Telling your library story: tableau public for data visualization

Abstract

Purpose Data 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/approach This paper gives an overview of Tableau Public and discusses best practices for using it in library services. Findings Tableau 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/value This 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.