Chartbook
A chartbook is a comprehensive report that presents the most complete data available on a particular industry, specialty, or topic. A chartbook may be over 100 pages in length. A majority of the document will be tables and figures with little narrative or discussion. The purpose is to illustrate all that is known about a given topic based solely on the most recent available data.
General Rules
- A chartbook has no research question and presents all that is known from the data source.
- Chartbooks should be revised and updated when new data files are released.
Recommendations for Format
Format will vary widely. If a previous chartbook has been written based on the same dataset or source, replicate the previous format. General recommendations include:
- Creating a table of contents, followed by a separate list of tables and figures.
- Have clear organization and distinct sections/subsections of data.
- Include an executive summary, introduction, or brief highlight of the report to address data source(s), purpose, and to provide a guide for the remainder of the document.
- Each section of topic specific data should have a brief introduction following the header.
- Graphics should include a short narrative to describe a finding or topic of consideration.
- Appendices should include a discussion of the data source(s) and a glossary that includes abbreviations.
- Do not include a final summary, conclusion, or discussion.
Language
- In the title, or in the reference, it is referred to as chartbook (one word) not chart book.
- Use consistent language, tense, and variable names throughout.
Graphic Design and Layout
- Graphs must be clear and easy to understand.
- Presentation and format of graphs and tables need to be consistent throughout the document, including the colors chosen for each graph.
- If particular variables are measured and presented in a majority of the graphs, maintain the color scheme (for example: green for rural, red for urban; gray for men, blue for women).
Examples
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Health, United States, Annual Perspective, 2020-2021. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/122044
- Jonk, Y., Milkowski, C., Croll, Z., & Pearson, K. (2023). Ambulance Deserts: Geographic Disparities in the Provision of Ambulance Services [Chartbook]. University of Southern Maine, Muskie School, Maine Rural Health Research Center. https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1013&context=ems
Last Updated: 9/3/2025