12 Things SWKLS: Thing 10

Introduction/Content

Welcome to the tenth thing in 12 Things SWKLS.  This month’s topic is infographics.

Chances are high that you’ve come across an infographic online, as they are often included in news stories and shared on social media. Infographics are also a popular form of marketing because it can help turn a complicated subject matter into an eye-catching display, or take an otherwise boring subject and make it more appealing to readers.

Many libraries have started to create infographics that display information about their library in a condensed and eye-catching way. This infographic from the Hanston City Library was shared with attendees of their recent open house. Clay County Libraries used this infographic to inform their county commissioners about library usage and services. Libraries also use infographics to display reading and literacy information.  There are many examples of infographics that are not library related, that might provide you with some additional inspiration. Although you are provided with a template created for this lesson, looking through other infographics may inspire you to make changes or create your own from scratch.

The activities for this lesson are due February 28 , 2017 at 11:59 pm central time and are worth 2 credit hours.  Estimated work time:  1-2 hours.

If you would rather complete an alternate topic, please go to the alternate topic page and pick one from the list.

If you get stuck and need help, please don’t hesitate to ask.

 Exercises:  (Due February 28, 2017 at 11:59 pm CDT)

Tools you will need:

• A computer or internet enabled device.
• An Internet connection
• An email address
• Your imagination

Activity 1:  (30-60 min)

1. If you did not complete Thing 7, the lesson on using Canva, go back and review it. You will need a Canva login to complete this activity.
2. Create an infographic for your library using the provided template, or start from scratch and create your own.
3. If you are creating an infographic from scratch, skip this step and proceed to Activity 2.
   1. Open the provided template. If you are not already logged into Canva, you will be prompted to login.
   2. Once the template has opened, click File>Make a copy. This will save an editable version to your Canva account.
   3. Rename the template by clicking on the title, “Copy of infographic template” and entering a new title.
      
   4. Change the numbers in the infographic to reflect your library’s own statistics. (Double clicking inside the text box will highlight the text so it can be changed)
      1. Number of wifi connections in 2016 can be found here.
      2. Your total circulation can be found in Verso. Staff dashboard>Statistics>Item material type.  This will bring up a pop-up window for you to choose report options. Choose the following options- Run statistics:By Year, View Report: Excel, Select a date: Click on 2016. Open the downloaded report. Look for the total checkouts column, this is the number you will enter for the second figure, “books and media loaned to community members”.
      3. If you do not keep track of the total number of programs presented in 2016, you could change this to Summer Reading programs. Those statistics can be found in the state report, or the Summer Reading Evaluation form.
      4. Include a quote from a library user that you may have collected in 2016.
   5. Canva continually saves edits, but you can click File>Save at the end to make sure all changes have been saved.
   6. Download the infographic to save it as a PNG file (a photo). Click the Download button in the top right hand corner of the screen. Open the download and save the infographic to your computer. (Note: The infographic is automatically saved to your Canva account, so you will have access to it at any time and can make changes)
      

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Activity 2:  (10 min – 20 min)

1. Post the infographic online or in your library.
2. Download and email the image to Savannah at consultant @ swkls.org
   • A link to where you’ve posted the image online will work as well.
   • Everyone’s creations will be added to the Thing 10 Participant Creations link.
3. Answer the following by posting a comment down below:
   1. Do you see yourself creating more infographics for your library?
   2. Besides annual statistics, what information could you share using an infographic?
   3. Respond to at least one comment down below.

Resources:

• Canva Create (links to various text tutorials)
• Hanston City Library infographic
• Clay County Libraries infographic (Created by Mandie Muehlhausen)