Data Visualization Librarian
1322 Greene Street
Thomas Cooper Library - L2.341
Columbia, South Carolina 29208
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Stay Aware
Stay aware of services and resources provided by the Digital Research Services (DRS) unit of the University Libraries
Welcome to the University Libraries DataLab
The DataLab is located on the 5th floor of Thomas Cooper Library near the front staircase and is available any time Thomas Cooper Library is open. This space and technology supports data visualization and analysis activities related to University research projects. Services and resources are provided by the Digital Research Services (DRS) unit of the University Libraries.
Use Policies
- Available for currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff.
- Priority to research projects involving data/spatial analysis and data/spatial visualization.
- No food or drink in the DataLab space.
- No viewing of pornographic or other improper content.
- No unattended children allowed
- Data Visualization ServicesThis guide describes services and resources provided by the University Libraries that support data visualization activities.
Data Analysis and Statistics Assistance
The University Libraries is pleased to offer support for exploratory data analysis and statistics. Graduate student employees with expertise in statistical and data analysis are available to provide In-person assistance. Appointment times are currently available and can be reserved using an online reservation form. Walk-ins to the University Libraries DataLab are welcome but we strongly encourage scheduled appointments to assure the best service. For more information about the data analysis and statistics services offered as well as a link to the reservation form, use the link below:
Available Hardware
The following technology hardware is available for use in the DataLab:
- An 82" Samsung television functioning as a large-screen monitor for a Windows computer with wireless keyboard and mouse.
- HDMI and DisplayPort connectors are available in the collaborative table to use the large-screen monitor with individual-owned Windows laptops.
- 3 high-powered Windows computers
Available Specialized Software
A variety of software related to data/spatial analysis and data/spatial visualization is installed on the computers in the DataLab. Instructional information about these software applications is available below.
Data Visualization Programs
- Tableau Public 2023Tableau is currently the preeminent data visualization software tool used by businesses and others. This free version provides comparable capabilities to the paid versions with limitations on dataset size and data import sources. Create an account and proceed.
- Microsoft Power BIFree as part of the University's Office365 license. Use your campus credentials to sign in.
- DatawrapperDatawrapper is a free, web-based data visualization tool.
- Google Data Studio/Looker StudioLooker Studio (formerly known as Google’s Data Studio) is a free, web-based data visualization tool that can load data from multiple sources and enable creation of informative, interactive dashboards that are easy to interpret, share, and customize.
Programming Languages
- Data Visualization with PythonPython has become one of the most popular programming languages in the world. As it relates to data visualization, there are several Python libraries available for creating graphic representations of data.
- Data Visualization with RR is a programming language and environment commonly used for statistical computing and graphic data visualization.
Programming Environments
- Jupyter Notebook - official documentationJupyter Notebook is a free, open-source web platform allowing users to share code, equations, plots, and descriptive narrative text. Various programming languages are supported such as Python, R, C++, Java, and Matlab. Jupyter Notebooks are popular in data intensive fields and encourage open science and reproducibility.
- Google ColabGoogle Colab is a web-based interactive coding environment using the Juptyer Notebook structure.
- R StudioRStudio is a R programming environment application
- Visual Studio 2022Visual Studio is a powerful developer tool that you can use to complete the entire development cycle in one place. It is a comprehensive integrated development environment (IDE) that you can use to write, edit, debug, and build code, and then deploy your app. Beyond code editing and debugging, Visual Studio includes compilers, code completion tools, source control, extensions, and many more features to enhance every stage of the software development process.
Spatial Analysis/Visualization
- ArcGISREQUIRES LICENSE/ACCOUNT
ArcGIS is geographic information system (GIS) software. It is used for mapping, compiling, analyzing, and sharing mapped geographic data and information. - QGISQGIS is free, full-fledged,open-source desktop GIS software. It runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It reads and writes nearly all geospatial data formats, enables dynamic cartography, and provides a robust set of processing and analytical tools. Additional functionality is provided by over 300 plugins, which can be installed with just a few clicks.
Statistical Analysis Programs
- SPSS Statistics 29SPSS Statistics 29 is the current version of data management and analysis software from IBM. It may look like a spreadsheet and it can perform many similar functions. Unlike most spreadsheets, SPSS provides easy access to a wide variety of statistical tests and graphics and supports much larger datasets. It is widely used in various subject areas and fields.
- SASSAS is a command-driven statistical and data analysis software suite. (awaiting current license for the coming year)
- SASOnDemand for Academics (Free)SAS offers free options for students, instructors, and independent learners.
- Stata 18 SEStata 18 SE is a powerful solution used for data manipulation, visualization, statistics, and automated reporting.
- NVivo 14NVivo 14 the current version of software that supports qualitative and mixed methods analysis of textual and audiovisual data sources. You can use it to organize and code multiple data sources in one project file, assign attributes to data and compare them, interpret, query, and visualize data.
Additional computers (not provided by the University Libraries) with ArcGIS, Nvivo, R, SAS, and SPSS software are available at the Gambrell Computing Center located at 817 Henderson Street, Columbia, SC 29208.