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Data Visualization Services

Learning Sessions Offered by the University Libraries

The University Libraries offers a variety of data visualization learning sessions each term. All sessions in both tabs are open to all members of the University. Those sessions listed in the SHARPGrads tab provide credit to participants in that program. Use the link below to see sessions currently being offered and register for those of interest. Sessions not currently offered will likely be presented in the future.

See What I Mean? Foundations of Data Visualization
A picture may be worth a thousand words but are they the words you want to say? During this session, we will define data visualization, describe its primary uses, briefly review where some of the ideas came from, and explain the scientific basis underlying what makes data visualization work. A variety of examples will be shared.

The Good, the Bad, the Ugly, and the Wrong: Creating Effective Data Visualizations
Data visualization can be very effective, very ineffective, and sometimes blatantly wrong. This session will share basic principles of effective and ineffective data visualization, tips for success, and effective color use. We will review and discuss examples of effective and ineffective visualizations. We will also discuss issues of ethics and accessibility.

Making Good Choices: Selecting Appropriate Data Visualization Types and Tools
All data visualization types and tools are not created equal. Microsoft Excel offers over 20 different chart types but not all are useful for all data visualization purposes. This session will discuss strengths of different types of data visualization types, using examples. We will then explore various data visualization creation tools, describing their strengths.

Excel-lent Data Visualizations: Creating visuals in Microsoft Excel
Many, if not most of us, have used Microsoft Excel at some point to manage data in spreadsheets. Were you aware Excel offers over 20 different visualization options? This workshop will review those options and explore how to make use of them. Example data sets will be provided if attendees wish to follow along with their own instances of Excel.

Introduction to Tableau for Beginners
Tableau is the pre-eminent user-friendly software application used to create static and interactive data visualizations and dashboards. This workshop will cover Tableau's look and feel, how to load data, and basic visualization options. Attendees can follow along with their own Tableau instances.

You’ve got the Power BI for Data Visualization

If the data visualization capabilities of Microsoft Excel don’t quite meet your needs, perhaps Power BI is the answer. We will discuss some of the differences between the two and then explore some of the basics of using Power BI.  

R You Aware? Introduction to Creating Visualizations using the R Language
R is a programming language commonly used for data analysis and visualization. This workshop will provide a general overview of data visualization capabilities in R, discuss why you may wish to use R, and provide a few examples. A basic familiarity with R and R Studio will be beneficial.

[This is NOT an R programming workshop.]

Using Python with Matplotlib for Data Visualizations

Python is a commonly used general purpose programming language. Did you know there are numerous Python programming libraries directly applicable to creating data visualizations? We will discuss the strengths of various libraries and take a quick look at the basics of creating a visualization using Python. A basic awareness of Python programming will be beneficial.

[This is NOT a Python programming workshop.]

What's Where? A Brief Introduction to QGIS for Visualizing Geospatial Information

A great deal of research involves the use of geospatial information, that is information related to specific geographic locations on Earth. This session will introduce and briefly explore the capabilities of QGIS, a free, open-source software tool that allows users to create, edit, analyze, visualize, and publish geospatial information.  

The following data visualization learning sessions were designed for those participating in the University Libraries SHARPGrads program and offered in Spring 2024. Offerings for the 2024-2025 SHARPGrads program will be listed prior to the start of the Fall 2024 semester.

See What I Mean? Foundations and Fundamentals of Data Visualization
A picture may be worth a thousand words but are they the words you want to say? During this session, we will define data visualization, describe its primary uses, briefly review where some of the ideas came from, and explain the scientific basis underlying what makes data visualization work. We share basic principles of effective and ineffective data visualization, tips for success, and effective color use. We will discuss issues of ethics and accessibility. Finally, we review strengths of different data visualization types, using examples and consider various data visualization creation tools.

Tools of the Trade: Using Excel, Tableau, and R with ggplot2 to Create Data Visualizations (SHARPGrads elective)

A variety of software programs can be used to create data visualizations. This session explores the use of Microsoft Excel, Tableau Public, and the R programming language using the ggplot2 library to create data visualizations. We discuss benefits of each, look at their user interfaces, and show how each can use a data set to create the same visualization.