LibGuides: Data and Statistics: Welcome

Welcome to the Data and Statistics Guide! This library guide provides you with an overview on how to get started working with data. The contents of this guide have been organised into several tabs to provide you with access to key areas. For more information on how to do research, visit the Applied Research for Students tutorial.

Data Literacy is a critical skill and refers to the ability to read, understand, and apply critical thinking to data, thus enabling you to work and communicate to make sound data-driven (or data-informed) decisions.

Even though Artificial Intelligence can make data management and analysis tasks easier and faster, data literacy is necessary to set strong data foundations and inform your organization on how to make better decisions.

Data Science is the discipline that specializes in the theories and applications of data collection, processing and analysis. It uses scientific methods and theories from mathematics, statistics, computer science and information science to seek answers to data-driven questions.

Statistics is focused on the mathematical use of data and therefore primarily concerned with the analysis of quantitative (numeric) data.

The Data Life Cycle applies to all types of data. From https://data.wisc.edu/data-literacy/lifecycle/

⇒ What you study matters when you analyze data!
Data analysis follows the same principles across different subject areas but may have different methods and tools to collect, manage, analyse, and present data. Find discipline-specific data sources offered through by the library under the section "Data Sources".

Become More Data Literate

Data Science Foundations: Fundamentals (2025)
This is a LinkedIn Learning course for data sciecne beginners available through your Seneca account.
Learning Data Science (2025)
This is a LinkedIn Learning Course available through your Seneca account (intermediate level).
Statistics Canada: Data Literacy Competencies
Provides a brief overview of skills and knowledge needed to become data literate.
Statistics Canada: Data Literacy Learning Catalogue
Basic, intermediate and advanced videos and workshops organized by data activity ("data journey"). Includes a list of recommended videos for anyone new to data literacy.
Tableau: Data Literacy for All
Free self-paced program that provides data skills fundamentals.

Tip: Use the How to Cite Data page for information on how to cite different types of data.

Top Library Resources for Learning About Data and Statistics

Gartner
Search or add data-related initiatives to "My Track".

Details and Terms of Use
LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com)
Search or browse Business Topics (Business Analysis and Strategy) or Technology Topics (Data Science), for specific data-related courses and videos.

Details and Terms of Use
Safari Books Online (also known as O'Reilly for Higher Education)
Provides full-text access to thousands of e-books and videos in IT, Business, Math, Engineering, Design, and other topics.

Details and Terms of Use

Recommendation for Library Purchase

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