Telling your library story: tableau public for data visualization

Abstract

PurposeData visualization, the technique of presenting data in a visual context to increase reader understanding, is a method that has been growing in influence for decades. Many libraries are facing increasing pressure (both internal and external) to showcase the statistics in high-impact and visually appealing ways. Tableau Public is a free tool that libraries can use to visualize their data.Design/methodology/approachThis paper gives an overview of Tableau Public and discusses best practices for using it in library services.FindingsTableau Public is a free-to-use downloadable software that enables librarians with no data science expertise to build beautiful and interactive data visualizations, which can be shared with staff, administration and other stakeholders.Originality/valueThis paper should be of use to any librarians interested in finding new and effective ways of communicating their library statistics. Tableau Public can be used to visualize data from a variety of library departments, including circulation, reference, instruction and collection management.