How data visualization supports academic library assessment: Three examples from the Ohio State University Libraries using Tableau

Abstract

Tableau is a powerful tool in the arsenal of librarians and staff tasked with assessment, marketing, and other duties. Tableau helps librarians to see and understand their data. With Tableau, librarians can leverage large sources of data that once appeared inaccessible or unmanageable to create both engaging and dynamic visualizations. They may piece this data together to develop compelling stories that demonstrate the impact libraries have on various constituents and communities. Incorporating Tableau into library assessment initiatives is a valuable investment of library resources and time.