"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.

 

2043 books out of 3004 items checked out at 16:00, 03.17.2019

[3004] Total items checked out [0876] Dewey (non-fiction) Books [1167] Non-Dewey (fiction) Books
[2043] Total Books [0845] Media (dvd, cd, etc.) [0007] 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


  93   [741] Drawing + drawings
  89   [641] Food + drink
  19   [305] Social groups
  19   [973] General history of North America United States
  19   [158] Applied psychology
  17   [629] Other branches of engineering
  15   [793] Indoor games + amusements
  15   [796] Athletic + outdoor sports + games
  14   [599] Mammalia (Mammals)
  13   [613] Promotion of health
  12   [746] Textile arts
  12   [398] Folklore
  12   [658] General management
  11   [155] Differential + developmental psychology
  11   [917] North America
  11   [650] Management + auxiliary services
  10   [591] Zoology
  10   [612] Human physiology
  10   [782] Vocal music
  10   [791] Public performances

Hourly Histogram of Circulation Activities

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