Whether you are first-time student or coming back after a long Summer break. We understand that libraries can be daunting. Where to start is a big question. Starting today, we will run Getting Started with the Library to make it all easier.
The university library is a vital resource to support your studies. So it is important to make the most of library services. This session will give you a quick introduction to using Edinburgh Napier University Library.
What will you find out from Getting Started with the Library
Find books, ebooks and journal articles using LibrarySearch.
Download the correct citation and permalink for items so that you can reference them in your University work.
Connect to Eduroam wifi and use the University App.
Use the library machines like our printer/scanners, self-service checkouts and laptop loan safes, and book our group study rooms.
If you have other questions, bring them along and we will answer them.
Can’t make a session but have a session. You can always get in touch by emailing library@napier.ac.uk, give us a call at 0131 455 3500 or pop along to the help desks.
It’s Freshers Week and while you settle in, taking care of your wellbeing is important.
It’s your first week at university? Excited? Inspired? Lost? Terrified? An overwhelming flurry of all these emotions and more? Overwhelmed may be the best way to describe how you are feeling currently. As many freshers will feel in the first few weeks of university life.
Support services and resources…
Whatever it is you may be going through, Edinburgh Napier University has a wide range of well-being and support services to assist you. Whether it be with the transition into university life, personal life or your studies. Our Wellbeing and Inclusion team are here to help. Providing a variety of support services and resources to aid you with getting the most out of your university experience. Point you in the right direction, listen and provide advice when needed. Ultimately help you to feel supported, safe and confident in your potential. At the campus libraries also offer a range of well-being resources and relaxation spaces to encourage our student community to take breaks and opportunities to wind down throughout their studies and prioritise their health and well-being.
Our study and relaxation spaces…
So, what can the library offer you regarding health and well-being support? Firstly, each campus offers a range of different study spaces and rooms which
are tailored to the needs of our student community and regular patrons. Whether you need a group-friendly study space with specific learning technology to collaborate or simply a quiet space to study where distractions and noise are kept at bay, our campus library have many which are all available to book through Resource Booker. For students with young children, we also have our family study room at Merchiston campus library which is equipped with a small table and chair set, toyboxes and child-sized bean bags to keep your little ones occupied while you are working away. Study rooms can be booked for up to one two-hour slot per day and can be booked up to 14 days in advance. Group study rooms must be booked in advance to avoid disappointment or clashes. Find out more about our group study spaces on Group Study Rooms (napier.ac.uk).
Need a break? All three of our campus libraries have a relaxation space with comfy, colourful couches, plants, jigsaw puzzles, colouring sheets, and craft materials to allow you the opportunity to wind down and de-stress whilst channelling some inner creativity. All of our relaxation spaces are also located next to the windows of each campus library to let in some natural light. You can find out more about where each relaxation space can be found in each campus library by visiting Relaxation Spaces (napier.ac.uk). We have an online relaxation space here right on our blog.
Our Libguide and Wellbeing Resources…
If you do end up taking a well-deserved break in one of our three campus relaxation spaces, you will also see that each of them hosts our well-being book stands and displays with resources covering a variety of topics and issues. From stories and real-life accounts of recovery and resilience to advice and discussions about settling into university and other life matters, we very likely will have a book on our well-being book display that you knew (or did not even know) that you were looking for!
All the books displayed are part of our Wellbeing Collection. Here, you will find books which cover subject areas and issues such as addiction, health, mental well-being, neurodiversity, body image, race, sleep, family & relationships,
environment and of course, university life itself. We are open to suggestions for new books to add to our Wellbeing displays, and even though we cannot always guarantee that every suggestion can be purchased, each one will be significantly considered. Email library@napier.ac.uk with any ideas or for more information.
You can find out more about our Wellbeing Collection, our wellbeing resources and additional support services in our LibGuide.
Book Recommendations from our collection…
Below are some well-being resources which may be useful to both new and returning students this year.
To all Napier students old and new, welcome (back!)
We wanted to give you a brief overview of ENSA (Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association). And how you can use the services we provide to make the most of your time at Edinburgh Napier.
Firstly, if you don’t already know, ENSA is a not a university department, we are an independent charity representing Edinburgh Napier’s students.
We are based in our office at B34 in Merchiston. But have advice offices at both Sighthill and Craiglockhart too. And now have shared use of the Upper Apex at Merchiston and the Hangout (the seating area just across from the Cafe) at Sighthill. We will be holding events in both spaces. Creating a less formal space for students to spend time.
We’re now going to give you a brief overview of ENSA’s areas of work – and how YOU can get involved!
ENSA exists to both represent the students at Edinburgh Napier University and to facilitate students representing themselves to the university. This is done in a variety of different ways.
Every year the students of Edinburgh Napier elect our 3 Sabbatical Officers, who work with ENSA staff to fulfil their election manifestos and to represent Napier students to key decision-makers at the university. You can find out more about your 3 presidents, Evans, Chika and Ryan, and the work they’ll be doing this year, here.
If you want to get involved in student politics yourself. We have several ways to do so!
Student Council is the place where students come together to debate issues, propose solutions and create positive change. And if you want to have a say in your education and represent students academically why not become a Programme Rep. Programme leaders will be looking for volunteers at the start of term!
ENSA offers Edinburgh Napier students free advice on a range of education and welfare rights issues. We have offices at all 3 campuses and a team of 4 trained, professional advisers to provide students with up-to-date, practical advice, helping them to make informed choices.
ENSA Advice is independent of the University which means that we can give you the best advice possible when it comes to issues. The service is also completely confidential, and the team will not share any information without your consent.
Our Advice service can help you with:
Academic appeals
Extenuating circumstances and “Fit to Sit”
Academic and non-academic misconduct
Fitness to practice
Complaints
Issues with courses
Housing
Other welfare matters
Money advice (student funding, fees, benefits and budgeting)
Obviously, one of the biggest events in ENSA’s calendar, Welcome Week, is just around the corner, but we also hold many events throughout the year, both on-and-off campus, featuring everything from club nights to cultural celebrations, craft sessions and more.
A lot of events have a focus on student wellbeing, including our Movember and Feel Fab Feb campaigns, and our World Mental Health Day event coming up in October. You can read about how the university and ENSA work together to support student mental health in our recently launched Student Mental Health Agreement.
We also hold regular Give-It-a-Go sessions to encourage students to try new things and encourage a focus on sustainability through regular clothes, book and household items swaps along with other environmentally focussed activities.
The academic year finishes on a high with our all-day Varsity event against QMU and our Societies and Sports Awards Ball, and we offer students the chance to give positive feedback to their lecturers and tutors via our ENSA Excellence Awards.
Events like these all aim to help students make friends and create a sense of community and belonging. So please do come and join in!
We have over 30 sports clubs and over 40 societies, providing something for everyone whether you’re into Dance or Dungeons and Dragons, Rugby or Rock and Metal! Whether you want to try something new, or meet people who share your passion, joining a sports
club or society is a great way to make new friends, and get involved in a whole host of events and activities.
Welcome and welcome back to our libraries and to our library blog. Whether you are a new or returning student, you will find lots of useful information about the library, e.g., opening hours, services, and facilities, as well as information on special events so please keep an eye on the blog to keep up to date with what’s happening.
Here is some useful information to help you get started. Just click on the links for more details.
Our current library opening hours can be found here. The library help desks are staffed Monday – Friday from 08:45 – 16:45. Please be aware that our opening hours change during Trimester 3 and holiday periods. The NorMAN Out of Hours Service provides library support when the help desks are closed.
Welcome to Library Resources
LibrarySearch is the library catalogue which can be used to search for a wide range of books, articles, and ebooks. LibrarySearch provides details of all items on the library shelves as well as subscription databases including ebooks, ejournals, online multimedia and e-conference proceedings.
Library Loans. You can borrow and return books via the Self- Service Kiosks. They are really easy to use, just follow the on-screen instructions. When returning items, you can leave them in the return boxes beside the self-service kiosks after you have scanned them in.
Click and Collect services are available at each campus library. Items can be requested and will be held in our designated Click and Collect areas where you can pick them up at your convenience. The requested items will be held for seven days. Please remember to check your books out via the self-service kiosk.
Printing, scanning and copying is available using our Multi-Functional Devices (MFDs). MFDs are situated on all three campus libraries. You must ensure you have enough print credit to be able to print.
Laptops to Loan. Lapsafes are available at each campus library, JKCC and Bainfield where laptops can be borrowed for up to 14 days. The lapsafes are self-service and can be operated by scanning your student card.
Study Spaces.
We have a variety of study spaces available at each of our campus libraries. There are individual and collaborative study spaces as well as silent study areas.
Group Study Rooms are also available and can be booked up to 14 days in advance. You can check availability and book online via Resource Booker for a maximum of one two-hour slot per day.
Wellbeing Collections are available at each campus and have a range of books to support both your physical and mental health and well-being. There are also relaxation areas where you can take a break from studying and de-stress for a while by reading, playing games or doing some relaxing activities such as jigsaws and colouring.
Library Tours are available, either individually or as a group. We are more than happy to show you around our libraries whenever it is convenient for you. This will highlight study areas, use facilities and how to search for and find books. Tours can be booked by completing a Personalised Library Tour Form.
LibCal is our training and events calendar. Be sure to look for any events which might help you to develop your academic skills and how to use the library. Check out our module Introduction to Computing and Library Services to find out about the services we offer.
Get Connected sessions are being run to help students set up access to Eduroam (our free University Wi-fi), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and the Edinburgh Napier App. The sessions will run across all three campuses from Monday 9th September until Friday 27th September 2024.
More information about our libraries is available on the My Napier Library Webpage so be sure to check it out.
Welcome to Edinburgh Napier University. We are looking forward to meeting you!
Contact Us
If you need help from the Library, please do not hesitate to contact us.
In Person at Library Help Desks (Mon -Fri: 08:45 – 16:45)
At Edinburgh Napier University, the spirit of entrepreneurship is alive and thriving, thanks to the Bright Red Triangle (BRT). Napier’s enterprise hub is not just a space; it’s a catalyst for innovation, offering a variety of resources and support to students, staff, and alumni with entrepreneurial ambitions.
Bright Red Triangle: A Supportive Network for All
Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey can be both exciting and daunting. Bright Red Triangle understands these challenges and has cultivated a supportive network that welcomes and values everyone. Whether you’re a student with a spark of an idea or an experienced professional looking to scale your business, BRT offers tailored support to help you succeed.
From Ideas to Impact
Transforming an idea into a successful business requires learning, growth, and collaboration. BRT facilitates this journey through initiatives like:
Free Business Advice from Enterprise Managers: The team provides mentorship, shares insights, and supports you throughout your entrepreneurial journey. For guidance, useful connections, or to bounce ideas, book an appointment here.
Offering free 24/7 Hotdesking: Our start-up studio provides a welcoming environment where entrepreneurs can connect, develop enterprise skills, and collaborate.
Freelance Academy: Tailored guidance for freelancers to thrive in their ventures.
Support for Women and Non-binary Leaders: Empowering underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship.
To further enrich this journey, BRT extends an international dimension through collaborations with global partners:
The Academic Programme for Entrepreneurship (APE): Connects students with global peers in Munich for an immersive enterprise bootcamp, enhancing their international business acumen and network.
Start for Future (SFF): An international consortium of entrepreneurial universities and business incubators working collaboratively to revolutionize university education. The SFF network provides a range of flexible programs tailored for students, graduates, researchers, and the wider community. Whether you wish to develop enterprise skills, connect with fellow researchers and academics, explore ways to embed entrepreneurship into your curriculum, or start and grow your startup, SFF offers the resources and connections to support every stage of your entrepreneurial journey.
Lifelong Learning and Support
BRT’s commitment to its community extends beyond graduation. Alumni have access to a range of free support services, ensuring that the learning and growth continue long after leaving the university. Whether you’re looking to develop your business or simply stay connected with the entrepreneurial community, BRT is here to help.
Join the Bright Red Triangle Community
“I have been a member of BRT for a few years now, and they have had a massive impact on my journey! The whole team is absolutely brilliant, so supportive and friendly. I can see myself returning one day to give back and help support students and graduates. I would recommend BRT to any Napier student or graduate with an idea or plan.” – Adam Al-Khateb, AAL Property Solutions
Bright Red Triangle is more than just a hub; it’s a community of dreamers, doers, and innovators. It’s where ideas are nurtured, and success is celebrated.
