Charts and Graphs in Excel

Charts and Graphs in Excel SCLS BrainSnack April 25, 2008 Why Statistics? Statistics are powerful tools to: – Report to your board – Support budget requests – Assist with building/space planning – Document library’s importance in community – Review staffing patterns – Compare yourself to other libraries (http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/dm-lib-stat.html) – Other? Info Desk—Daily Statistics—Week of Sept. 14-20 Day: _____________ Date: _____________ Type of Ques. 9am-11am 11am-1pm 1pm-3pm 3pm-6pm 6pm-9pm Reference Directional Online Catalog Equipment Assistance Instruction Some Type of Charts & Graphs Column Bar Pie Line Column and Bar • Present data about 2 variables • Rank size or importance of something over time • A single data element over time • Examples: – Circulation and year – Program attendance and year Line • Series of points, connected by a line • Best suited for showing trends in multiple data elements over time • Example: – Circulation by type of media over time Pie • Shows percentage values of one group of data as slices of pie. • Examples: – Circulation to different types of patrons – Sources of funding What chart when? • There are many other types of charts! • For more info see: – Wikipedia article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chart) – ―Chart types‖ (from IBM) (http://tinyurl.com/5bcxx4) – Strategic Planning for Results Good Example of a Bad Chart Source: http://lilt.ilstu.edu/gmklass/pos138/datadisplay/badchart.htm Let’s Create a Chart • Create a spreadsheet (or open an existing one) • Formatting is key! – Especially with dates • Be flexible Step by Step • Select numbers and labels • Click on Insert and choose Chart Step by Step • Chart Wizard will guide you through the process • Make sure Standard Types tab is selected • Click the type of chart or graph – feel free to explore the various types • To see a sample of your chart, click on the ―Press and Hold to View Sample‖ button Step by Step Step by Step • Once you’ve chosen a type of chart, click on Next • Data Range should appear with your data source in the box • Make sure the button in front of columns is marked – if needed for your chart • Click on Next Step by Step Step by Step • Create a title for your chart and explore other chart options – Axes: change the appearance of the X and Y axis – Gridlines: increase or decrease the appearance of gridlines – Legend: choose the location or remove the legend – Data Labels: add more labels – Data table: adds the data for the chart Step by Step Step by Step • • • • • Click on Next Select ―As New Sheet‖ for your chart Give your chart a name Click on Finish Your graph or chart will appear on a separate worksheet within your spreadsheet Step by Step Step by Step Step by Step Want to know more? • Ed2Go Courses – http://www.slis.wisc.edu/continueed/ed2go.html • WebJunction Courses – www.webjunction.org • Excel Help – right in the program • Books on Excel – Some available through NetLibrary • Microsoft Online Help – http://office.microsoft.com Questions? • Jean Anderson jfanders@scls.lib.wi.us • Cheryl Becker cbecker@scls.lib.wi.us Thank you!