I’ve been using NodeXL , which is a plug-in for Excel, for some time now. It just keeps getting better and better, and has become one of my network analysis tools of choice and one of the tools we use in HyperEdge Pty Ltd . I therefore had no hesitation in pre-ordering “ Analyzing Social Media Networks with NodeXL: Insights from a Connected World” by Derek Hansen, Ben Shneiderman, and Marc Smith. Undoubtedly this is one of the better network analysis books on the market, and I unreservedly give it five stars. It is all the more better because it provides a comprehensive tutorial over several chapters on how to get the best from NodeXL.

The book has 15 chapters organised into three sections. The first three chapters serve as an introduction to social network analysis and social media like Twitter, Flickr and Facebook – none of which I use. I particularly like the chapter structure, which is consistent throughout the book. Each chapter provides key definitions and themes and finishes with both a “Practitioner’s Summary” and a “Researcher’s Agenda” – this means one can skim the book and quickly locate personal interests. Chapter 3 is elegant in its definitions and summary of key network analysis concepts. I particularly liked the idea of ‘network nirvana’:

• every vertex is visible;
• every vertex’s degree is countable;
• every edge can be followed from source to destination; and
• clusters and outliers are identifiable.
   

Section 2 is called “NodeXL Tutorial: Learning By Doing” and consists of four chapters. These chapters are, in my opinion, the heart of the book. They cover all the key elements of using NodeXL for network analysis, including layout, labelling and metrics. There is enough in the chapters to pique the interest of practitioners and academics alike, from beginner to advanced analyst. Again I like the elegance and accessibility for lay-people to some of the definitions. So much so that this text will become a standard inclusion in all my seminars and requires me to develop a NodeXL seminar and workshop!

The final section provides eight chapters, six of which are contributed by network researchers, and all of which provide case studies of network analysis using NodeXL. I found the chapter on email and lists of most interest, and commercially of most use, but from an academic perspective all the chapters are very interesting. The Twitter chapter was particularly enlightening, especially given I don’t really see the value of Twitter – I’m rethinking that position at the moment! Similarly the Facebook chapter provided some interesting insights.

All in all this book was an excellent and easy read. Already my book is dog-eared and has lots of margin scribbles and highlights. I unreservedly give it five stars - five stars for readability and five stars for the learning by doing approach. It is a must-have book for every serious student and practitioner of network analysis. I can’t wait for an e-book version, which I will buy immediately it is released.

Regards, Graham