This webinar is part of the 12 Months to Better Library Data Webinar Series from the Research Institute for Public Libraries (RIPL).
Surveys in libraries are often seen as essential methods for collecting data about services, programming, and community needs. But while libraries recognize the benefits of utilizing surveys for their research and evaluation needs, most struggle to fully realize the potential of their surveys for collecting high quality data.
Good survey design is an art form, a craft that can be developed through practice. This session will focus on the principles of survey design and development, with an eye towards creating surveys designed to address a variety of library needs.
This session will introduce basic data visualization and design elements based on best practices from current visualization research. Participants will be introduced to a story-based design method that emphasizes the target audience’s information needs to create effective data visualizations. Tools for color, chart selection and accessibility will be presented and participants will gain practice doing a visualization ‘makeover’.
What can you tell about your library data as a story? Learn how to bring data stories to life for library advocacy of all types, from sustaining the library to transforming its work. Participants will learn about ongoing research identifying classic library stories told to persuade decision-makers as part of the Data Storytelling Toolkit for Libraries project (IMLS).
Managing data effectively is essential for protecting patron privacy and meeting legal obligations in today’s libraries. This one-hour presentation is designed for public library directors and staff seeking practical guidance on data management practices that safeguard sensitive information.
- Course Open Date: August 15, 2025
- Webinar Recording Date: June 11, 2025
- Estimated course length: 1-hour
Metrics are one way we frequently measure success in libraries. But finding the right metrics isn’t easy. “Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted,” a quote from sociologist William Bruce Cameron, neatly summarizes why finding meaningful metrics is often challenging.
New to Census data? This beginner-friendly session introduces four tools that do the heavy lifting for you: QuickFacts for fast stats at a glance, Narrative Profiles for ready-made community stories, Data Profile Tables for reliable demographic deep dives, and the Profile feature in data.census.gov for customizable snapshots.