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Home / Sessions / Structuring System Data into Useful Information

Structuring System Data into Useful Information

IAC23

Time(s)

March 30, 2023
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM CT

Location

B / Treme

Description

Enterprise software systems create and store massive amounts of data created by the processes carried out within them. But, that data isn’t automatically useful information for assessing those processes. System data represents the translation of the reality of the processes as understood and enacted by people into the structure of the system. What data is captured and how it’s structured represents what happened in the system, but the relationship of that data to reality outside the system is not always clear. To be useful for answering questions about what’s happening in the real world, system data has to be translated back into an information architecture that gives it coherent meaning in terms of the actual workflows, intentions, and concerns of the people managing and doing the work.

This talk is a case study of doing this work to structure analytic data from a new Library Services Platform to be meaningful information about the physical collections and fulfillment processes at a large academic library. I’ll talk about what makes data be information, and then show how created an architecture to make our data meaningful information for assessing our processes and to support “”informed”” decision making.

I’ll talk about:

  • Working with those who manage and perform the work to create diagrams that model how the parts of the real world workflows create system data
  • Exploring data with pivot tables and Tableau to test assumptions and find edge cases that need clarification
  • Documenting the differences that ‘make a difference’ and sharing information back to those doing and managing the processes”

About the speakers

Kat King

Kat King is an information architect interested in language, and meaning, and what it takes to do Good work. She has a master’s degree in information science from the University of Michigan School of Information.
She works as a business intelligence analyst for University of Michigan Library Operations division, where she works on projects that help the library strategically plan for changes to their spaces and work processes, understand data about collections and building use, and shift towards a more user centered service design process. Her previous work has included consulting for non-profits, and teaching IA to undergraduates.

Sponsor IAC

We’re looking for organizations who share our commitment to building and sustaining programs that drive a more inclusive industry. Learn more on the Sponsor IAC23 page or contact us directly at info@theiaconference.com for more information.

Thanks to this year’s sponsors!

Logo for sponsor Optimal Workshop
Platinum sponsor
Optimal Workshop
Logo for sponsor Factor Firm
Gold sponsor
Factor Firm
Logo for sponsor Last Call Media
Silver sponsor
Last Call Media
Logo for sponsor Design for Context
Scholarship sponsor
Design for Context

Logo for sponsor A Book Apart
In-Kind sponsor
A Book Apart
Logo for sponsor Balsamiq
In-Kind sponsor
Balsamiq
Logo for sponsor MURAL
In-Kind sponsor
MURAL
Logo for sponsor OOUX Masterclass
In-Kind sponsor
OOUX Masterclass
Logo for sponsor Rosenfeld Media
In-Kind sponsor
Rosenfeld Media

Logo for sponsor UX Camp DC
Community sponsor
UX Camp DC
Logo for sponsor World IA Day
Community sponsor
World IA Day

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