Overview

Join Dr Olivia Vane of the British Library for a two-part workshop on data visualisation for Digital Humanities. Split over two sessions, the workshops will begin by giving you an overview of the key concepts in data visualisation. before moving to tackle more practical exercises in the second week.

Registering for the first session automatically enrols you on the second one a week later.

Part 1, Monday 19 April, 10.30am - 12 noon

Part I of this course provides an overview of the key concepts in data visualisation and its intersection with digitised collections. We will explore the range of ways visualising historical data can serve different audiences and goals.

Part 2, Monday 26 April, 10am - 12 noon and either 12 noon - 1pm or 1 - 2pm

Part II will focus on making visualisations with cultural heritage data. We will unpack the steps — from data preparation to visuals— cover design principles, and profile some of the key visualisation tools, applications and code libraries. There will be hands on exercises creating visualisations with British Library datasets using web visualisation tools Datawrapper and RAWGraphs.

The second session is further divided into a two hour presentation, followed by an hour of practical exercises. At this point, the group will be split into two, with one set of participants taking lunch, whilst those remaining in the session implement some of the skills they have learned. After an hour, the first group will return for the hands-on element. Splitting the participants in this way will ensure that Olivia is able to provide support and address any queries.

Taken together the two sessions will enable you to:

• Recognise how visualising cultural datasets can aid researchers, collections managers, and general public audiences
• Inspire you by exposing you to examples from contemporary practice.
• Equip you with an appreciation of the steps and choices available in making visualisations
• Introduce you to the principles of effective visualisation design

Registration

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide a brief explanation of how attending this workshop will benefit your research. You may find it useful to write this piece before attempting to register for the event.

After the application deadline has passed, submissions will be considered, and successful applicants will be offered a place by e-mail. This process will help to ensure that each of the N8 universities are represented at, and benefit from the course.

This event is only open to those working or studying at one of the N8 Research Partnership universities. Please register using your academic (.ac.uk) e-mail address to help verify your eligibility for this course.

About the Instructor

Dr Olivia Vane is a research software engineer at the British Library on the Living with Machines project. Prior to joining the British Library, Olivia completed a PhD in data visualisation design for digitised cultural collections at the Royal College of Art, London. She has worked with a range of cultural institutions on visualisation projects including the Smithsonian, V&A Museum and Wellcome Collection.