Purpose & Goals

We created dashboards of the core functions of our library, including physical collections and spaces, user services, electronic resources, and outreach and engagement. Our dashboards provide insight into how the library is being used and by whom, as well as into our overall value to and impact on the university. Furthermore, our dashboards promote a culture of data-driven decision making, so that stakeholders can use them to make choices that better serve users.

Design & Methodology

We created these dashboards with Tableau and used a wide variety of sources, such as data from the overhead counter, room reservations, Google Analytics, circulation, transactions, and e-resources usage. Additionally, to ensure that our dashboards are accessible to all users in our campus community, we applied best practices in accessibility, considering color contrast, text readability, and the styling of interactive elements.

Findings

This project demonstrates how patrons use library resources, services, systems, and collections. It puts our organizational data in one place and makes it accessible to stakeholders.

Action & Impact

We are sharing these dashboards with relevant stakeholders, who can see how their core services are used. This allows stakeholders to make changes to better serve users. For example, in tracking the areas of the building and furniture that receive higher usage, we can make informed decisions about space layout and about purchasing additional furniture.

Practical Implications & Value

Literature about using data visualization to allow for data-driven decision making tends to focus on one area of librarianship, such as collection management, e-resources, or access services (see Lewellen & Plum, 2016; Mishra, 2023; and Rose, 2017). In contrast, this project considers library data at an organizational level. Something that additionally distinguishes this project is its emphasis on designing accessible dashboards.

References

Lewellen, R. & Plum, T. (2016). Assessment of e-resources usage at University of Massachusetts Amherst: A MINES for libraries study using tableau for visualization and analysis. Research Library Issues, 288, 5–20.

Mishra, S. (2023). Use of information visualization techniques for collection management in libraries: A conceptual review. Library philosophy and practice, 7842.

Rose, K. (2017). Data on demand: A model to support the routine use of quantitative data for decision-making in access services. Journal of access services,14(4), 171–187.