Oluwatosin. O. Oladejo
In an age marked by the prevalence data-driven decision-making, it has become imperative for information professionals to possess data literacy skills to enable them uphold ethical considerations in data representation. This paper explores the critical interrelationship between data literacy, data visualisation, and data ethics. It highlights the foundational role of data literacy in informed decision-making and examines the ethical considerations associated with data visualisation. The study delves into the ethical dimensions of data representation and illustrates unethical data engagement practices, including misleading visualisations, cherry-picking data, and inappropriate colour schemes, with practical examples. Based on an extensive literature review, the paper proposes strategies for promoting ethical data visualisation, such as participatory research projects and training on data ethics. The paper underscores the need to empower information professionals for ethical data visualisation with recommendations such as continuous training, ethical guidelines, data quality assurance, user education, and advocacy.