The Library Blog

Edinburgh Napier University

Month: May 2024

Craiglockhart Library facilities

Libraries over the summer 2024

30/05/2024 / / 0 Comments

Libraries over the summer 2024

We’d like to give you an update on what is going on in the libraries over the summer. All campus libraries will be weeding unused stock. These items will be boxed up and collected by Better World Books a company which diverts books from landfills by collecting material from libraries, bookstores, and other sources with surplus materials. All libraries will also receive an extra lapsafe tower providing 12 more laptops for each one.

Individually each campus will have its own tasks to hopefully complete throughout the summer:

The Libraries:

Craiglockhart: Teaching of languages has now finished so along with the general stock weeding the language books and kits will be withdrawn. This will free up shelf space and the intention is to remove the shelving and provide extra study or social space. One of the group study rooms will become family-friendly with children’s furniture, books and toys to provide a safe space for parents without childcare to study. A third large study booth has been added following the popularity of the two which were added earlier in the year.

Sighthill: Teaching of veterinary nursing has now finished and this stock will be withdrawn along with the general book stock withdrawals. After withdrawals are completed, excess shelving will be removed and space utilised differently.

Merchiston: Along with general book withdrawals journals will also be weeded. Music scores will be re-boxed. Wellbeing space will be re-designed. O’Reilly ebooks (mainly old computing books) are being withdrawn. Retention notes are being added to the records of all last copy in Scotland of print items.

We are of course open throughout the summer.  If you need to borrow books or laptops or would like to come in to use the group study rooms. Or even use the relaxation spaces or need to print, pop in during summer opening hours. Staff will be around to help when the helpdesks are open. If you’re not planning to use the services over the summer we hope you have a great break. And we will see you again in September.

Remember if you are graduating bring back library items

By Vivienne Hamiliton

Degree Show Publishing Showcase

ENU Degree Show 2024

30/05/2024 / / 0 Comments

ENU Degree Show 2024

Degree Show Publishing Showcase

This week has seen our annual ENU Degree Show. a week-long celebration of our students’ talent as they present their final projects to friends, family, industry and the public.  Immersed in a world of authentic art in our Merchiston campus.

See our final year Design, Photography, and Advertising students come together and make their own unique mark through their craft.

Virtual  ENU Degree Show 2024

Find out more about the Degree Show on the Edinburgh Napier Webpages. You can visit the online Degree Show showcasing all the amazing talent over the courses. As well as meet the people behind the degree show. Read their stories and explore the work online to discover the next generation of creative talent.

ENU Degree Show 2024: Publishing Showcase Awards

The Publish Showcase award ceremony will be held this evening at Merchiston Campus library at 4.30pm. We invite everyone from our book and magazine community – publishers, authors, booksellers, and particularly our Alumni – to join us as we celebrate the past and future of MSc Publishing. Reconnect with old friends, discover new talent, and help us say “thank you” to some of our former publishing colleagues.

Well done to everyone who partook.  The work is incredible.

Interested in Publishing. Read previous posts about the Edward Clark Collection. One of our Hertiage Collections at the library which details the history of publishing in Scotland.

Degree show

 

Graduation

ENU Alumni Network

23/05/2024 / / 0 Comments

ENU Alumni Network

You might be graduating. Exams may be over; dissertations may be handed in and studies completed. But that doesn’t mean your time with Edinburgh Napier is over. Join the ENU Alumni network today.

ENU Alumni Network

165,000 members

183 countries

1 ENU Alumni Network

What is ENU Alumni Network

The alumni community has members across the world. There is no sign-up required as alumni are automatically enrolled on graduation day. The Alumni Team is responsible for helping these graduates stay in touch with each other and the University and organising opportunities that will help them advance in their careers.

Benefits of Joining Alumni Network:

There are opportunities to get involved with the alumni community all over the world. This network can help you take your career to the next level, breathe new life into your business, help you reminisce about University life and more.

Events programme

The Alumni Team runs a robust international events programme. Activities include business networking events, programme celebration reunions and alumni receptions.

Career opportunities

Alumni retain access to Student Futures’ careers support for two years after graduation. Entrepreneurial graduates have lifelong access to Bright Red Triangle, the University’s enterprise hub. The Alumni Team also organises other initiatives that will support graduates throughout their careers, such as digital networking groups.

Study Opportunities:

Looking to do a postgraduate degree at Edinburgh Napier, as an alumni member, you can receive a 20% discount on tuition fees for the first of your full-time course (Terms and conditions apply). Library access is free when applying 12 months after graduation. After this, it is 50% off library membership meaning for £20, you can have full access to library books and spaces. Please note you won’t have access to e-resources.

Keeping in touch

The above are just a couple of examples of how the Alumni Team supports the Edinburgh Napier alumni community, however, there are many other opportunities and benefits available to graduates. It’s important that alumni to keep their contact information up to date and follow the alumni’s social media channels so the Alumni Team to share information with them.

Learn more about the ENU Alumni Network: https://www.napier.ac.uk/alumni

Or contact the Alumni Team on: alumni@napier.ac.uk

Alumni can join networking groups to meet fellow alumni, share ideas or ask for advice. By keeping in touch with the University after graduation, you will also receive invitations to networking events, reunion get-togethers, further study opportunities and hear about upcoming activities that will help you in your future career.

Keep in touch and stay connected.

And remember the library blog for all updates.

 

Gulten free bread

Coeliac Disease Awareness Month 2024

15/05/2024 / / 0 Comments

Coeliac Disease Awareness Month 2024

Coeliac disease is recognised as a serious autoimmune condition affecting 1 in 100 people throughout the UK. But it may be the case that approximately 7 out of 10 people are undiagnosed. This could mean a staggering half a million people are suffering from symptoms with the cause being unknown. Throughout the entire month of May this year, the charity Coeliac UK aims to find these individuals and assist them with managing these symptoms whilst raising awareness of the condition itself.

Symptoms and Signs…

The NHS website lists a range of both gut-related and more general symptoms. One of the most common symptoms is diarrhoea, which results from the small bowel (intestines) struggling to fully absorb nutrients (malabsorption). Some other gut-related symptoms also include bloating, recurring pain in the abdomen, constipation, being sick and indigestion. If left untreated, the coeliac disease will not allow the body to digest food properly which can lead to more general symptoms such as sudden weight loss and fatigue (extreme tiredness).

Other more general symptoms can also include:

  • Dermatitis herpetiformis, which is deemed to be an autoimmune reaction to gluten does not always evolve from coeliac disease primarily but can be a symptom of the condition, nonetheless. It is an itchy and often painful rash which causes blisters to emerge on any area of the body.
  • Fertility issues and difficulties getting pregnant.
  • Numbness and a tingling feeling in the hands and feet (also known as peripheral neuropathy).
  • Ataxia, which is an issue with coordination and balance.

Triggers for coeliac disease…

Gluten is recognised as a huge trigger for symptoms of coeliac disease. Gluten itself is a structural protein which is found in certain grains such as wheat, rye and barley, and is what gives bread and baked products a soft and chewy texture. One of the substances which makes up gluten, named gliadin, is what triggers an abnormal immune system response in individuals with coeliac disease as the immune system will misinterpret the substance as a danger to the body. As a result, antibodies emerge which lead to inflammation of the surface of the intestines. This disrupts the villi (known as tube-shaped growths) around the surface area of the gut and makes it more difficult for them to aid with digestion.

It remains unknown why many people end up with coeliac disease, and why some people experience more severe symptoms than others as well.

A gluten-free diet…

Coeliac disease is mainly managed and treated by avoiding foods which contain gluten. It is recommended by the NHS that those following a gluten-free diet should not eat the following foods unless it is stated on the labelling that the specific food item is a gluten-free version.
• Pasta
• Gravies
• Cereals
• Cakes and pastries.
• Biscuits and cookies
• Crackers
• Pizza and pies
• Bread

• Sauces including soy sauce and some pasta sauces

Living with Coeliac Disease…

There is no doubt that living with coeliac disease and managing symptoms can be very challenging. There is a wide range of support available for those diagnosed with coeliac disease or who suspect they may have the condition. This includes:

  • Make an appointment with a dietician who can help with putting together a step-by-step plan for cutting out gluten from your diet and adopting a gluten-free lifestyle.
  • Joining the Gluten-Free Food Service. More information is available on the NHS Inform website through the following link: Gluten-free Food Service.
  • Information and support sites, charities, and organisations such as Coeliac UK. More information is available on Coeliac UK’s website about local support groups.
  • The Gluten Free Scanner App.
Some gluten-free brands…
  • LazyDay: Specialises in a range of gluten-free, milk-free, egg-free and vegan cakes and confectionery. Some of their products are in  Sainsburys, Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons and Ocado.
  • Garofolo: A brand which offers a range of gluten-free pasta options. Available through Amazon and in Ocado.
  • Bread brands such as Schar and Dillon. These are available to order online and are available in some selected stores.
  • GO-FREE Cereals which are available in supermarkets such as Sainsburys, Morrisons, Tesco, Asda, Ocado and the Co-op.

For more information:

Check out some of the library books and ebooks. Links  below:

Read about colour blindness day 

Photo by Wesual Click 

By Rachel Downie

Mer wellbeing Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week

13/05/2024 / / 0 Comments

Mental Health Awareness Week

When was the last time you went for a walk, run or swim? Danced to your favourite song? Flew a kite? Strolled through the park and stopped to smell the flowers? We suggest that now is a good time: the sun is shining*, the city’s gardens are in full bloom, and you’d be amazed at how much of a tonic even a tiny bit of physical activity can be.

It’s with this fact in mind that the Mental Health Foundation has chosen “movement” as their theme for this year’s mental health awareness week, 13-19 May.

You don’t have to run a marathon or bag a Munro. We’re not even suggesting a couch-to-5K.  A gentle walk around the block, a spot of gardening or even a few stretching exercises can be enough to make you feel better. It releases those “feel good” hormones, gets your circulation going, stretches the muscles, aids your digestion and improves your sleep. All these factors play into mental well-being.

Mental Health Foundation | Everyone deserves good mental health

And if today you find that you’re not feeling so great, and even the idea of getting out of the house is too much, know that you’re not alone. Health in Mind is a local organisation that is there for you. Give them a call:

Health in Mind | Homepage (health-in-mind.org.uk)

And remember that we are here for you too!

Wellbeing Support and Inclusion (napier.ac.uk)

We’d love to see you in our libraries. Drop into our relaxation zones and check out our well-being resources.

Relaxation Spaces (napier.ac.uk)

Online Relaxation Space

Home – Wellbeing Collection – LibGuides at Edinburgh Napier University

*true at the time of writing, but this is Scotland so we can’t guarantee it’s true today.

By Lesley McRobb

Graduating this summer, please bring back Library items

Time to bring back library items

12/05/2024 / / 0 Comments

Time to bring back library items

Reached the end of your course, well it’s time to bring back library items.

You’ve reached the end of your course, you’ve passed all your exams and so on Graduation!

It’s that time of year when we say Love Your Library, please clear your library record before you leave!  Unsure whether your record is clear? Sign in to LibrarySearch and select Library Card, you’ll find any loans and fines detailed here.

It’s very easy to return items, just scan them through our self-service kiosks and pop them into the returns box.  Lapsafe Laptops can be returned to the Lapsafe and if you have a long term-loan laptop please return it to a Library Help Desk during staffed opening hours.   If you’ve fines to clear these can be paid through LibrarySearch or appealed if there’s been extenuating circumstances.  You can also post books back to us if that’s easier for you.  Here are our contact details if you need to get in touch library@napier.ac.uk or 0131 455 3500.  Don’t forget we’re also open as normal over the Summer!

Anyway, we’d just like to say we’re sorry to see you go and would like to wish you all the very best with your future career or studies!

Remember Alumni membership includes a free year of library access, you can find more on myNapier 

A little refresher with a previous post

 

By Cathryn Buckham

Sighthill facilities. Imacs in the library. Eresources and accessibility

Library: Eresources and Accessibility

06/05/2024 / / 0 Comments

Library: Eresources and Accessibility

Library: Eresources and Accessibility.

We have a wide range of online resources at the library, ranging from ebooks, journals, databases, and subject guides. In fact, we have over 330,000 ebooks and over 220 online databases. More and more libraries and their resources are entering the digital sphere. With that, these resources must be accessible. And Edinburgh Napier University Library is committed to making sure that our online resources are accessible.

We are working with a range of tools and features for accessibility.

The tools and features available may depend on which platform the eresource is available on. By platform, we mean the website which hosts the resource. Sometimes we have the same resource available from multiple platforms, but often it will only be available from one platform.

In this article, we will be looking at the tools and features that make our eresources more accessible.

Accessibility Tool: Read Aloud

Read aloud tools (also known as text-to-speech) can be used to read out loud text on a webpage and PDF. How to use:

  • In Microsoft Edge, use the built-in Read Aloud tool. Look for the icon at the top of the page with a capital A and sound waves, or use the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + U to start. You can adjust the speed of the speech and also choose from different voices and accents.
  • In Google Chrome, try the ‘Read Aloud’ extension which can be added from the Chrome Web Store. You can adjust the pitch and speed of the speech.

These tools sometimes work less well if platforms have embedded ereaders. In these cases, try to download a PDF if available.

If you can download a PDF, try these options:

  • Use Microsoft Edge to open the PDF and use the Read Aloud tool.
  • Use Adobe Reader to open the PDF and use the Read Out Loud option under the View menu.
  • Use ClaroPDF to open the PDF and read aloud (part of the ClaroReadPlus package which can be accessed from AppsAnywhere).

Other tools

In ProQuest Ebook Central, you will need to switch on a text-only mode which will allow you to use read-aloud tools. To enable this, go to Settings in the top menu bar, then choose Profile, and select ‘Enable Text Only Mode’.

A few platforms have their own Read Aloud tools, such as VLeBooks and Gale. Look for the ‘Listen’ or ‘Read Aloud’ buttons if you are on one of these platforms.

Changing the colours, font and text size:

With most of our eresource platforms, you can use browser extensions to change various visual features of the webpage, including the text colour, colour background/overlay, font and text size.

We recommend the Helperbird extension (available for Chrome, Edge, Safari and Firefox).

You can change the colour of the text, links, and background, and apply a colour overlay. There are 30 different colour options to choose from, and the brightness of the colour overlay is also customisable.

You can choose from 25 font options, and six text size options, as well as customising word spacing, letter spacing, and line height.

After you have chosen your customisation options, the changes will be applied on any webpage you visit, as long as you have the Helperbird extension still switched on.

Helperbird also includes various other tools and customisation options which may be helpful. More information can be found at Helperbird tutorials.

There are some platforms which don’t work with extensions like Helperbird, usually because there is an embedded ereader rather than a plain text webpage. VleBooks and JSTOR are two examples. VLeBooks does have their own feature in Read Online mode which offers some colour customisation – look for the paint palette icon or the cog icon appearing in the top bar of the ereader.

If downloading a PDF is possible, you can open the PDF in Adobe Reader and navigate to Edit > Preferences. In the Accessibility settings for Document Colours, you can change both the background colour and the text colour, choosing from a wide range of colour options.

Keyboard Navigation

All of our major eresource platforms can be navigated using a keyboard only.

In a few cases, such as with VLeBooks, additional shortcuts may be needed to navigate to all areas of the screen, and these shortcuts are listed on the platform’s accessibility page.

Further Information:

You can find more information about browser extensions and other tools at Technology to help you study.

You may also refer to the web accessibility statements for all our third party products to find more information about specific platforms.

Need more support? You can contact the Library or the Disability & Inclusion team.

We have Ergonomic Equipment available at the Library Help Desks for loan.

Read our previous blog articles.

Image of R2D2 from Star Wars for May the Fourth be with you! Star Wars Day

Star Wars Day

04/05/2024 / / 1 Comment

May the Fourth be with you! Star Wars Day

May the fourth is commonly known around the world by Star Wars fans as Star Wars Day. This is because May the 4th sounds a bit like “May the fourth”. Part of a very famous quote from the film “May the force be with you”.

The History of Star Wars

The Star Wars film franchise is probably one of the biggest, if not the biggest in the world. Created by the founder, former chairman and CEO of Lucasfilm, George Lucas. The first film came out way back in 1977. It was widely expected to be a flop and in fact, Lucas made a bet with Steven Spielberg that ended up costing him £40 Million! He traded a percentage of the takings that turned out to be the best bet Spielberg ever made. Here’s Spielberg talking about it

“[He  said] All right, I’ll tell you what. I’ll trade some points with you. You want to trade some points? I’ll give you 2.5% of Star Wars if you give me 2.5% of Close Encounters.’ So I said, ‘Sure, I’ll gamble with that. Great.’”

The film and its franchise have gone on to become one of the most beloved cult classics of our time. It still continues to grow and expand. The biggest spin-off so far is The Mandalorian and its scene-stealing star”Baby Yoda” aka Grougru.

Fun fact, did you know The Last Jedi was called “Space Bears” during its filming?

Why not have a quick Google search will have you lost for hours in all the amazing facts associated with this movieverse.

Star Wars Day

Events are held all over the world every year to celebrate this beloved Universe. From large get-togethers to home-based movie marathons. Why not host your own celebration this year? Get on some costumes and maybe try out some Star Wars recipes.

Library Resources

Want to watch the films right now? We can help! If you are an Edinburgh Napier University student or staff member then log into Box of Broadcasts (BoB) and you will be able to watch many of the films for free.

Also, check out librarysearch.napier.ac.uk for loads of fascinating items relating to Star Wars! We have a wealth of books, scores and articles.

All that’s left to say is “May the Force/fourth be with you!”

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/star-wars-movie-log-support-r2d2-2172948/

Read more form our blog on Geeky fun with our post on the History of Lego

Contact Us

Email: library@napier.ac.uk

Telephone: 0131 455 3500

Twitter: @EdNapLib

Instagram: @ENU_Library​

 

© 2024 The Library Blog

Theme by Anders Norén — Up ↑