An introduction to data science

CHICAGO — An accessible primer to a potentially complex field, “Practical Data Science for Information Professionals,” published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, provides readers with an overview of data science and a framework for its application. David Stuart offers detailed examples and analysis on real data sets to explore the basics of the subject in three principle areas: clustering and social network analysis; predictions and forecasts; and text analysis and mining. As well as highlighting a wealth of user-friendly data science tools, the book also includes some example code in two of the most popular programming languages (R and Python) to demonstrate the ease with which the information professional can move beyond the graphical user interface and achieve significant analysis with just a few lines of code. Readers will learn about:

• the growing importance of data science;
• the role of the information professional in data science; and
• some of the most important tools and methods that information professionals can use.

Stuart is an independent information professional and an honorary research fellow at the University of Wolverhampton, UK, and was previously a research fellow at King’s College London and the University of Wolverhampton. He regularly publishes in peer-reviewed academic journals and professional journals on information science, metrics, and semantic web technologies, and in 2015 began writing “Taming Metrics,” a regular column for the journal Online Information Review. His books include “Web Metrics for Library and Information Professionals” and “Facilitating Access to the Web of Data,” both from Facet Publishing.

Facet Publishing, the commercial publishing and bookselling arm of CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, is the leading publisher of books for library and information professionals worldwide. Many book retailers and distributors are experiencing service disruptions or delays, including Amazon. For speediest service, order direct from the ALA Store. ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library and information professionals worldwide. ALA Editions | ALA Neal-Schuman publishes resources used by library and information professionals, scholars, students, and educators to improve programs and services, build on best practices, enhance pedagogy, share research, develop leadership, and promote advocacy. ALA authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a variety of print and electronic formats. Contact ALA Editions | ALA Neal-Schuman at [email protected].