Gerald Benoît - Introduction to Information Visualization: Transforming Data into Meaningful Information

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British Library Cataloguing in Publication Information Available

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Benot, Gerald, author.

Title: Introduction to information visualization : transforming data into meaningful information / Gerald Benot.

Description: Lanham : Rowman & Littlefield, 2019. | Includes bibliographical references and index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2018038992 (print) | LCCN 2018044869 (ebook) | ISBN 9781538125090 (electronic) | ISBN 9781538118344 (cloth : alk. paper) | ISBN 9781538118351 (pbk. : alk. paper)

Subjects: LCSH: Information visualization.

Classification: LCC QA76.9.I52 (ebook) | LCC QA76.9.I52 B46 2019 (print) | DDC 001.4/226dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018038992

The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of American National Standard for Information SciencesPermanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992.

Printed in the United States of America

To David Crabill and Ryan Vanderweit, who encouraged during difficult times.

Why this monograph? There are plenty of visually intriguing texts out there. Many are steeped in computer science, demonstrating step-by-step methods for mapping data to graphics. Others are mainly artistic, delving into the visual aspects of design, but with little exposure to data and text processing. Collectively, these books offer valuable perspectives across many aspects of the field. But no text truly presents an explanation of the data + aesthetics aspects of information visualization (InfoVis). We need a book that crosses disciplines, helping people to reflect on their decisions and to develop skills in both arts and data. I aim through this book to accomplish this by practicing information visualization from the ground up.

Contemporary librarianship, information science, digital humanities, Open Government movements, computer science, and many more disciplines require new professionals to demonstrate considerable technical competence. Upon entering their various fields, graduate students have successfully applied their skills to create new systems and services. The purpose of this monograph is to help both the neophyte and the experienced professional master the visual and technological skills necessary to participate fully in the rapidly expanding realm of visualization.

The scope of this text includes a review of HTML and CSS before introducing a powerful JavaScript library called d3.js (https://d3js.org/). By creating interactive information visualization websites, the student is introduced to the most important skills and issues related to data sources and data types, preparation of data, client-server architecture, understanding the role of aesthetics in message construction, and the larger field of aesthetics and ethics in information, and will gain a background in commercial products. The focus of work in this book is to create a proof of concept demonstrating ones understanding of the technology, the end user, and principles of design. It is intended for information professionals who want to bridge the user, technical, and data services, and increase services for their patrons.

Unlike other books, this guide offers software for a complete library service, helping end usersstudents, staff, administration, faculty and researchers, and the general publicselect and design an appropriate visualization as well as providing the tools that will convert their data for the visualization. The result is to enable the user to focus on presenting, explaining, and exploring their data.

Moreover, the integration of aesthetics and information services is a unique addition to the literature, allowing information professionals to own the message. We can integrate the principles of information service and technology that contribute to the patrons transition from data to meaningful information.

We offer real examples. Some are based on real students actual work. Others are based on teaching technical skills about data and scripting that address institutional interests. Ultimately, the complete information system for visualization provided in the appendixes is an actual test service at Harvard University Libraries.

Choosing what to include and what to exclude in a course is exceedingly challenging. I strive to present an accurate representation of the entire field, gladly recognizing others accomplishments and contributions. This monograph is based on updates to materials to teach the product of the past several years, evolving as I taught undergraduate computer science courses, mixed graduate/undergraduate classes on health informatics, computer science, business, and library and information science (LIS). This book reflects my experience as a computer and information science professor, as an active systems analyst/programming consultant, and as a former art director for an international advertising firm.

Students enrolled in the InfoVis course for a wide spectrum of reasons. Sometimes the course is required for their major. Sometimes they wish to build upon their background in technology or in the arts. Students working in libraries, archives, museums, computer science, and business have completed the course. With this range of experience and expectations, the incoming students skill sets range from the eager neophyte to the greatly experienced in some fields, but limited exposure in the broader topic. The course is designed with a few expectations about the readers background: basic knowledge of SFTP, HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript. Students should have access to a web server or feel comfortable running their own server on their computers. I recommend the pre-installed Apache web server on the Mac, or downloading and installing a server for Unix and Windows.

Unlike other texts, which include slides and additional readings, this monograph is supplemented by a website. The site hosts updates to the literature, practice activities, and sample visualizations. Readers are welcome to offer suggestions, point out errors, and communicate with others interested in the topic of visualization.

Students completing this course leave with greater confidence in their technical skills. Their skills are proven and easily marketable to future employers. The emphasis in this book on students reflections about their design, data, and interactivity choices will aid in understanding the value of the user experience, information-seeking behavior, server technology, and real leadership in providing important services to their communities.