Data Visualization and Rapid Analytics: Applying Tableau Desktop to Support Library Decision-Making

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Date

2013-12

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Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract

Data visualization offers librarians the ability to better manage, explore and present information collected by various individuals throughout a library organization. This article discusses The Ohio State University Libraries experiments with Tableau, a sophisticated data-visualization and rapid analytics software. Tableau allows librarians to blend and leverage data collected from a number of disparate sources, including transaction logs, Google Analytics, and e-resource usage reports. The article provides context for incorporating data-visualization into the OSU Libraries assessment program and shares examples of visualizations created for two data-analysis projects. The benefits of blending and simultaneously viewing visualizations of data from multiple sources are articulated and explored. The article concludes with a short discussion of potential future projects for visualizing library data using Tableau Desktop.

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Keywords

data visualization, data analysis, library assessment, Google Analytics, transaction logs, learning management systems, dashboards, Tableau software

Citation

Murphy, Sarah Anne, "Data Visualization and Rapid Analytics: Applying Tableau Desktop to Support Library Decision-Making." Journal of Web Librarianship 7, no. 4 (2013): 465-476. DOI: 10.1080/19322909.2013.825148