Data Use Toolkit: Advanced Data Tools

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Advanced Data Tools: Expanding Your Analytical Capabilities

Advanced Data Tools: Expanding Your Analytical Capabilities

This section introduces more advanced tools and techniques for public libraries looking to move beyond basic reporting and visualization. It highlights software to design interactive dashboards, mapping, predictive analytics, and linking library data with community datasets to gain deep insights and inform long-term planning. 

Warning: This section may not be suitable for data newbies or the faint of heart!

Tableau (Tableau Public is free, Tableau Desktop requires a license) – Tableau is one of the better known business intelligence and data visualization tools currently available. It can be used to build standalone charts and graphs as well as more advanced analytical dashboards. The software allows novice users to quickly create simple data visualizations that conform to best practices, but it also has customization and formatting options available for advanced users to build complex dashboards and animations.

Power BI (Microsoft; free, licensed versions have more features available) – Great for integrating with Microsoft 365 and creating automated reports.

Looker Studio (Google; free, paid version available) – Free, ideal for dashboards that link Google data sources.

Flourish (free, with paid plans available) – Flourish is an online data visualization tool that allows users to upload or copy and paste their data into available templates for dozens of different chart types, including maps, animated graphs, and interactive graphics. Flourish is owned by Canva, allowing integration of Flourish visualizations with Canva projects. 

OpenRefine (free, open source) – OpenRefine is a data cleaning and transformation tool.

Article: The Library Data Pipeline: Building a Predictive Data Model in Excel

ArcGIS – Comprehensive GIS platform, best for detailed mapping and spatial analysis.

QGIS – Free, open-source alternative for mapping and spatial data.

Google Maps – Quick visualizations of service areas and patron locations.

US Census Geocoder – Convert addresses to geographic coordinates, link to census data.

Tip: Training Matters

If you’re using a free online tool like Looker Studio, Tableau Public, or open mapping tools be aware of how your data is stored and shared. Avoid uploading any Personally Identifiable Information (PII) to public platforms. For guidance on keeping your data safe and following best practices, see the ToolKit section on Data Privacy.