Mapping memory: The power of data in storytelling and representation

We live in a world dominated by data collection and data-driven decision-making. It can be overwhelming to consider how widely our personal information is shared across publicly accessible databases. While this reality may seem alarming, it’s important to remember that data, in and of itself, is not the end. Data tells a story. Behind every number, name, and entry is a human life.

As a librarian and information scientist, I’ve come to see data not as cold or impersonal, but as a key to unlocking meaning. Obscure details and overlooked records often become the breadcrumbs that lead to a greater understanding of our world. The past, even when fragmented or hidden, can be reconstructed through determined research and thoughtful curation.