Data Visualization Tools for Archives and Special Collections

As archivists, we often view ourselves as stewards of the collections, preserving materials for other researchers to use. We arrange, describe, and promote the items, but it’s not always within our job descriptions to interpret the materials we work with or to create new knowledge. Yet data visualization, or any effort that helps users see data in a visual way, can be an easy and accessible way to promote collections. This article highlights data visualization tools archivists have begun to use to enhance their digital holdings. Each tool requires a different level of technical expertise, but many are user-friendly and offer a great opportunity for archivists and users to engage with collections in new ways