Data Visualization as a Library Service: Embedding Visualization Services in the Library Research Lifecycle

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this article is to explore data visualization as a consulting service offered by a research library with particular attention to uses of visualization at various places within the research lifecycle. Methods:Lessons learned from a year of offering data visualization as a consulting service, and two general case studies are offered.Results: Data visualization consulting services have a few unique considerations, including setting clear expectations, considering proprietary vs open source technologies, and making sure the consulting experience is also a learning experience. In addition, we can clearly place data visualization requests, in the form of profiled case studies, in multiple parts of the research lifecycle.

Research Support Services in STEM Libraries: A Scoping Review

“…A similar approach was used by three institutions -University of Wisconsin Madison, University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries and Tufts Universitythat developed their research data management services after the National Science Foundation began requiring Data Management Plans in grant proposals (Raboin et al 2013). Data visualization consultation is another aspect of the data management services that STEM libraries may offer (Ogier & Stamper 2018).…”

“…To plan the data management services, researchers' data practices were evaluated in two studies (Walters 2009;Patterton et al 2018). Lessons learned were described in two studies providing insights and challenges for creating a new service (Choudhury 2013;Ogier & Stamper 2018).…”