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

Geek Skills

Individuals at the Geek Level have the following skills:

Basic knowledge of data science and statistics
Ability to create effective data visualizations/infographics
Ability to communicate data-driven analysis to different audiences
Ability to use data to revise and/or create library programming
Ability to use data to find new ways of thinking

(Free Training) (Paid Training)

Basic image editing/creating skills (Pixlr, Illustrator, and/or Photoshop)

Pixlr Tutorials

Pixlr Editor is a free image editor that runs in a web browser and may serve as an alternative to Adobe Photoshop. The Pixlr Blog contains basic tutorials on simple image editing, including how to use the lasso tool, create layers, and adjust colors.

Adobe Illustrator Tutorials

These video tutorials teach the basics of creating vector art in Adobe Illustrator. While the tutorials are free, Adobe Illustrator requires a subscription.

Basic knowledge of data science and statistics

Statistics and Probability

Khan Academy: Statistics and Probability

Learn the fundamentals of data science and statistics through this Khan Academy series.

Ability to create effective data visualizations/infographics

Data Visualization for the Rest of Us: A Beginner’s Guide

This free WebJunction webinar provides simple methods for creating data visualizations for library statistics.

Data Visualization: Designing a Visualization

This section of Duke University’s Data Visualization LibGuide compiles useful resources for choosing appropriate visualizations for data sets, including a data visualization catalogue.

Data Visualization: Helpful Tools and Tutorials

This Duke University LibGuide section compiles curated lists of tools for creating impactful data visualizations.

An Economist’s Guide to Visualizing Data

Though framed from an economist standpoint, this Journal of Economic Perspectives article by Jonathan A. Schwabish provides a good overview of data visualization and different presentation strategies.

Data Visualization: Storytelling

Learn how to create a narrative structure for data and maximize the effectiveness of your communication in this Lynda.com webinar.

Ability to communicate data-driven analysis to different audiences

Data Storytelling

This Tableau Whitepaper discusses why people tell stories and the importance of data to impactful storytelling.

Ability to use data to revise and/or create library programming

Measure Your Impact: Getting Started with Outcome-Based Evaluations

This free WebJunction webinar discusses how to measure and evaluate the effects of library programs, resources, and services on a community.

Measures that Matter, Part 1-3

This free three-part WebJunction webinar series discusses the current state of public library data, various sampling methods, and meaningful measures for the future.

Ability to use Google Data Studio

Google Data Studio Tutorials

Learn how to explore data and configure charts and tables with Google Data Studio.