Create Live Dashboards with Google Data Studio
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Make Your Library's Data Accessible and Usable Create Live Dashboards with Google Data Studio Kineret Ben-Knaan & Andrew Darby | University of Miami Libraries INTRODUCTION OBJECTIVES AND GOALS STRATEGY AND METHODS PROJECT STATUS This poster presents the implementation of a The aim of the project is to implement a shared and Customized dashboards have been built and shared with collaborative approach and solution for data gathering, straightforward data collection platform, which will harvest Our solution involves the following: several library departments. So far, we have connected data consolidation and most importantly, data multiple, diverse data sources and present statistics in a or imported manually the following isolated data sources ● Move to shared Google Sheets and Forms for any accessibility through a live connection to free Google clear and visually engaging manner. into Google Data Studio: Data Studio dashboards. local departmental data collection, then connect these Our key goals are: sheets to Google Data Studio, a free tool that allows Metric/Data Source by type of Google Data Studio Connector Units at the University of Miami Libraries (UML) have ● To facilitate the use of data from isolated data sources, users to create customized and shareable data long been engaged in data collection activities. Data from Metrics Data Sources Real-time connection Imported manually into visualization dashboards. and Systems & automatically Google Data Studio (on instructional sessions, consultations and all types of user not only to encourage evidence-based decision updated a weekly bases) ● Import and connect other library data sources to interactions have routinely been gathered. Other making, but also to better communicate how UM Instructional & Workshops Google Sheets Yes assessment measures, including surveys and user Libraries’ activities support student learning and faculty Google Data Studio. Google Data Studio can Sessions automatically ingest data from either pre-built data Reference Question Gimlet Questions Yes experience observation activities, have been conducted research. Tracking software with the aim of understanding user needs. However, data ● To benefit from data in a consistent, library-wide connectors (Google Analytics, MySQL, Google collection outside of the Alma integrated library system Hourly Head Counts Suma Suma Data Studio manner. Sheets) or any source with an API, allowing for has been decentralized. Library departments have connector is currently ● To implement a data consolidation solution tool that is real-time dashboards that aggregate information from being developed using maintained their statistical data locally and without a Suma API multiple sources. All data sources can easily be routine procedure for gathering or sharing data. Every (1) familiar (2) flexible (3) enables customized sharing Library Visitor Access Form Google Forms Yes imported manually as well. request for cross-departmental data has involved days options, and (4) reasonably priced. Room Study Booking LibCal Yes ● Investigate and build new live Data Studio Connectors spent simply getting access to the data. It was clear that Collection Holding and Alma Analytics Yes we were not utilizing our existing data to its full potential. UML Access Services Dashboard, Google Data Studio between Google Data Studio and library data systems Circulations and sources. Connectors allow a Google Data Studio COUNTER Usage Reports Alma Analytics Yes data source to access the information stored (via SUSHI elsewhere. protocol) Establishing a unified solution based on ● Create multiple dashboards customized to each unit’s Website and Research Google Analytics Yes trust and openness is needed. needs and a “bird's eye view” dashboard for library Guides Statistics administrators. ● Alma Analytics API connector has been built and published as open source under University of Miami Libraries GitHub account (https://github.com/UMiamiLibraries). ● LibCal Data Studio connector has been partly developed and published as open source by the University of Miami Libraries (https://github.com/UMiamiLibraries). UML Research & Learn Dashboard, Google Data Studio UML Access Services Dashboard, Google Data Studio ● Suma Data Studio connector is currently being developed using the Suma API. LIMITATIONS ● Cultural resistance or old habits can become an obstacle in moving forward with (raw) data sharing or replacing old data collection methods with new methods (e.g.Google Sheets and Forms). Access Services Overview page presents data from multiple sources, including Visitor ● Building new live Google Data Studio Connectors Google Form, Suma head counts, Gimlet questions software, and Alma Analytics circulation statistics. requires development time, efforts and commitment. ● Data regulations and security may limit the ability to access distinctive data sources using APIs. ● Even with development efforts to create more real-time Google Data Studio Connectors, as is always the case with data, significant preparation and maintenance are required. In many cases, data would still need to be reformatted, filtered and manipulated according to Research & Learn Overview page presents data from multiple sources, including Access Services Space Occupancy page presents data from Suma head counts software Qualtrics Student Survey results, Instructional & Workshops Sessions statistics, Gimlet and Visitor Google Form. current or future needs. questions software, and Google Analytics Research Guides statistics. FUTURE PLANS Empower our departments and units by ● Add additional library data sources to Google Data engaging them with data insights and Studio infrastructure and dashboards. ● Invest in developing new API connectors between knowledge relevant to their activities. Google Data Studio and library systems. ● Create policies and documentation including data Access Services Group Study Rooms page presents data from Libcal Room Booking system and Alma Analytics Room Key checkouts. workflows, processes, and privacy regulations. BIBLIOGRAPHY ACKNOWLEDGMENTS CONTACT INFORMATION Farney, Tabatha. Using Digital Analytics for Smart Assessment. 2018. Print. We would like to thank David Ben-Knaan and Abel Facenda Carrasco for building Data Studio Connectors to Alma Analytics and LibCal. API connectors released as open Kineret Ben-Knaan, Research & Assessment Librarian | [email protected] The Data-Driven Manager: Make the Numbers Work for You. 2017. Print. source by the University of Miami Libraries (https://github.com/UMiamiLibraries). Andrew Darby, Head of Web & Application Development | [email protected].