"Making Visible the Invisible", a data visualization commissioned by the Seattle Central Library, operational since fall 2005


This database receives by the hour all of the checkouts of books, cds, DVDs, and other material that library patrons take out of the library. The data at the library is classified in two separate categories. Non-fiction items receive a Dewey Classfication System coding, explained here: Dewey Decimal Classes. Fictional items are classified in a different way. This visualization features the top 20 most active Dewey categories. Click on each of the categories to get the chronological list of titles checked out during the previous hour.

 

1657 books out of 3004 items checked out at 14:00, 11.25.2017

[3004] Total items checked out [0762] Dewey (non-fiction) Books [0895] Non-Dewey (fiction) Books
[1657] Total Books [1258] Media (dvd, cd, etc.) [0012] Misc

Dewey Decimal Classification Graph

This map highlights current circulating books according to their Dewey classification category in Generalities [0-99]; Philosophy & Psychology[100-199]; Religion [200-299]; Social Science [300-399]; Language [400-499]; Natural Science & Mathematics [500-599]; Technology & Applied Sciences [600-699]; Arts [700-799]; Literature [800-899]; Geography & History [900-999].


     

The top 20 Dewey categories


  135   [741] Drawing + drawings
  67   [641] Food + drink
  21   [796] Athletic + outdoor sports + games
  17   [398] Folklore
  16   [616] Diseases
  15   [746] Textile arts
  15   [613] Promotion of health
  14   [811] Poetry
  13   [940] General history of Europe
  13   [914] Europe
  12   [364] Criminology
  12   [745] Decorative arts
  11   [305] Social groups
  9   [791] Public performances
  9   [973] General history of North America United States
  9   [365] Penal + related institutions
  8   [782] Vocal music
  8   [158] Applied psychology
  8   [636] Animal husbandry
  7   [917] North America

Hourly Histogram of Circulation Activities

View a Previous Date | 11.21 | 11.22 | 11.23 | 11.24 | 11.25 | 11.26 | 11.27 | 11.28 | 11.29 |

George Legrady, with Andreas Schlegel and August Black. This active webpage has been operational since October 2005