presentation at
Outcomes, Value, & Impact
Metrics for Libraries Success
By Greg R. Notess
1
Business, 405
Chemistry, 117
Engineering, 148
Music, 177
Workshops, 121
Tour, 10
Other, 124
Instruction: # of Students
1,102

2. Tactics and Techniques
2

3. Information Visualization = Storytelling
• Tagul Word Cloud
3

4. Info Lit & Core Story
4
• Presentation to New Core Committee
• Limited Preparation Time
• Quick Call for Data

5. Data Dump to Annual Report
5

6. Annual Report to External Audience
6

7. Better Options
• Highlight Key Points
7
Info Lit Students
30%
No Info Lit Instruction
70%
MSU STUDENTS

8. Standard Charts and Overview
• Choosing the right data
• Choosing the right chart type
• Numerical Data: Chart
• Geographic Component: Data Map
8

9. Comparing Parts of a Whole?
• Pie Chart or Stacked Bar Chart
9
Info Lit Students
30%
No Info Lit
Instruction
70%
MSU STUDENTS
5237
4570
8917
10724
0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000 14000 16000 18000
FY2013
FY2014
MSU Students
Taught Info Lit vs. No IL Instruction
Info Lit No Info Lit

10. Compare Change Over Time?
• Line Chart
10
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
FY2012 FY2013 FY2014
Decreasing Students Numbers Taught Info Lit
Info Lit No Info Lit 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
FY2012 FY2013 FY2014
IL Reach

11. Other Types
• Frequency Distribution or Items Within Ranges
• Step Column or Line Chart
• Correlation Comparison or Relationship between Variables
• Scatter Chart or Paired Bar chart
11

12. Data Map Types
• Numerical Data?
• Pushpin
• Numerical Single Field?
• Shaded Area
• Numerical Multiple Fields?
• Pie or Column Chart
12

13. 7 Basic Rules for Making Charts and Graphs
snipr.com/7chartrules [flowingdata.com]
1. Check Data
2. Explain Encodings (Clear Legends)
3. Label Axes
4. Include Units
5. Keep Geometry in Check
6. Include Sources
7. Consider Audience
13

14. Tools
14

15. Chart Choosing
• Juicy Labs’ Chart Chooser
labs.juiceanalytics.com/chartchooser
• Includes Templates
15

16. Spreadsheet Recommendations
Excel Charts
• Recommended Charts
• Pivot Tables and Pivot Charts
• Many Add-Ins
Google Sheet
• Insert Chart/Chart Editor
• Recommended Charts
• Also has Many Add-ons
16

17. Web Sites & Services
iCharts.net
• Free for individual; otherwise
commercial
• Supports real-time data
ZingChart.com
• JavaScript Charts for Web Sites
• Free and Fee Versions
• Can handle Big Data
17

18. Infographics
Infogr.am
• Three Step Infographics:
1. Choose Template
2. Add Data
3. Share
• Can be Interactive & Use Real-
Time Data
• Changed Terms
• Only 10 Infographics for Free
Piktochart.com
• Free and Pro accounts
• Multiple Types
• Infographic
• Reports
• Banners
• Presentations
18

19. Word Clouds
Wordle.net
• The standard word cloud maker
• Note the many features & options
Tagul.com
• Can choose or upload shape
• Animated or Static
• More export options
19

20. Data Maps
• Excel
• Bing Maps Add-In
• Power View
• Download and/or
Install Needed
• Geographic Data in
Spreadsheet
20

21. Google Fusion Tables
google.com/fusiontables
• “An experimental data visualization web application to gather,
visualize, and share data tables”
• If Location Data is Included and Identified, Can Create Map
• Many Public Data Sources
21

22. 22

23. Color Help?
ColorBrewer2.org
• Color Advice for Cartography
• Choose
• Number of Data Classes
• Nature of Data
• Color Schemes
• Colorblind safe option
23

24. 24
Selected Readings
Fichter, Darlene and Jeff Wisniewski. "Telling Your Library's Story One
Number at a Time." Online Searcher 38, no. 4 (2014): 74-76.
Lyons, Ray, "Lib(Rary) Performance“ libperformance.com
McDermott, Irene E. "Show, Don't Tell: Data Visualization for Libraries."
Online Searcher 38, no. 4 (2014): 35-37.
Phelps, Marcy. "Visualization Tools for Turning Information into
Insights." Online 36, no. 5 (2012): 14-19.