Digital Commons Network^™

Prove It! Me Report Pretty One Day., Erika Bennett, Sam Friedman

Library Technology Conference

Many luminaries argue that the library’s value is intangible, but that answer is unacceptable in today’s climate. The economy is tough. Budgets are tight. Meanwhile, all kinds of invested parties want you to prove that you are worth their money. And they want that proof in easily digestible numbers and graphs. Bottom line: organizations that show their value get funded.

This is a scary prospect for many librarians. Much like information research, data visualization is a complex process with a lot of interconnected steps. Luckily, librarians are already naturally attuned to data competencies such as analytical thinking, organizing and evidence-building. …