The Library Blog

Edinburgh Napier University Library blog. Filled with useful and fun blog articles on using the Library, the University, Edinburgh and many other fun topics.

Welcome to the Edinburgh Napier University Library Blog 👋

12/01/2026 / / 0 Comments

We share friendly, practical posts from the Library team to help you study smarter, research with confidence, and make the most of the resources available to you at Edinburgh Napier University. We also have lots of fun, interesting posts on Scotland and on pretty much anything the Library staff find interesting!

Here you’ll find tips on things like finding good sources, referencing without the stress, using library spaces and digital tools, and navigating your way through assignments and deadlines. We also post updates about library services, new resources, and the occasional behind-the-scenes look at what’s going on in the Library.

Our aim is to keep things clear, helpful, and occasionally fun. Whether you’re new to university, deep into your dissertation, or just looking for a quick answer, this blog is here to support you throughout your studies.

New posts appear regularly during the academic year, so check back often — or dip in whenever you need a bit of library help.

subject librarians

Subject Librarians

14/10/2026 / / 0 Comments

Subject Librarians

Here at the library, we try our best to provide students with the support they need during their studies, Napier. Whether that be helping you find the books you need in the library or fixing any pesky IT issues you might be having. However, our Information Assistants aren’t the only people at the library who are here to help you. We also have our team of Subject Librarians here to help provide you with in-depth study support and research guides tailored to the different schools here at Napier.

Our Subject Librarians

There are five Subject Librarians in the library, and you can find a full list of them along with their contact details on the MyNapier library help page.
At our Sighthill campus library, we have Catriona Robertson, who serves as the Subject Librarian for the School of Applied Sciences (as well as the Department of Learning and Teaching), and Dawn Adams, who serves as the Subject Librarian for the School of Health and Social Care.
At Merchiston, we have Joyce Templeton at the School of Computing, Engineering & Built Environment, and Sarah Jeffcot with the School of Arts and Creative Industries.
And at Craiglockhart, we have Keith Walker for the Business School, which includes our law degree courses.

Subject Librarian Support

If you’ve got a question for the Subject Librarians or would like to arrange a 1-on-1 session to go over any concerns, you can just get in touch using the details linked above. The 1-on-1 sessions are especially useful if you have any research concerns. For example, if you’re unsure about how to use some of the more specialised and complicated databases used by the university (a common concern among some Health and Social Care students!) then you can get in touch with the Subject Librarian for your school and get the guidance you need.
The Subject Librarians can also advise you on how to understand and best make use of the different referencing styles used by the different departments here at the university, something that you’ll definitely need to get to grips with when it comes to writing your assessments!

Along with answering any questions you might have for them, the Subject Librarians are also responsible for writing the library LibGuides, a collection of in-depth guides to walk you through different aspects of research. These guides are tailored to each of our schools or to different aspects of research (such as reference management or literature reviews), so you can get the exact help you need. If you ever find yourself with a question about how to go about doing your research, then be sure to have a look at the appropriate LibGuide page before contacting the Subject Librarian. You might find out there’s already a LibGuide that has all the information you need.

The Subject Librarians also support you by working with your course lecturers and the library’s Resource Acquisitions team to manage the catalogue of books and journal articles that you have access to through the library.
Each Subject Librarian helps to oversee the library collection for their respective school, and is responsible for ensuring that the university has access to any of the materials included on your course reading lists. If there is a book your lecturer thinks would be just perfect to use as reading material for your module, then it’s up to the Subject Librarian to ensure that we can get a copy of it for the library.

 

We hope that this brief overview has helped you to better understand the role that our Subject Librarians play here at Napier, and the ways that your learning is supported by them, even if you don’t realise it!
And we hope that those of you who feel you need extra support in your studies now know who to contact for the help you need.

By Matthew Ferrie

Dyslexia Awareness.

Dyslexia Awareness.

08/10/2026 / / 0 Comments

Dyslexia Awareness.

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a lifelong neurological condition that often runs in families and affects people’s abilities in reading, writing and spelling.

People with dyslexia may have difficulty processing and remembering what they see and hear, which can affect their learning. Dyslexia can also affect other areas such as memory, maths, co-ordination, time-keeping and organisational skills.

Approximately 10% of the UK population is thought to be dyslexic, with around 4% being severely affected, but the condition is often misunderstood.

Under the Equality Act (2010), dyslexia can be classed as a disability. Dyslexia can affect children in education, adults in the workplace and situations in everyday life.

Everyone’s experience of dyslexia is different – it can range from mild to severe and can exist alongside other neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and developmental language disorder.

 

Dyslexia Awareness Week.

Dyslexia Awareness Week UK runs from 5th to 11th October 2026.

The theme for this year’s Dyslexia Awareness Week is “Dyslexia in real life: At Work”, which focuses on adults with dyslexia and their experiences at work, particularly the impact that recruitment, communication, organisational processes, management, and access to additional support can have on dyslexic employees.

As a lifelong condition, dyslexia can have a major impact on a person’s working life. Everything from job applications to managing daily organisational tasks to career progression can be affected by dyslexia. Workplaces should be designed to encourage alternative ways of thinking to avoid creating obstacles that make it difficult for dyslexic employees to succeed.

Dyslexia does not lessen an individual’s intelligence or potential. Many people with dyslexia achieve great success. There are many famous people who are dyslexic, including Jamie Oliver, Sir Lewis Hamilton, Keira Knightley, Sir Jackie Stewart, Holly Willoughby, Jennifer Aniston and Sir Richard Branson.

Employees with dyslexia have a diverse range of skills and contribute to the workforce by thinking differently. They have many strengths, including creativity and observation. They can see patterns and trends in data and are good at problem-solving, often with an intuitive understanding of how something works. Workplaces should provide sufficient support for dyslexic employees through assistive technology and reasonable adjustments, enabling them to thrive in all aspects of their working lives.

World Dyslexia Awareness Day is on 8th October 2026 and is a global initiative which aims to raise the profile of dyslexia. It is committed to increasing awareness and understanding of the condition. It reminds us of the importance of supporting those with dyslexia by promoting inclusivity, access to education, and the use of effective strategies to support their learning journeys.

World Dyslexia Awareness Day aims to raise the profile of dyslexia for policymakers, educators, employers and the general public. Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences, with around 700 million people affected worldwide. As well as raising awareness, World Dyslexia Day highlights the rights, capabilities and accomplishments of those who live with the condition. Dyslexia is a common condition which can be managed effectively with the correct support, and people with dyslexia can achieve their full potential.

 

Supporting People with Dyslexia.

There are several ways you can support people with dyslexia. First, learn about the condition and how it can affect people. Share information about dyslexia via social media to raise awareness; campaign for inclusive educational practices that accommodate students’ needs; support dyslexia organisations either by donating or volunteering; and encourage and support those with dyslexia to achieve their goals.

Employers should ensure workplaces are supportive environments that promote understanding, remove barriers, and inspire creativity, where dyslexic employees can contribute, develop skills, and prosper within the organisation.

Here at Edinburgh Napier University, the Disability Inclusion Team are available to ensure that every student has equal access to university life. The team can help students access the support they need during their time at university. The team work across all three campuses and offer support to students with a variety of learning difficulties, disabilities, and other support needs.

There are also a number of organisations which can provide information and support including Dyslexia Scotland, The Dyslexia Association and British Dyslexia Association.

 

Find out more:

Use LibrarySearch to find books and articles about Dyslexia.

 

By Sharon McMichael

reading

Wee Read Campaign 2026

07/10/2026 / / 0 Comments

Wee Read Campaign 2026

 

Most of us may have a wee read every day, which can include, but is not limited to, reading and do not identify with being a reader. Despite the fact that most of us may have a wee read every day, which can include and is not limited to reading the news, graphic novels, recipes, letters, emails, and even social media posts and content. The Wee Read campaign, which takes place on the 7th of October this year, celebrates all forms of reading. Whilst also encouraging individuals and communities to incorporate reading for leisure into their everyday lives and routines, whether this is for the first time in a long time or more often than they usually already do.

 

Fun Facts about Reading…

 

  • There is a strong link between reading for leisure in childhood and better academic performance and mental well-being later in an individual’s life.
  • Reading for leisure has a more significant influence and impact on a child’s cognitive development than their parent’s level of education or socioeconomic background.
  • Studies have shown that those who read for leisure often have higher self-esteem and resilience. Reading regularly for leisure is also associated with better sleeping patterns and quality.
  • Higher literacy rates are associated with higher employment rates and wages. Career progression is strongly linked to an individual’s level of literacy.
  • Reading for leisure has academic, economic, and socioeconomic benefits – 44% of those who identified as regular readers reported better mental health and well-being. This is compared with 23% of those who rarely or never read for leisure. This could coincide with the other various benefits that reading has, one of which is better sleeping patterns as mentioned!

 

All facts and statistics can be found in the Wee Read website. The benefits of reading for leisure for health, well-being, longevity, the economy, quality of life, and community are vast. This is a big part of why we and many other library institutions across Scotland have chosen to promote the Wee Read campaign this year.

 

Our participation in this year’s Wee Read campaign…

 

The Wee Read campaign is primarily run by libraries across Scotland, in collaboration with mental health charities, book retailers, educational institutions, and third-sector organisations, to promote reading nationally. One of the main objectives of this campaign is also to encourage patrons to use their local libraries more! Edinburgh Napier University campus libraries will be participating in the Wee Read campaign taking place this year on the 7th of October.

We will be setting up displays in our three campus libraries featuring fiction, poetry, graphic novels, comics, manga, and some non-fiction titles on wellbeing and general life. Some titles will also be set aside for a “Blind Date with a Book” activity where we will get willing patrons to take a slip from the desk with a number that will assign them a corresponding text to read for the Wee Read challenge.

 

Don’t worry! If the title does not sound like your cup of tea, you do not need to, borrow it or take it out on loan. This is simply an attempt to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and discover new reads, genres, and books that may surprise you and that you might not usually read or pick up in a local bookstore or library! Have a book suggestion of your own that you would like to share? Feedback boxes and slips will also be put up in all three of our campus libraries where you can write any book recommendations you may have and share them with us.

What patrons have to say about public libraries…

 

Public libraries make reading free and accessible to all, but this is not the only purpose that they serve in society. They also serve as vital community hubs that provide patrons with digital access, printing facilities, Wi-Fi, and a quiet, warm space to study, read, or rest. It is a safe space where individuals can remain indefinitely without obligation to pay for any services. Public libraries welcome all patrons and serve a vastly diverse audience that may include people with protected characteristics.

 

Overall, many individuals greatly value public libraries – the Wee Read website has feedback recorded and highlighted regarding the positive impact public libraries have had on patron’s lives and the lives of their loved ones as well. Some of the quoted feedback is as follows:

 

  • “Libraries rekindled my passion for reading and studying. I wish I had discovered public libraries sooner.”
  • “Our local library is a village hub where people come together. It fosters a love of reading across all ages in the community and is a vital resource.”
  • “Since having children, the library isn’t just for my pleasure (browsing/borrowing books) but to encourage this love of reading for them.”
  • “It’s a comfort to know that I can easily access reading material at no cost whatever happens in my life but also have access to knowledgeable, professional staff who are kind and willing to help.”

 

Our Displays on Campus…

 

Our Wee Read campaign displays have been set up in all three of our campus libraries and have numbered slips to take and then bring to our library helpdesks where a member of our library team will issue you the book corresponding with the number on the slip you have selected. We also have suggestion boxes where you can write and post recommendations in for what could be included for the next Wee Read campaign and perhaps even to be added into our own library stock!

 

 

Got any questions about the Wee Read campaign 2026? Email library@napier.ac.uk, phone 0131 455 3500 or visit our library helpdesks during our staffed hours (Monday to Friday, 8:45am – 16:45pm).

 

By Rachel Downie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Poetry Day 2026

02/10/2026 / / 0 Comments

National Poetry Day 2026

The first Thursday in October is the UK’s National Poetry Day, a day dedicated to celebrating poetry in all its forms and giving us all the chance to come together and share in the pleasure of poetry.
As Scotland has such a rich history of poetry, we thought we’d take today to talk a little about poetry in Scotland, National Poetry Day itself, and a little bit about poetry here at Napier!

National Poetry Day has been celebrated in the UK for over thirty years and has seen participation from millions of people taking part in organised events such as discussions and workshops. Celebrations for the day are typically organised by the Forward Arts Foundation, but organisations across the entire UK join in with their own celebrations as well. Past celebrations have involved public readings and discussions hosted by poets, public displays of poetry in prominent locations, and workshops to help aspiring poets hone their craft.
You can find the full list of official events on the Forward Arts Foundation events page. However, you don’t need to join an official event in order to take part – just trying sharing some of your favourite poetry with people you know, or even write some yourself. One of the most beautiful things about poetry is that all you need to get started is a pen and paper!

Poetry in Scotland

Now, here in Scotland we have a long history of poetry stretching back hundreds of years, with epic poems of the medieval era such as Brus by John Barbour, and Blind Harry’s The Wallace, serving as romantic (and heavily fictionalised!) recordings of Scottish history that have done much to shape the popular view of medieval Scottish history. This tradition then continued over the following centuries, with Scottish poetry coming to place an emphasis on capturing Scottish vernacular and being written in either Scottish Gaelic or in the Scots language. From this tradition we have Robert Burns, perhaps Scotland’s most famous poet, who was known for collecting poetry and folk songs from around the country and adapting them to both Scots and English, along with discussing the important topics of his day such as the development of Scottish identity in Britain, issues of social class and the church, and gender.

By the twentieth century, Scotland would see a great revival of Scottish prose and poetry writing dubbed the Scottish Renaissance, with a new wave of writers helping to bring about a renewed interest in poetic works written that are written in Scots language and which tackle Scottish identity in the modern world. Edinburgh served as a major hub of this movement, with many prominent Scots poets such as Hugh MacDiarmid calling the city their home.

The Scottish Poetry Library

As a testament to this, Edinburgh is now how to the Scottish Poetry Library, which can be found just off the Canongate, a short walk from the Royal Mile. The Poetry Library is the heart of poetry in Scotland, with their website holding records of over 3,000 poems that you can read for free anytime you want. They also run several ongoing projects, such as their toolkit for running your own poetry workshop, which we can proudly say is being ran in collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University. Another project from the poetry library, ran in collaboration with Napier and other higher education institutes, was the Poems for Nurses & Midwives pocket book, an anthology of poetry intended to serve as a source of comfort and inspiration for newly qualified nurses and midwives. You can find a copy of the collection in our Sighthill Campus library in the Wellbeing Collection, and it is recommended reading for any of our student nurses who are making the transition to work.
The Poetry Library also works closely with Scotland’s national poet (known as the Makar) to promote poetry nationally. The current Makar of Scotland is Pàdraig MacAoidh, who is also the first Makar to write his work primarily in Gaelic.

Our Library

We here at Edinburgh Napier we are happy to have been the host of the Scottish Revival Network, a group led by academics here at the university dedicated to studying the work of the Scottish literary revival, including looks at Scottish poetry of the era. The network oversaw the publication of academic papers on the subject, as well as a range of different lectures. You can find recordings of many of these lectures on the Network’s Youtube page.
Also at Napier we have the War Poets Collection, dedicated to the memory of the poets of the First World War who were treated at Craiglockhart hydropathic, which is now the building that makes up our Craiglockhart campus. In the collection, you’ll find first edition copies of work by famed poets Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon, collections of prose and other written works relating to Craiglockhart, along with recordings of the poetry recited by legendary Hollywood actor Daniel Day Lewis, author Pat Barker, along with many others.

Of course, you can also check what poetry we have in stock at our campus libraries by checking on LibrarySearch. Your university membership also gives you access to the university’s Literature Online subscription, where you can find a huge variety of poetry and other written works.

By Matthew Ferrie

Black History Month 2025 image of arty peoples heads

Honouring Our Communities for Black History Month

01/10/2026 / / 0 Comments

Honouring Our Communities for Black History Month

Every October, Black History Month allows us to celebrate Black history, culture and achievements across the UK. This year’s theme is “Honouring Our Communities”. At Edinburgh Napier, that feels like a perfect opportunity to look closer to home. Our University community is full of people who are making a difference. They are students, graduates, staff, researchers, athletes, entrepreneurs, creatives and leaders. So this Black History Month, we are celebrating some of the people of colour who have been part of the Edinburgh Napier community and recognising the contributions they have made.

Panashe Muzambe: making history in Scottish rugby

For Panashe Muzambe, Edinburgh Napier was where a new passion began. Panashe studied Sport and Exercise Science at the University. Before then, rugby was not part of her sporting plans. She had grown up playing basketball. That changed when she attended a women’s rugby “come and try” session during her third year. She quickly fell in love with the sport.

Panashe became an early member of Edinburgh Napier’s women’s rugby team and went on to become team captain. Her university experience helped her develop her skills and confidence, both on and off the pitch.

Her achievements continued after graduation.

In 2019, Panashe became the first Black woman to play rugby for Scotland, making her international debut during the Women’s Six Nations Championship. She has since continued her career in rugby and coaching and was appointed Head Coach of Heriot’s Rugby Women for the 2025/26 season.

Her story is a reminder that sometimes university gives us more than the qualification we came for. It can also introduce us to opportunities, people and passions that change the direction of our lives.

Liseli Sitali: changing the game

Another Edinburgh Napier alumna making an impact is Liseli Sitali. Liseli studied English and Communications at Edinburgh Napier after moving to Edinburgh from Zambia at the age of 17. During her time at the University, she became a Student Representative, played hockey and worked as an International Marketing and Advertising Intern. A university assignment even helped open the door to her first major career opportunity. After Liseli wrote about branding and Formula One for her final-year assignment, her lecturer connected her work with Ferrari’s Head of Communications. She subsequently secured an internship with Ferrari’s racing division, Scuderia Ferrari.

Since then, Liseli has built an impressive career across sport, marketing and media. Her roles have included working with Ferrari, The Wall Street Journal, DAZN, Sky Sports and Expedia. But her work goes beyond her own career.

Liseli founded In Her Corner, a platform supporting women in sport, and has worked to create career and development opportunities for women and girls. She has also used her experience in marketing and sport to support greater visibility and opportunities for underrepresented talent.

Liseli received an Edinburgh Napier Alumni Award in 2013. Her story shows how the ideas, connections and opportunities developed at university can continue far beyond graduation.

Mary Abboah-Offei: Improving healthcare through research

Dr Mary Abboah-Offei is a Lecturer in Public Health at Edinburgh Napier University and Programme Leader for the MSc Healthcare Management. Her research focuses on public health, person-centred care and health inequalities. She is Principal Investigator for the ExtraCECI project, a major research programme exploring how community-based, person-centred care can improve the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS in Ghana. The project received around £1.5 million from the Medical Research Council.

Mary began her healthcare career as an emergency nurse in Ghana, and her experiences there helped shape her research interests. Through her research and teaching, she continues to connect healthcare practice, education and communities across Scotland and Ghana.

Dr Timothy Olawumi: Building a more sustainable future

Dr Timothy Olawumi is a Lecturer in the School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment at Edinburgh Napier University. His work brings together construction, technology and sustainability, exploring how new approaches can help address some of the challenges facing the built environment.

Timothy has worked across academia and industry in Nigeria and internationally, including at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. His experience includes major construction projects, including a US$4 million World Bank-funded bridge construction and highway rehabilitation project in Nigeria.

At Edinburgh Napier, his research focuses on sustainable construction and informatics. He also leads the development and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in the built environment.

His work extends beyond the University too. Timothy is a member of the Green Building Council Nigeria’s Research and Development Board and co-founded Nigerian Researchers in Europe, where he supports and mentors research students.

Through his teaching, research and professional work, Timothy brings an international perspective to Edinburgh Napier while contributing to research into how we can create more sustainable buildings, infrastructure and communities.

Celebrating our community

These are just a few stories from the much bigger Edinburgh Napier community. They also show why this year’s Black History Month theme matters. Honouring our communities means looking at the people around us and the amazing contributions they make. We should be recognising the work people do to create opportunities for others and listening to different experiences and making space for new voices.

The University has also taken steps to strengthen its Black community and create a more inclusive environment. In 2024, Edinburgh Napier became the first Scottish higher education institution to partner with Black Professionals Scotland, supporting the University’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and representative community.

Want to learn more and check out some books or research: Librarysearch.napier.ac.uk can help

By Juliet Kinsey

Blog image for International Day for Universal Access to Information showing data coming out of a laptop

International Day for Universal Access to Information

28/09/2026 / / 0 Comments

International Day for Universal Access to Information: Finding the right information in a digital world

On 28 September, we mark the International Day for Universal Access to Information. The day recognises the importance of everyone being able to access information and use it to make informed decisions. UNESCO established the day in 2015, and the United Nations formally recognised it in 2019.

This year, the focus is particularly relevant to university students. The 2026 theme is “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The role of access to Information in addressing Information Disorder.”

But what does that mean for you?

Information is everywhere. But is it reliable?

You probably have access to more information than any previous generation of students. You can search Google, scroll social media, watch YouTube videos, ask an AI tool a question or find an article in seconds.

That sounds like a good thing. And it is.

However, having access to information does not automatically mean having access to good information.

You might find a statistic on TikTok. You might see a confident claim on Reddit. You might ask an AI tool to explain a complicated topic. You might find a website that looks professional but gives no indication of where its information came from.

So, when you are researching an assignment, the question is not simply “Can I find information about this?”

It is also:

Who produced it?
Where did the information come from?
What evidence supports it?
When was it published?
And can I trust it?

These questions form an important part of information literacy.

Your library is part of the answer

This is where your university library can help.

Library resources give you access to information that you might not find through an ordinary web search. Through LibrarySearch and the library’s databases, you can find academic books, journal articles, newspapers and other resources selected to support your studies.

You can also use your reading lists to find resources recommended for your modules. If you are not sure where to start, your librarians can help you search for information, understand different types of sources and develop your research skills. Check out our LibGuides in your particular subject area.

There may be another version of the resource available through the library. There may be another database to search. There may be an alternative source that meets your needs.

And if you cannot access something you need, we are here to help. There are interlibrary loans and SCONUL Access to help you access what you need. Ask us for help when you are stuck, and one of our Librarians will be happy to help.

Getting help with your research is not a sign that you are doing something wrong. It is part of becoming an independent researcher.

Access also means removing barriers

Universal access is about more than simply putting information online.

People access information in different ways. Disabilities, technology, internet access, language, cost, and the design of websites and documents can all create barriers.

Accessible information helps more people participate fully in education.

That might mean using accessible documents, providing alternative formats, designing content clearly or making sure digital resources work with assistive technologies.

The library has an important role here too. We want students to be able to find and use the information they need for their studies, regardless of how they access it. Check out more information on our accessibility tools in this guide

What about open access?

Access to information also connects to open access. Read about Napier’s Open access here.

Open access makes research available online without requiring readers to pay for access. This can make research more widely available to students, researchers and the public.

However, open access does not mean that every piece of information online is reliable. You still need to consider who produced the research, how it was published and what evidence it provides.

In other words, access and quality go hand in hand.

Your information toolkit

You do not need to become an expert in every source you encounter. Instead, build a few simple habits.

First, pause before you share. If something makes you angry, shocked or excited, take a moment to check it.

Next, look beyond the headline. Find the original source and read the information in context.

Then, check the evidence. Look for references, data and links to reliable sources.

Finally, compare sources. If you find an important claim, see whether other trustworthy sources support it.

And when you are doing university research, make the most of the resources available through your library. All your research should start in LibrarySearch.

Information is a shared resource

The International Day for Universal Access to Information reminds us that access to information matters. It supports education, participation, research and informed decision-making. UNESCO describes access to information as important for inclusion, social progress and the development of knowledge societies.

For students, that starts with something very practical.

Find the information. Check the information. Understand the information. Then use it well.

And if you are not sure where to start, your library is here to help.

Europe

European Day of Languages

26/09/2026 / / 0 Comments

European Day of Languages

European Day of Languages is celebrated on 26th September every year. Established in 2001, it is a joint initiative by the Council of Europe and the European Commission. Both organisations worked together in 2001 to organise the European Year of Languages. Aimed at the general public to encourage lifelong learning, the European Year of Languages proved to be a phenomenal success, with so many people from 45 countries taking part in activities to promote language learning and protect cultural diversity. The Council of Europe announced that the European Day of Languages should be recognised every year thereafter. It has since been celebrated throughout the EU and further afield.

Aims of the European Day of Languages

The aim of the European Day of Languages is to encourage people of all ages to learn a language. It is promoted by a wide number of organisations, including education ministries, language institutes, cultural organisations, schools and community groups throughout Europe. The theme for European Day of Languages 2026 is “Languages Unite!”, celebrating the many ways languages bring people together, improve understanding, and foster connections across cultures and communities.

The European Union has 24 official languages, although there are estimated to be over 225 languages across Europe.  The 24 official EU languages are: Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish and Swedish. Croatian became the most recent official language of the European Union, bringing the total number of official EU languages to 24 in 2013. Some countries have two official languages e.g., Welsh and English in Wales, Basque and Spanish in the Basque country and Catalan and Spanish in Catalonia.

Learning Languages

Learning languages can be fun and can help us to discover more about other cultures and establish good relationships with others. There are many significant benefits to learning a language. The act of learning a language keeps your brain active and can aid memory, concentration and creativity. It makes travelling easier and allows you to feel more at home when you are overseas. Even a little knowledge of a language can help break down barriers.

People from other countries often appreciate it when you try to use their language, and it’s okay if you make a mistake – it’s all part of the learning process! You can increase your cultural understanding by reading books, watching films, television and news programmes in a foreign language. It can also boost your self-confidence and develop your social skills by enabling you to communicate, interact and cooperate with others, which, in turn, could lead to greater employment opportunities. Having another language makes living, working and studying within Europe more accessible. The EU language policy recommends that pupils in schools be taught two additional languages in addition to their mother tongue. It is believed that this will increase their chances of living fulfilling lives, improve their employment prospects and allow them to actively participate in society.

Why not celebrate this year’s European Day of Languages by committing to learning a language? It can be as simple as learning a few conversational phrases for a forthcoming holiday to help you communicate. There is no single way to learn a language. Everyone learns differently, so here are a few hints and tips to help you get started. Try different methods and see which one, or which combination, works best for you.

  • Learn the basics. A few keywords and phrases, such as basic greetings and simple dialogues, can help to build your confidence.
  • Practise little and often: 10 – 15 minutes per day instead of one long weekly session. Short bite-sized sessions will help to keep you motivated.
  • Memorise whole phrases such as “I would like…” rather than individual words. This will help with sentence structure.
  • Read and speak aloud. Read texts and/or newspapers out loud from day one to train your mouth and ears to process new sounds simultaneously. Make lists and say them out loud. Memorise orders in a bar or restaurant.
  • Write words on Post-it notes and spread them around the house.
  • Watch TV and videos in the language you are learning. You will become familiar with the sounds and pick up occasional words and phrases.
  • Repeat activities to reinforce what you have learned.
  • Visit a place where you can practise using the language you are learning.
  • Revisit something you did at the beginning of your learning journey. You’ll be surprised at how much you have learned!

 

Here are a few websites to help you start your language learning journey:

Learn a Language

 OpenLearn – Open University

BBC – Learn a language? Why? Which? How?

 

The European Day of Languages brings people together to celebrate their diversity and aims to inspire others, regardless of age, to learn a new language and discover the importance of multilingualism. It raises awareness of how learning new languages increases our understanding of other cultures and helps us build relationships with others.

Whether it’s your first time learning a foreign language or you are learning another one, it will be a worthwhile experience. Learning a new language comes with many benefits and presents so many more possibilities for life and work regardless of your age. With such a variety of languages spoken across Europe, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing which language to research on your European Day of Languages.

Happy European Day of Languages. Enjoy your learning!

 

Photo by Christian Lue Unsplash 

 

 You can read about European traditions

subject librarians

Reading Lists

25/09/2026 / / 0 Comments

ere Reading Lists

 

Your set reading lists for your modules will be the bread and butter of your research and further study in your specific subject area. Reading lists will also make it easier for you to find, access, and request relevant resources for your coursework and assignments, with all materials categorised as essential or recommended reading for your subject area and modules. All reading list resources and materials are usually up to date and tailored to your specific module and its content for specific weeks throughout each trimester.

Accessing Reading Lists

There are a few ways to access reading lists for your modules. You can find your course reading list on your module pages in Moodle, or search for it in Leganto. If you go into our LibrarySearch catalogue, there is a tab titled Reading Lists above the search bar that takes you directly to these pages.

reading list

Once you click on the reading list tab, you can then put in the module code for your specific subject and access the reading list from there. You will often find that the resources listed are organised under a drop-down menu titled ‘essential’ or ‘recommended’ reading, clearly defining which resources are compulsory reading for parts of your course and which may be useful. You can then click on all the essential and recommended resources and webpages, which will include links to access them via a database we subscribe to or a specific website or link. Physical books and resources have a tab when you click on the full details of the item in which you can place a request for the specific book or item that you need for your research.

Requesting

reading list

Once you click the ‘Request’ button, you will be asked where your preferred campus is to collect the book from and given the opportunity to leave a note if there is anything you would like to ask or inform us about. Requested items will be kept on our hold shelves for up to 7 days altogether before being reshelved. Once collected and checked out at our self-service kiosks, they will automatically renew for up to four months whilst on loan to you unless recalled to fulfil another request. Don’t worry – you will receive an email notifying you if this is the case, and you will have 7 days from the date this email is sent to return the book!

Reading List Material

Some of the books, journals and articles that you will come across on our reading lists will only have digital access provided – usually, to access online resources, a link to a specific database or databases will be provided within the item record. Some E-books can be downloaded; however, others often only allow you to save or print a limited number of pages.

reading list

There are some academic journals and databases may ask you to log in with your student number and password. Databases are accredited academic search engines and websites that give you access to a wide range of up-to-date, high-quality research, articles, and materials. You will find that you will use databases more and more as you progress through your course.

 

More information about Reading Lists, including how to create one, add items and publish one is available in our LibGuide.

 

By Rachel Downie

 

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New Skills@ENULibrary Programme for 2026/27

24/09/2026 / / 0 Comments

New Skills@ENULibrary Programme for 2026/27

September 2026

Welcome to the new Skills@Library Programme for 2026/27, previously known as the Digital Library Skills Programme.

The programme offers short, practical sessions to help staff and students develop their research and information skills. Sessions cover a range of Library tools, services and subject-specific resources.

New Skills@Library Programme for 2026/27

The programme includes online sessions that help you refresh your knowledge of Library tools and services. You can also use these sessions to find resources and guidance to signpost to your students.

Whether you want to develop your own skills or support your students, Skills@Library offers practical learning opportunities throughout the academic year.

What’s on offer?

The programme includes a range of standalone sessions. Some sessions also focus on the needs of specific Schools or subject areas.

Sessions are available online. Students can also attend drop-in sessions in our physical libraries. Sessions are free and open to all students.

Upcoming topics include:

Find out more

Explore the full programme, view upcoming session topics and check available dates on the Training and Events Calendar.

You can also book places for upcoming sessions through the calendar.

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Inter library loans

17/09/2026 / / 0 Comments

Interlibrary loans

One of the great perks that you get when you become a student at Edinburgh Napier University is access to our library catalogue, which consists of thousands of books and online articles that you can use to help you in your studies. These books and articles can easily be found, requested, and read through our Library Search, which you can access through the tile on your student app or through a web browser.

However, at some point during your studies, you might feel like you need access to a book or article that isn’t part of our library catalogue. In cases like this our Inter Library Loan (ILL) Service has got your back.

Inter Library Loans allows you to request access to books and articles that are not normally part of our library catalogue. You simply submit a request for the material that you need and the ILL team will get in touch with another university in Britain to see if they have a copy that they would be willing to loan us.
Need access to an article from a journal the university doesn’t have a subscription to? Maybe the ILL team can see if there’s a university who can send us a PDF.
Is there a book that would be just perfect to cite in your assignment, but the university doesn’t have it? The ILL team can check if there’s a university close by who’d be willing to send us their copy.

The ILL service is free to use for students and staff at Napier, but please keep in mind that the university is actually paying for this service on your behalf. So only submit a request for material that you’re absolutely certain you need (and try not to request too much at once!)

We should also note that there are some restrictions to what material we can get through ILL. For example, you won’t be able to request copies of dissertations or theses, and we aren’t able to provide you with access to full copies of e-books. However, we can maybe get you a copy of one specific chapter if that is suitable.

Now let’s go over how exactly the ILL service works.

You can find the ILL service through Library Search by clicking the InterLibrary Loans tab above the search bar and signing into your university account.

Inter Library Loan

Once you’re logged in, you’ll have to select what type of material you’re requesting and then fill out a form provide us with information such as the title, author name, and what journal it is part of if you’re requesting an article. If you only need one book chapter, then you might want to let us know the specific pages as well. You’ll also have to select which of our campuses you would like to collect books from. Articles that you request will be sent to your student email address.

Please make sure that you’ve selected the correct option from the top of the page before you fill out the form. Selecting the wrong option will result in the request being rejected, and you will have to resubmit correctly.

Inter Library Loan fees

Once the request has been submitted, the ILL team will first check if it is necessary for us to get the material through ILL. You’d be surprised at how often people request books through ILL without first checking to see if we already have it in the library!
Many online articles are also available through Google Scholar, so you might want to have a quick check on there before submitting an ILL request.

If the book isn’t available in our catalogue or through Google Scholar, then the ILL team will do a search of our partner institutions to see if any of them have a copy of the material they would be willing to loan us.

For articles and book chapters, these will usually arrive quite quickly as our partners will email them to us in their preferred format – sometimes they send us a PDF, sometimes they’ll send us an encrypted link that can be accessed using a password they provide. We’ll then pass this on to you so you can get to studying!

Please keep in mind that the format the material is provided in is decided by our partner institution, and that these formats sometimes come with restrictions such as links only being accessible a certain number of times or expiring after a certain number of days.

For physical books, we ask that you please be patient and wait at least fifteen days for the book to arrive in the mail from our partner library.
The return date for ILL book is set by our partner library so we ask that you collect the book from your requested helpdesk as soon as you can. You have no idea how many people have come to collect an ILL at the last minute only to discover that our partner library expects the book to be returned to them the very next day!
Once the book arrives it must be collected and returned to one of our library helpdesks during staffed hours (8:45AM to 4:45PM, Monday to Friday) Additionally, ILL books cannot be sent out to you through Postal Loan the way our normal catalogue can be.

As these books are not the property of Edinburgh Napier, we ask that you please be extra careful and look after them when you have them out on loan. Also, you should keep in mind that our partner libraries have the right to recall books at any time. In this case we will email you to let you know when the book should be brought back to us.

This blog post ended up a bit longer than expected, but that’s only because there’s a lot to talk about with our ILL service!
This year alone we’ve supplied over four hundred books and articles to our students and staff through our ILL service, and in turn we’ve lend hundreds of our own books and articles to other universities across Britain.
So why not get involved yourself? It’s a great way to get your hands on some unexpected study material that your classmates might not even know about.

By Matthew Ferrie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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