Hello all, 


I know basic representation theory(finite groups, lie groups&lie algebras) and I want to get a flavor of quantum groups (why they are useful, important results etc) and other related things like the Yang-Baxter equation. Can someone suggest me some good expository articles? Thank you.



expository papers related to quantum groups 
Drinfeld's original ICM-86 talk "Quantum groups" is something "must read", scanned files are available [here](http://ncatlab.org/nlab/show/quantum+Yang-Baxter+matrix).


This old introduction works out many details and is quite good:
"An introduction to quantized Lie groups and algebras" T.Tjin
[arXiv:hep-th/9111043](http://arxiv.org/abs/hep-th/9111043)


There is certain interplay between certain topics in classical simple Lie algebras
and quantum groups, in particular the Yangian. 
A. Molev's survey is quite good for this topic: Yangians and their applications <http://arxiv.org/abs/math/0211288>


Concerning the books let me be the second one on the 
[Christian Kassel's book](http://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/0387943706) - it is good introduction in the series "Graduate texts in math" and it is probably one the best for beginners.


[A Guide to Quantum Groups](http://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/0521558840) 
Vyjayanthi Chari , Andrew N. Pressley 
is one of the most comprehensive books 


