This workshop will demonstrate some of the most important considerations necessary when using Python to automate the retrieval of data from web sources, including use cases with the BeautifulSoup library, especially as it pertains to constructing datasets for research. It will include a discussion of best practices, including the ethics and legality of web-scraping. To get the most out of this workshop, you should have completed Codecademy’s “Learn Python” module (version 2 or 3), or possess equivalent experience. E-mail the instructor if you have any questions about the difficulty level of this workshop.

Laptops are required.

Presenter: Matt Lavin

Please check in with the presenter for your workshop or contact Gesina Phillips (gap64@pitt.edu) to find out if you will need to download any software prior to attending the event. If you are not a Pitt affiliate, please consult the instructions below for accessing computers and Wi-Fi.

-- Computer and Wi-Fi access--

If you are not affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh and need access to a computer for this event, please contact Gesina Phillips (gap64@pitt.edu). If you are not affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh and will be bringing your own device, you will need to register for Wi-Fi access in advance by following these steps:

CONNECTING TO WIRELESS INTERNET IN THE DIGITAL SCHOLARSHIP COMMONS

FOR CMU AFFILIATES

Select the eduroam network from your Wi-Fi list.
- Log in using your @andrew email address and password (@cmu addresses are not supported).
- Accept the server's certificate, if prompted.

FOR OTHER EDUROAM AFFILIATES

Pitt is an eduroam service provider. You can check to see if your home institution supports using eduroam at remote sites here: https://www.eduroam.us/institutions_list. Your institution must be an “IdP” (Identity Provider) to allow you eduroamaccess.

FOR ALL OTHERS

Advance online registration is required. Instructions for registration and use follow. This service is for short-term use by visitors on official University business. Guest wireless accounts are limited to 30 consecutive days. If you require wireless access for more than 30 consecutive days, consider using eduroam.

To set up guest access to wi-fi, please visit http://bit.ly/pittguestwifi to begin the process, as outlined below:

- Before you arrive on campus, you must register for access.
- Your staff or faculty host will provide you with his/her University Computing Account username which is required for online registration (see below).
- Complete the online access request form.
- Under Host Information, you will see a field for Host Username. Enter the name of the presenter of your workshop in this field.
- You will receive an email, asking you to verify your email address. Click the link in the email and complete the verification form online.
- An email will be sent to your host to approve your request. Once approved, you will receive a final email directing you to accept the service usage guideline and select your password.
- When you arrive on campus, log in.
- Open your wireless network manager and select GUEST-WIRELESS-PITTNET.
- Open a Web browser. The Guest Login window will display.
- Log in using your email address and the password you selected in advance.