Xu Guo, graduate specialist for qualitative methods at the Rutgers–New Brunswick Libraries, contributed to this report and to the development of the exhibition.
In celebration of International Love Data Week, a new exhibition opened on February 9 at Carr Library. When Data Speaks: Stories from People, Places, and Time aims to show how qualitative research methodologies can be used to uncover and address complex cases such as campus food insecurity. Centered around a comprehensive introduction, the multidimensional display utilizes three curated cases to transition between theoretical frameworks and the lived experiences of a college campus.
The installation employs a diverse array of media to engage visitors’ senses and intellect. Academic rigor is represented through illustrated texts on qualitative methods and peer-reviewed journals featuring interview scripts, participant responses, and ethnographic field notes. These are juxtaposed with hyperrealistic food models and everyday tableware to symbolize the basic human needs at the heart of the study. Visual data, such as infographics regarding Rutgers-specific food security statistics and a detailed campus map, help ground the research in a local context.
Beyond static displays, the exhibition incorporates digital storytelling through curated podcasts and videos, offering a deeper dive into the systemic challenges of student basic needs. To bridge the gap between researchers and the public, a visitor interactive board was integrated, inviting the community to share their reflections and foster a dialogue.
The exhibition will remain in the library for the duration of the spring semester.
