Intro to Python for Librarians!

Etherpad

Please use the Etherpad to take notes/share code, ask questions and explore

• https://pad.carpentries.org/2021-ucla-python

Why are we here?

Learn basic concepts of programming

• How to solve problems in your work/research by…
  • Using & understanding functions
  • Using libraries
  • Automating tasks
  • Working with & processing lots of data

How are we doing this?

Using the Python language:

• we need something
• free, well-documented, and cross-platform
• large academic userbase
• many libraries for specialist work

Useful in libraries

• Automating repetitive work - think of all the metadata workflows (pyMarc)
• Working with APIs from vendors or platforms
• Data analysis & viz
• Making websites
• Creating games

We won't be covering the entire language

No, I mean "how are we doing this?"

1. Jupyter notebook

• interactive notebook-based interface
• good for data exploration, prototyping, and teaching

Do I need to use Python afterwards?

• No.
  • The lesson is general, it's just taught in Python
  • The principles are the same in nearly all languages
  • If your colleagues/field settled on another language(s), maybe learn that
  • (language wars are unproductive… ;) )

Let's start by checking in, starting Jupyter & doing a demo

• Does everyone have Anaconda Python installed?
• We have a breakout room set up if you are having problems (room 1)