“Big Data in Small Slices” offers those new to data gathering and visualization the opportunity to better understand data itself. Using the con­cept of the “data backstory,” each chapter features discussions with experts, from marine scientists to pediatricians and city government officials, who produce datasets in their daily work. The reader is guided through the process of designing effective visualizations based on their data, delving into how datasets are produced and vetted, and how to assess their weaknesses and strengths, ultimately offering readers the knowledge needed to produce their own effective data visuals to embed in stories for news, public relations or even project management.

This book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in storytelling using data in clear attractive ways for a general public audience.

A companion website offers the datasets discussed in the book, and links to the online interactive visuals.

The book can be purchased directly from the publisher at: https://www.routledge.com/Big-Data-in-Small-Slices-Data-Visualization-for-Communicators/Finch-Claydon/p/book/9781138910904     

Dianne M. Finch- Claydon conducts data analysis and visualization workshops around the world and consults to clients on visualization projects. Publications include Big Data in Small Slices: Data Visualization for Communicators, a chapter on data in The Golden Age of Data edited by Don Grady (Routledge, 2020) as well as stories produced for public radio, Bloomberg, and other news outlets on science, health and finance. She started her career in computer science before her transition to journalism and academia. Dianne holds a graduate degree in journalism from Columbia University, and a B.A. in economics from the University of Massachusetts at Boston. She lives in Rockport with her English husband and two American cats.