101-Communicating Data Using Different Types of Data for Storytelling & Advocacy

101 Level Skills

Individuals at the 101 Level have the following skills:

Basic spreadsheet skills
Basic math skills
Ability to locate trends/data resources
Ability to select and use graphic tools
Ability to read and interpret data
Basic data storytelling skills
Basic knowledge of presentation software (Google Slides, PowerPoint)

Geek Skills Expert Skills

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Basic spreadsheet skills

Get Started with Sheets (Google)

Learn how to enter, edit, and organize data into a spreadsheet using Google Sheets.

Basic math skills

Mathematics I (Khan Academy)

Khan Academy’s series of courses is useful for learning or refreshing basic math skills.

Ability to locate trends/data resources

Resources to Find the Data You Need, 2016 Edition

This FlowingData article lists openly available data sources.

Learning Public Data Sets

Learn where to find public data and how to download and import data for visualization and analysis in this Lynda.com webinar.

Ability to select and use graphic tools

Visual Vocabulary

Use this simple and interactive site to explore data visualization types and find the right one for your story.

Real Chart Rules to Follow

Real Chart Rule to Follow

Learn basic rules to choosing and creating charts in this helpful FlowingData article.

Picking the Right Chart for Your Data

This Lynda.com webinar covers basic chart types and helps users determine their communication goals.

Data Visualization for Human Perception

This article from The Encyclopedia of Human-Computer Interaction provides a basic background on data visualization and resources for further research.

Chart Suggestions — A Thought-Starter

Determine the right chart type for you data with this simple flow chart.

Ability to read and interpret data

Data Science Foundations: Fundamentals

This Lynda.com webinar course provides a comprehensive overview of data science for beginners.

Find Hidden Insights in Your Data: Ask Why and Why Again

This quick article from Tableau discusses how to interpret data and identify root issues.

Basic data storytelling skills

Learning Data Science: Tell Stories With Data

Learn how to structure a data science story and motivate an audience with this Lynda.com webinar.

Telling the Library Story

This free WebJunction webinar describes how to use storytelling in library advocacy.

Making Data Mean More Through Storytelling

Ben Wellington discusses how data can be used to tell compelling stories in this short TEDx lecture.

Basic knowledge of presentation software (Google Slides, Powerpoint)

Getting Started with Slides (Google)

Explore Google Slides to learn how to create effective presentations for data storytelling.