The state of data visualization support in libraries

Data visualization is a rapidly expanding field whose skills, techniques and insights are increasingly intertwined in disciplines across and beyond academia. Given the interdisciplinary nature of data visualization, libraries are uniquely situated to support building skills and communities of practice in this area. A growing number of academic libraries provide instruction, consultation, technology, and spaces to support data visualization as part of a broader expansion in library data services. Since few graduate programs in library science offer training in data visualization, many later career librarians are finding it necessary to develop data visualization skills on the job. Due to factors, including lack of resources, time, and training opportunities, one of the great challenges for researchers and librarians is developing the necessary skill set and expertise in data visualization to engage critically in the discipline. This presentation will provide an overview of current visualization services in a number of academic libraries and the state of the field. It will include an overview of opportunities and challenges as well as a discussion of ways that libraries can expand both their tool-based and critical support for data visualization and data visualization literacy