libros

As we do every year, the datos.gob.es team wishes you happy holidays. If this Christmas you feel like giving or giving yourself a gift of knowledge, we bring you our traditional Christmas letter with ideas to ask Father Christmas or the Three Wise Men.

We have a selection of books on a variety of topics such as data protection, new developments in AI or the great scientific discoveries of the 20th century. All these recommendations, ranging from essays to novels, will be a sure hit to put under the tree.

Maniac by Benjamin Labatut.

• What is it about? Guided by the figure of John von Neumann, one of the great geniuses of the 20th century, the book covers topics such as the creation of atomic bombs, the Cold War, the birth of the digital universe and the rise of artificial intelligence. The story begins with the tragic suicide of Paul Ehrenfest and progresses through the life of von Neumann, who foreshadowed the arrival of a technological singularity. The book culminates in a confrontation between man and machine in an epic showdown in the game of Go, which serves as a warning about the future of humanity and its creations.
• Who is it aimed at? This science fiction novel is aimed at anyone interested in the history of science, technology and its philosophical and social implications. Es ideal para quienes disfrutan de narrativas que combinan el thriller con profundas reflexiones sobre el futuro de la humanidad y el avance tecnológico. It is also suitable for those looking for a literary work that delves into the limits of thought, reason and artificial intelligence.

Take control of your data, by Alicia Asin.

• What is it about? This book compiles resources to better understand the digital environment in which we live, using practical examples and clear definitions that make it easier for anyone to understand how technologies affect our personal and social lives. It also invites us to be more aware of the consequences of the indiscriminate use of our data, from the digital trail we leave behind or the management of our privacy on social networks, to trading on the dark web. It also warns about the legitimate but sometimes invasive use of our online behaviour by many companies.
• Who is it aimed at? The author of this book is CEO of the data reuse company Libelium who participated in one of our Encuentros Aporta and is a leading expert on privacy, appropriate use of data and data spaces, among others. In this book, the author offers a business perspective through a work aimed at the general public.

Governance, management and quality of artificial intelligence by Mario Geraldo Piattini.

• What is it about? Artificial intelligence is increasingly present in our daily lives and in the digital transformation of companies and public bodies, offering both benefits and potential risks. In order to benefit properly from the advantages of AI and avoid problems it is very important to have ethical, legal and responsible systems in place. This book provides an overview of the main standards and tools for managing and assuring the quality of intelligent systems. To this end, it provides clear examples of best available practices. 
• Who is it aimed at? Although anyone can read it, the book provides tools to help companies meet the challenges of AI by creating systems that respect ethical principles and align with engineering best practices.

Nexus, by Yuval Noah.

• What is it about?  In this new installment, one of the most fashionable writers analyzes how information networks have shaped human history, from the Stone Age to the present era.  This essay explores the relationship between information, truth, bureaucracy, mythology, wisdom and power, and how different societies have used information to impose order, with both positive and negative consequences. In this context, the author discusses the urgent decisions we must make in the face of current threats, such as the impact of non-human intelligence on our existence.
• Who is it aimed at? It is a mainstream work, i.e. anyone can read it and will most likely enjoy reading it. It is a particularly attractive option for readers seeking to reflect on the role of information in modern society and its implications for the future of humanity, in a context where emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are challenging our way of life.

Generative Deep Learning: Teaching Machines to Paint, Write, Compose, and Play by David Foster (second edition 2024)

• What is it about? This practical book dives into the fascinating world of generative deep learning, exploring how machines can create art, music and text. Throughout, Foster guides us through the most innovative architectures such as VAEs, GANs and broadcasting models, explaining how these technologies can transform photographs, generate music and even write text. The book starts with the basics of deep learning and progresses to cutting-edge applications, including image creation with Stable Diffusion, text generation with GPT and music composition with MuSEGAN. It is a work that combines technical rigour with artistic creativity.
• Who is it aimed at? This technical manual is intended for machine learning engineers, data scientists and developers who want to enter the field of generative deep learning. It is ideal for those who already have a background in programming and machine learning, and wish to explore how machines can create original content. It will also be valuable for creative professionals interested in understanding how AI can amplify their artistic capabilities. The book strikes the perfect balance between mathematical theory and practical implementation, making complex concepts accessible through concrete examples and working code.

Information is beautiful, by David McCandless.

• What is it about? Esta guía visual en inglés nos ayuda a entender cómo funciona el mundo a través de impactantes infografías y visualizaciones de datos. This new edition has been completely revised, with more than 20 updates and 20 new visualisations. It presents information in a way that is easy to skim, but also invites further exploration.
• Who is it aimed at? This book is aimed at anyone interested in seeing and understanding information in a different way. It is perfect for those looking for an innovative and visually appealing way to understand the world around us. It is also ideal for those who enjoy exploring data, facts and their interrelationships in an entertaining and accessible way.

Collecting Field Data with QGIS and Mergin Maps, de Kurt Menke y Alexandra Bucha Rasova.

• What is it about? This book teaches you how to master the Mergin Maps platform for collecting, sharing and managing field data using QGIS. The book covers everything from the basics, such as setting up projects in QGIS and conducting field surveys, to advanced workflows for customising projects and managing collaborations. In addition, details on how to create maps, set up survey layers and work with smart forms for data collection are included.
• Who is it aimed at? Although it is a somewhat more technical option than the previous proposals, the book is aimed at new users of Mergin Maps and QGIS. It is also useful for those who are already familiar with these tools and are looking for more advanced workflows.

A terrible greenery by Benjamin Labatut.

• What is it about? This book is a fascinating blend of science and literature, narrating scientific discoveries and their implications, both positive and negative. Through powerful stories, such as the creation of Prussian blue and its connection to chemical warfare, the mathematical explorations of Grothendieck and the struggle between scientists like Schrödinger and Heisenberg, the author, Benjamin Labatut, leads us to explore the limits of science, the follies of knowledge and the unintended consequences of scientific breakthroughs. The work turns science into literature, presenting scientists as complex and human characters.
• Who is it aimed at? The book is aimed at a general audience interested in science, the history of discoveries and the human stories behind them, with a focus on those seeking a literary and in-depth approach to scientific topics. It is ideal for those who enjoy works that explore the complexity of knowledge and its effects on the world.

Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users, de Cynthia A. Brewer.

• What is it about? It is a guide in English written by the expert cartographer that teaches how to create successful maps using any GIS or illustration tool. Through its 400 full-colour illustrations, the book covers the best cartographic design practices applied to both reference and statistical maps. Topics include map planning, using base maps, managing scale and time, explaining maps, publishing and sharing, using typography and labels, understanding and using colour, and customising symbols.
• Who is it aimed at? This book is intended for all geographic information systems (GIS) users, from beginners to advanced cartographers, who wish to improve their map design skills.

Although in the post we link many purchase links. If you are interested in any of these options, we encourage you to ask your local bookshop to support small businesses during the festive season. Do you know of any other interesting titles? Write it in comments or send it to dinamizacion@datos.gob.es. We read you!

Today, 23 April, is World Book Day, an occasion to highlight the importance of reading, writing and the dissemination of knowledge. Active reading promotes the acquisition of skills and critical thinking by bringing us closer to specialised and detailed information on any subject that interests us, including the world of data. 

Therefore, we would like to take this opportunity to showcase some examples of books and manuals regarding data and related technologies that can be found on the web for free. 

1. Fundamentals of Data Science with R, edited by Gema Fernandez-Avilés and José María Montero (2024) 

Access the book here.

• What is it about? The book guides the reader from the problem statement to the completion of the report containing the solution to the problem. It explains some thirty data science techniques in the fields of modelling, qualitative data analysis, discrimination, supervised and unsupervised machine learning, etc. It includes more than a dozen use cases in sectors as diverse as medicine, journalism, fashion and climate change, among others. All this, with a strong emphasis on ethics and the promotion of reproducibility of analyses. 
• Who is it aimed at? It is aimed at users who want to get started in data science. It starts with basic questions, such as what is data science, and includes short sections with simple explanations of probability, statistical inference or sampling, for those readers unfamiliar with these issues. It also includes replicable examples for practice. 
• Language: Spanish.  

2. Telling stories with data, Rohan Alexander (2023). 

Access the book here.

• What is it about? The book explains a wide range of topics related to statistical communication and data modelling and analysis. It covers the various operations from data collection, cleaning and preparation to the use of statistical models to analyse the data, with particular emphasis on the need to draw conclusions and write about the results obtained. Like the previous book, it also focuses on ethics and reproducibility of results. 
• Who is it aimed at? It is ideal for students and entry-level users, equipping them with the skills to effectively conduct and communicate a data science exercise. It includes extensive code examples for replication and activities to be carried out as evaluation. 
• Language: English. 

3. The Big Book of Small Python Projects, Al Sweigart (2021) 

Access the book here.

• What is it about? It is a collection of simple Python projects to learn how to create digital art, games, animations, numerical tools, etc. through a hands-on approach. Each of its 81 chapters independently explains a simple step-by-step project - limited to a maximum of 256 lines of code. It includes a sample run of the output of each programme, source code and customisation suggestions. 
• Who is it aimed at?  The book is written for two groups of people. On the one hand, those who have already learned the basics of Python, but are still not sure how to write programs on their own.  On the other hand, those who are new to programming, but are adventurous, enthusiastic and want to learn as they go along. However, the same author has other resources for beginners to learn basic concepts. 
• Language: English. 

4. Mathematics for Machine Learning, Marc Peter Deisenroth A. Aldo Faisal Cheng Soon Ong (2024) 

Access the book here.

• What is it about?  Most books on machine learning focus on machine learning algorithms and methodologies, and assume that the reader is proficient in mathematics and statistics. This book foregrounds the mathematical foundations of the basic concepts behind machine learning 
• Who is it aimed at? The author assumes that the reader has mathematical knowledge commonly learned in high school mathematics and physics subjects, such as derivatives and integrals or geometric vectors. Thereafter, the remaining concepts are explained in detail, but in an academic style, in order to be precise. 
• Language: English. 

5. Dive into Deep Learning, Aston Zhang, Zack C. Lipton, Mu Li, Alex J. Smola (2021, continually updated) 

Access the book here.

• What is it about? The authors are Amazon employees who use the mXNet library to teach Deep Learning. It aims to make deep learning accessible, teaching basic concepts, context and code in a practical way through examples and exercises. The book is divided into three parts: introductory concepts, deep learning techniques and advanced topics focusing on real systems and applications. 
• Who is it aimed at?  This book is aimed at students (undergraduate and postgraduate), engineers and researchers, who are looking for a solid grasp of the practical techniques of deep learning. Each concept is explained from scratch, so no prior knowledge of deep or machine learning is required. However, knowledge of basic mathematics and programming is necessary, including linear algebra, calculus, probability and Python programming. 
• Language: English. 

6. Artificial intelligence and the public sector: challenges, limits and means, Eduardo Gamero and Francisco L. Lopez (2024) 

Access the book here.

• What is it about? This book focuses on analysing the challenges and opportunities presented by the use of artificial intelligence in the public sector, especially when used to support decision-making. It begins by explaining what artificial intelligence is and what its applications in the public sector are, and then moves on to its legal framework, the means available for its implementation and aspects linked to organisation and governance. 
• Who is it aimed at? It is a useful book for all those interested in the subject, but especially for policy makers, public workers and legal practitioners involved in the application of AI in the public sector. 
• Language: Spanish 

7. A Business Analyst’s Introduction to Business Analytics, Adam Fleischhacker (2024) 

Access the book here.

• What is it about? The book covers a complete business analytics workflow, including data manipulation, data visualisation, modelling business problems, translating graphical models into code and presenting results to stakeholders. The aim is to learn how to drive change within an organisation through data-driven knowledge, interpretable models and persuasive visualisations. 
• Who is it aimed at? According to the author, the content is accessible to everyone, including beginners in analytical work. The book does not assume any knowledge of the programming language, but provides an introduction to R, RStudio and the "tidyverse", a series of open source packages for data science. 
• Language: English. 

We invite you to browse through this selection of books. We would also like to remind you that this is only a list of examples of the possibilities of materials that you can find on the web. Do you know of any other books you would like to recommend? let us know in the comments or email us at dinamizacion@datos.gob.es! 

2023 was a year full of new developments in artificial intelligence, algorithms and data-related technologies. Therefore, these Christmas holidays are a good time to take advantage of the arrival of the Three Wise Men and ask them for a book to enjoy reading during the holidays, the well-deserved rest and the return to routine after the holiday period. 

Whether you are looking for a reading that will improve your professional profile, learn about new technological developments and applications linked to the world of data and artificial intelligence, or if you want to offer your loved ones a didactic and interesting gift, from datos.gob.es we want to offer you some examples. For the elaboration of the list we have counted on the opinion of experts in the field. 

Take paper and pencil because you still have time to include them in your letter to the Three Wise Men! 

1. Inteligencia Artificial: Ficción, Realidad y... sueños, Nuria Oliver, Real Academia de Ingeniería GTT (2023)  

What it’s about: The book has its origin in the author's acceptance speech to the Royal Academy of Engineering. In it, she explores the history of AI, its implications and development, describes its current impact and raises several perspectives.   

Who should read it: It is designed for people interested in entering the world of Artificial Intelligence, its history and practical applications. It is also aimed at those who want to enter the world of ethical AI and learn how to use it for social good. 

2. A Data-Driven Company. 21 Claves para crear valor a través de los datos y de la Inteligencia Artificial, Richard Benjamins, Lid Editorial (2022)

What it's about: A Data-Driven Company looks at 21 key decisions companies need to face in order to become a data-driven, AI-driven enterprise. It addresses the typical organizational, technological, business, personnel, business, and ethical decisions that organizations must face to start making data-driven decisions, including how to fund their data strategy, organize teams, measure results, and scale.    

Who should read it: It is suitable for professionals who are just starting to work with data, as well as for those who already have experience, but need to adapt to work with big data, analytics or artificial intelligence. 

3. Digital Empires: The Global Battle to Regulate Technology, Anu Bradford, OUP USA (2023)  

What it's about: In the face of technological advances around the world and the arrival of corporate giants spread across international powers, Bradford examines three competing regulatory approaches: the market-driven U.S. model, the state-driven Chinese model, and the rights-based European regulatory model. It examines how governments and technology companies navigate the inevitable conflicts that arise when these regulatory approaches clash internationally.    

Who should read it: This is a book for those who want to learn more about the regulatory approach to technologies around the world and how it affects business. It is written in a clear and understandable way, despite the complexity of the subject. However, the reader will need to know English, because it has not yet been translated into Spanish. 

4. El mito del algoritmo, Richard Benjamins e Idoia Salazar, Anaya Multimedia (2020)

What it's about: Artificial intelligence and its exponential use in multiple disciplines is causing an unprecedented social change. With it, philosophical thoughts as deep as the existence of the soul or debates related to the possibility of machines having feelings are beginning to emerge. This is a book to learn about the challenges, challenges and opportunities of this technology.   

Who should read it: It is aimed at people with an interest in the philosophy of technology and the development of technological advances. By using simple and enlightening language, it is a book within the reach of a general public. 

5. ¿Cómo sobrevivir a la incertidumbre?, de Anabel Forte Deltell, Next Door Publishers 

What it is about: It explains in a simple way and with examples how statistics and probability are more present in daily life. The book starts from the present day, in which data, numbers, percentages and graphs have taken over our daily lives and have become indispensable for making decisions or for understanding the world around us.  

Who should read it: A general public that wants to understand how the analysis of data, statistics and probability are shaping a large part of political, social, economic and social decisions? 

6. Análisis espacial con R: Usa R como un Sistema de Información Geográfica, Jean François Mas, European Scientific Institute 

What it is about: This is a more technical book, which provides a brief introduction to the main concepts for handling the R programming language and environment (types of objects and basic operations) and then introduces the reader to the use of the sf library or package for spatial data in vector format through its main functions for reading, writing and analysis. The book approaches, from a practical and applicative perspective with an easy-to-understand language, the first steps to get started with the use of R in spatial analysis applications; for this, it is necessary that users have basic knowledge of Geographic Information Systems.  

Who should read it: A public with some knowledge of R and basic knowledge of GIS who wish to enter the world of spatial analysis applications. 

This is just a small sample of the great variety of existing literature related to the world of data. We are sure that we have left some interesting book without including it, so if you have any extra recommendation you would like to make, do not hesitate to leave us your favorite title in the comments. Those of us on the datos.gob.es team would be delighted to read your recommendations. 

Summer is coming to an end. August is winding down, and September is on the horizon, bringing with it the return to routine and all that it entails. The start of the school year and the end of vacations can be challenging. However, this time of year, along with January, is a time for fresh beginnings and resolutions. As you head back to school, we at datos.gob.es propose a challenge: to learn more about open data and new technologies. 

Whether you're looking for a career change, seeking to enrich your professional profile, or simply curious about this burgeoning field, we've selected content on disruptive technologies that we hope will pique your interest. In this post, you'll find articles, books, and even interviews covering data and the innovative technologies surrounding it. 

Take note and prepare your backpack with readings on open data! 

Piensa claro, Ocho reglas para descifrar el mundo y tener éxito en la era de los datos - Kiko Llaneras (2022)

In this compilation of data-based curiosities, El País journalist Kiko Llaneras offers practical advice for making reliable predictions, avoiding common mistakes, and questioning our intuition. 

• What's it about? The book uses data to highlight situations such as the fact that most footballers are born in January or to explain the relationship between data and the Chernobyl disaster. These and other topics serve as the starting point for the development of eight independent chapters, in which Llaneras provides advice, based on his experience, on the use and treatment of data to arrive at sound conclusions. 
• Who's it for? It's a very easy-to-understand book, and no prior knowledge of the subject is required. If the reader has an understanding of statistical topics and data analysis, they will enjoy some references. However, the examples the journalist uses to explain each piece of advice make the book an ideal choice for the general public. 

Yasmín Belén Quiroga: “Promoting Transparency and Confidence in the Justice System through Gender-Perspective Open Data”; UN Women; Interview (03/24/2023) 

The fifth United Nations Development Goal sets the target of achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. Open data plays a significant role in measuring its attainment and shaping the measures to achieve it. Lawyer and gender and data specialist Yasmín Belén Quiroga is one of the authors of "Gender-Perspective Open Data and Open Justice," a research project conducted within the framework of the Spotlight Initiative. In this project, the expert analyzes the experience of the court where she works and makes all the court's resolutions and judgments available through digital means. 

• What's it about? The lawyer discusses various topics such as the importance of having a gender-perspective open data observatory, the role of open justice in social development, or recommendations for ensuring ethical data reuse. It's a light read that takes no more than 5 minutes. 
• Who's it for? It may be of interest to anyone curious about the application of open data in the judicial system and gender perspective in the sector. 
• For further reading: The United Nations portal has published "Gender-Perspective Open Data and Open Justice: The Experience of Court 10," a research project in which Quiroga participated, analyzing the importance of having a source of open and accessible data to eliminate issues like gender inequality. 

"The Data Science Handbook: Advice and Insights from 25 Amazing Data Scientists"; Book (2020) 

In this book, authored by four professionals in the data field, you'll find 25 interviews with leading American data scientists, including several leaders from major companies. 

• What's it about? The book provides firsthand information from experienced data scientists and offers advice for a successful career in the field. 
• Who's it for? It's designed for data professionals, whether beginners or more experienced individuals. Each interview offers a professional and personal perspective on the world of data, as well as practical advice. 

"10 Breakthrough Technologies 2023"; MIT Technology Review; Article (01/09/2023) 

Every year, the world's oldest technology magazine publishes a compilation of the most disruptive technological advancements of the year. In the 2023 list, technologies such as gene-editing tools, generative AI and its possibilities, and expanded geospatial data analysis are highlighted more than ever before. 

• What's it about? It's a list of articles that delve into each technology in depth, discussing its current and future applications, as well as the contributions it can make to society. 
• Who's it for? Anyone curious about developments in the world of technology. 

The content on data and technology is endless, and the works mentioned above represent just a small sample intended to serve as an example. Therefore, with the aim of enriching this selection, we encourage you to complete this list in the comments. Would you like to recommend a book or article? We're all ears! 

How time flies! It seems like only yesterday when, at this time of year, we were writing our letter to Santa Claus and the Three Wise Men asking them for our most sincere wishes. Once again, Christmas is here to remind us of the magic of reuniting with our loved ones, but it is also the perfect time to enjoy and rest.

For many, within that Christmas happiness is the passion for reading. What better time to enjoy a good book than these winter days under the warmth of home? Novels, comics, essays... but also guides or theoretical books that can help you expand your knowledge related to your field of work. Therefore, as every year, we have asked our pages -the collaborators of datos.gob.es- the best recommendations on books related to data and technology to offer you some ideas that you can include in your letter this year, if you have behaved well.

Telling your Data Story: Data Storytelling for Data Management, Scott Taylor (The Data Whisperer)

What is it about? The author of this book offers us a practical guide to explain and make us understand the strategic value of data management within the business environment.

Who is it for? It is focused on working professionals interested in improving their skills both in managing and carrying out a company's data plan, as well as in handling tools to be able to clearly explain their actions to third parties. Its target audience also includes data scientists interested in bringing this discipline closer to the business sector.

Language: English

The art of statistics: Learning from data, David Spiegelhalter

What is it about? This book shows readers how to derive knowledge from raw data and mathematical concepts. Through real-world examples, the author tells us how data and statistics can help us solve different problems, such as determining the luckiest passenger on the Titanic or whether a serial killer could have been caught earlier, among others.

Who is it for? If you are passionate about the world of statistics and curious data, this book is for you. Its readability and full of examples taken from the world around us makes this book an interesting idea to include in your letter to the Three Wise Men this year.

Language: English

Big Data. Conceptos, tecnologías y aplicaciones, David Ríos Insúa y David Gómez Ullate Oteiza

What is it about? This new CSIC book brings readers closer to big data and its applications in politics, healthcare and cybersecurity. Its authors, David Ríos and David Gómez-Ullate describe the technology and methods used by data science, explaining its potential in various fields.

Who is it for? Anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of current scientific and technological issues will find this book more than interesting. Its simple and accessible explanations make this manual a pleasant and friendly text for all types of readers.

Language: Spanish

Data Analytics with R: A Recipe book, Ryan Garnett

What is it about? As if it were a recipe book! This is how Ryan Garnet presents this book dedicated to explaining in an entertaining and very practical way to the readers the data analysis focused on the R language.

Who is it for? This book is a very interesting option for both programmers and data analysis enthusiasts who want to discover more about R. Its structure in the form of recipes to explain this field makes it easy to understand. In addition, you can download it for free.

Language: English

Datanomics, Paloma Llaneza

What is it about? This book reveals with data, reports and proven facts what technology companies are really doing with the personal data we give them and how they profit from it.

Who is it for? It is a document of great interest to all citizens. The fact that the information it contains is reinforced with supporting reports makes it lighter and more enjoyable to read.

Language: Spanish

Everybody Lies: Big Data, New Data, and What the Internet Can Tell Us about Who We Really Are, Seth Stephens-Davidowitz

What is it about? Did you know that users surfing the Internet expose a total of 8 billion gigabytes of data every day? The author shows us in this book how the data we provide about our searches reveal our fears, desires and behaviors, but also conscious and unconscious biases.

Who is it for? This book is aimed at anyone looking to expand their knowledge about how we express ourselves in the digital age. If you would like answers to questions such as whether where we go to school can influence our future success, this book is for you.

Language: English

As in previous years, this list is just a small selection that we have made based on the recommendations suggested by some of the experts who collaborate in datos.gob.es, as well as some of the members of this team. Undoubtedly, the world is full of really interesting books on data and technology.

Do you know of any more that we should not forget in our letter to the Three Wise Men? Leave us a comment or send us an email to dinamizacion@datos.gob.es, we will be happy to read it!

2020 is coming to an end and in this unusual year we are going to have to experience a different, calmer Christmas with our closest nucleus. What better way to enjoy those moments of calm than to train and improve your knowledge of data and new technologies?

Whether you are looking for a reading that will make you improve your professional profile to which to dedicate your free time on these special dates, or if you want to offer your loved ones an educational and interesting gift, from datos.gob.es we want to propose some book recommendations on data and disruptive technologies that we hope will be of interest to you. We have selected books in Spanish and English, so that you can also put your knowledge of this language into practice.

Take note because you still have time to include one in your letter to Santa Claus!

INTELIGENCIA ARTIFICIAL, naturalmente. Nuria Oliver, ONTSI, red.es (2020)

What is it about?: This book is the first of the new collection published by the ONTSI called “Pensamiento para la sociedad digital”. Its pages offer a brief journey through the history of artificial intelligence, describing its impact today and addressing the challenges it presents from various points of view.

Who is it for?: It is aimed especially at decision makers, professionals from the public and private sector, university professors and students, third sector organizations, researchers and the media, but it is also a good option for readers who want to introduce themselves and get closer to the complex world of artificial intelligence.

Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach, Stuart Russell

What is it about?:  Interesting manual that introduces the reader to the field of Artificial Intelligence through an orderly structure and understandable writing.

Who is it for?: This textbook is a good option to use as documentation and reference in different courses and studies in Artificial Intelligence at different levels. For those who want to become experts in the field.

Situating Open Data: Global Trends in Local Contexts, Danny Lämmerhirt, Ana Brandusescu, Natalia Domagala – African Minds (October 2020)

What is it about?: This book provides several empirical accounts of open data practices, the local implementation of global initiatives, and the development of new open data ecosystems.

Who is it for?: It will be of great interest to researchers and advocates of open data and to those in or advising government administrations in the design and implementation of effective open data initiatives. You can download its PDF version through this link.

The Elements of Statistical Learning: Data Mining, Inference, and Prediction, Second Edition (Springer Series in Statistics), Trevor Hustle, Jerome Friedman. – Springer (May 2017)

What is it about?: This book describes various statistical concepts in a variety of fields such as medicine, biology, finance, and marketing in a common conceptual framework. While the focus is statistical, the emphasis is on definitions rather than mathematics.

Who is it for?: It is a valuable resource for statisticians and anyone interested in data mining in science or industry. You can also download its digital version here.

Europa frente a EEUU y China: Prevenir el declive en la era de la inteligencia artificial, Luis Moreno, Andrés Pedreño – Kdp (2020)

What is it about?: This interesting book addresses the reasons for the European delay with respect to the power that the US and China do have, and its consequences, but above all it proposes solutions to the problem that is exposed in the work.

Who is it for?: It is a reflection for those interested in thinking about the change that Europe would need, in the words of its author, "increasingly removed from the revolution imposed by the new technological paradigm".

Armas de destrucción matemática: Cómo el big data aumenta la desigualdad y amenaza la democracia. Cathy O’Neil, Capitán Swing (2018)

What is it about?:  This book calls attention to the problems that can lead to the misuse of algorithms and proposes some ideas to avoid making mistakes.

Who is it for?: These pages do not appear overly technical concepts, nor are there formulas or complex explanations, although they do deal with dense problems that need the author's attention.

Data Feminism (Strong Ideas), Catherine D’Ignazio, Lauren F. Klein. MIT Press (2020)

What is it about?: These pages address a new way of thinking about data science and its ethics based on the ideas of feminist thought.

Who is it for?: To all those who are interested in reflecting on the biases built into the algorithms of the digital tools that we use in all areas of life.

Open Cities | Open Data: Collaborative Cities in the Information, Scott Hawken, Hoon Han, Chris Pettit – Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore (2020)

What is it about?: This book explains the importance of opening data in cities through a variety of critical perspectives, and presents strategies, tools, and use cases that facilitate both data openness and reuse..

Who is it for?: Perfect for those integrated in the data value chain in cities and those who have to develop open data strategies within the framework of a smart city, but also for citizens concerned about privacy and who want to know what happens - and what can happen- with the data generated by cities.

Although we would love to include them all on this list, there are many interesting books on data and technology that fill the shelves of hundreds of bookstores and online stores. If you have any extra recommendations that you want to make us, do not hesitate to leave us your favorite title in comments. The members of the datos.gob.es team will be delighted to read your recommendations this Christmas.

After New Year, it seems that Christmas comes to an end, but we still have a date marked on our agenda: Three Kings Day. Adults and children hope to get up on January 6 and discover what the Three Wise Men from the East have brought us. And what better gift than a book that can help us expand our knowledge and skills.

For those who have not yet finished their Christmas purchases and are rushing at the last minute, in datos.gob.es we have collected a selection of books on data and disruptive technologies that can be a good option to gift to your loved ones. We have all levels books: basic, to encourage your younger relatives to study a career focused on data management and analysis (professions that will be highly demanded in the coming years) or advanced, for those professionals who want to improve their knowledge and gain a competitive advantage to boost their career in 2020.

Las bases de Big Data, by Rafael Caballero and Enrique Martín.

What is it about? Disclosure book that explains what Big Data is and how it works, including details and curiosities that allow the reader to better understand the big data world, its processing and the business involved. It also explains basic aspects of the Hadoop ecosystem or databases, both relational and non-relational.

Who is it for? It is an introductory and easy-to-read book. The book does not include a technical vision, but it is detailed and critical so that the reader wants to continue going deeper into the subject.

Storytelling with data. Data visualization for Business professionals, by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic.

What is it about? A book to learn how to tell stories using data. Cole Nussbaumer tells us about the fundamentals of data visualization through real examples that help to understand the theory in a simple way. The book helps the user to reflect on the stories he/she wants to tell and how to tell them, teaching him to choose different types of graphics and tools according to the audience.

Who is it for? It is a simple and quick-to-read book, perfect for those who work with data, do not have a technical profile and want to improve the way they show the results.

Introduction to Data Science: Data Analysis and Prediction Algorithms with R, by Rafael A. Irizarry.

What is it about? Rafael A. Irizarry presents concepts and skills to solve the challenges of real-world data analysis. The book covers concepts from probability, statistical inference, linear regression, machine learning, R programming, data visualization, predictive algorithms building, file organization with UNIX / Linux shell, version control with Git and GitHub and preparation of reproducible documents.

Who is it for? To first-year data science students, so it is perfect to introduce this subject.

Learning Path: Understanding Tool Integration for Big Data Architecture, by O'Reilly Media

What is it about? The book explains how to integrate Hadoop components with the goal of implementing big data solutions for a variety of use cases, including clickstream analytics, time series problems, transferring data between Hadoop and relational databases, and applications in the finance sector.

Who is it for? Book aimed at professionals with technical knowledge related to the universe of data or advanced students.

Prediction Machines: The Simple Economics of Artificial Intelligence by Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans y Avi Goldfarb

What is it about? The book starts from a question: how should companies establish strategies, governments design policies and citizens plan their lives in a world marked by technology and Artificial Intelligence? 3 eminent economists try to clarify this issue by demystifying artificial intelligence and examining it through standard economic theory.

Who is it for? To all those who want to understand the reality of artificial intelligence, although it is especially aimed at entrepreneurs, business leaders or public policy makers.

The State of Open Data: Histories and Horizons, by Tim Davies, Stephen B. Walker y Mor Rubinstein.

What is it about? Book that reviews the lessons learned in the 10 years of the open data movement and looks to the future to make the reader reflect on how open data initiatives will respond to new privacy concerns, and the inclusion of artificial intelligence.

Who is it for? For those involved in the open data ecosystem, but also those who are curious about the evolution of the movement. The book is also available in free version here.

As in previous years, the list is just a selection that we have prepared based on recommendations from experts who collaborate with data.gob.es, but we know that there are many more interesting books on these topics. Therefore, we encourage you to share new recommendations in the comments.