Google Data Studio is a new data visualization program designed as a user-friendly tool for representing complex datasets in an attractive and clear fashion. Data Studio’s core function is interpretation of social media and web analytics; however, its support of data sources like MySQL and spreadsheets suggests Data Studio could be used by researchers to interpret their own data in an equally user-friendly fashion. While Data Studio relies on the usual mix of chart and graphs to convey meaning, it enhances them with features including the ability to integrate multiple sources into a single report, dynamic data updating, and interactive visualizations. Data Studio’s support for third-party data sources could use further development; however, it is a promising resource for budding data visualizers.

As data issues become increasingly important in education and everyday life, all librarians should consider data literacy an important skill to add to their professional repertoire. ¶ Author Bio: Genifer Snipes is the Business and Economics Librarian at the University of Oregon, where she is interested in applied business research and teaching. Specifically, her work focuses on marketing and entrepreneurial research, as well as the growth of data-driven business librarianship. ¶

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