Keywords
library data, data analytics, data visualisation, refurbishment, collections, resource usage, data literacy, data skills
Description
In 2017 Curtin University Library staff commenced an initiative to explore library data through analysis and visualisation tools. A Working Group was formed of self-selected staff from across the library who had a common interest in opportunities to use data and analytics tools. A key focus was to seek innovative ways to use data and have a measureable impact on library operations and future planning.
An environmental scan of the data landscape in academic libraries suggests five core areas of activity – the use of library data to gain insights, the need to upskill library staff in data methods, the demand for data literacy programs for library clients, the value of building partnerships and collaborations within the institution to support data programs, and the increasing use of library facilities to provide data-rich learning spaces. The group’s work fell across all of these areas.
This paper will describe the development of the group and its practical outcomes including the innovative use of data to inform a multi-year building project at Curtin University’s Robertson Library in Western Australia. The application of data analysis and interactive visualisation methods has enabled the Library to model different ways of identifying print materials that can be deselected. The Working Group provided a leadership role in fostering data-related professional development and learning opportunities for library staff and clients. One such example was the hosting of regular ‘hacky hour’ sessions which inspired others to embrace new tools such as R, RShiny, Python, Jupyter Notebooks and GitLab to solve real-life challenges in their day-to-day work.
Included in
Swimming In The Deep End: Curtin Library’s Deep Dive Into Data...
In 2017 Curtin University Library staff commenced an initiative to explore library data through analysis and visualisation tools. A Working Group was formed of self-selected staff from across the library who had a common interest in opportunities to use data and analytics tools. A key focus was to seek innovative ways to use data and have a measureable impact on library operations and future planning.
An environmental scan of the data landscape in academic libraries suggests five core areas of activity – the use of library data to gain insights, the need to upskill library staff in data methods, the demand for data literacy programs for library clients, the value of building partnerships and collaborations within the institution to support data programs, and the increasing use of library facilities to provide data-rich learning spaces. The group’s work fell across all of these areas.
This paper will describe the development of the group and its practical outcomes including the innovative use of data to inform a multi-year building project at Curtin University’s Robertson Library in Western Australia. The application of data analysis and interactive visualisation methods has enabled the Library to model different ways of identifying print materials that can be deselected. The Working Group provided a leadership role in fostering data-related professional development and learning opportunities for library staff and clients. One such example was the hosting of regular ‘hacky hour’ sessions which inspired others to embrace new tools such as R, RShiny, Python, Jupyter Notebooks and GitLab to solve real-life challenges in their day-to-day work.