Research and Data Services

Two people's hands working on charts and graphs Whether you need a deep look at your service numbers, a better understanding of community needs, or you are embarking on a project that would benefit from research and data analysis, WiLS has a data analyst with over a decade of experience and library strategists that have completed a variety of library research projects to provide you with the answers you need. We also understand that sometimes it’s hard to know where to start on a research project or how much data is enough data. Our team is warm and approachable and will craft a process that works best for you and your organization.

How you can take advantage of WiLS Research and Data Services:

WiLS Data Classroom is an opportunity to learn practical data skills specifically for public libraries and with public library peers.
Data Dashboards for Public Libraries that provide automatic visualizations of dozens of Annual Report metrics and basic community demographic data for individual public libraries.
Survey development and analysis to help you gather information about your services or community.
Workshops to teach libraries and cultural organizations how to find and use data to make decisions or tell their stories.
Customized research, using a variety of methods, for organizations to answer pressing questions.
Assessment and evaluation services for everything from grant-funded initiatives to library programming.
Compelling data visualization and infographic services, customized to your library’s needs

How WiLS Research and Data Services have impacted Wisconsin libraries

We have facilitated workshops on building data literacy and confidence
Written a report on how to use demographics in library decision-making and planning
Authored a research report and one-pager snapshots of how the Covid pandemic impacted digital collections in Wisconsin utilizing Wisconsin’s Digital Library and Wisconsin Schools Digital Library Consortium as case studies
Built data dashboards for WiLS’ consulting service cohorts, contracts, reports, presentations, etc.
Created, hosted, and analyzed dozens of community surveys as part of our strategic planning services

Recent WiLS Research and Data work