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Edinburgh Napier University

Month: November 2024 (Page 1 of 2)

Image of Scottish flag. A History of St Andrew's Day

A History of St Andrew’s Day

30/11/2024 / / 0 Comments

A History of St Andrew’s Day

Today is St. Andrew’s Day, Scotland’s patron saint’s day! Although November 30 isn’t a national holiday, celebrations are held across Scotland with events like ceilidhs and fun runs.

The History of St. Andrew’s Day

St. Andrew was born around 5 AD in Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee. He became a fisherman, like his brother, who later became St. Peter. Initially, Andrew followed St. John the Baptist, but he later joined Jesus as one of the twelve apostles. Tradition holds that he travelled widely, preaching in places like Scythia, Thrace, the Black Sea, and along the Dnieper River, reaching as far as Kyiv and Novgorod. His legacy made him a patron saint of Ukraine, Romania, Russia, and Scotland.

A 4th-century account describes Andrew’s crucifixion on an X-shaped cross, or saltire, which he requested, feeling unworthy of a traditional cross. Patras, Greece, claims his crucifixion took place there. St. Jerome noted that Emperor Constantius II moved Andrew’s relics from Patras to Constantinople in 357 AD. Later, the relics went to Amalfi, Italy, in 1208, and his head reached Rome in the 15th century. In 1964, Pope Paul VI returned Andrew’s head to Patras as a goodwill gesture.

In Scotland, the town of St. Andrews, located in Fife, is connected to legends about Andrew. One legend says Andrew came there to build a church that attracted pilgrims from across Britain. Another tale suggests a bishop named St. Rule brought Andrew’s relics from Patras to this town.

St. Andrew as Patron Saint of Scotland

Legends also surround how Andrew became Scotland’s patron saint. A 16th-century text recounts that Oengus II, King of the Picts, vowed to make Andrew the patron saint after seeing him in a vision before a battle against the Angles. Andrew appeared in a vision, and a saltire-shaped cloud in the sky became a sign of victory for Oengus’s outnumbered forces. Following their win, the Picts chose to venerate St. Andrew.

Scotland’s Flag

Scotland’s flag, the Saltire, displays a white cross on a blue background, which may symbolize the clouds against the sky in Oengus’s vision. This design has represented Scotland for centuries. In 1385, the Parliament of Scotland declared that all Scottish and French soldiers should wear the Saltire as a sign when fighting the English. Today, Scotland continues to honour St. Andrew and remembers him every November 30.

By Vivienne Hamilton

Read more Posts by Vivienne such as: The Bridges of Scotland

Sighthill facilities. Imacs in the library. Eresources and accessibility

CAB Abstracts Database

27/11/2024 / / 0 Comments

CAB Abstracts Databases

Introducing CAB Abstracts…

CAB Abstracts is one of the many databases we are subscribed to. It offers academic literature and publications on subject areas such as forestry, agriculture, human health and nutrition, animal health, veterinary sciences and conservation and management of natural resources. It was established by the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International, originally the Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux. The number of documents within its repository is ever-growing and currently reaches a total of over 770,000. These featured publications are from approximately 120 countries worldwide and can be accessed in 50 different languages. This means global representation is particularly prevalent within this database, including for developing nations. The database itself is produced by CABI and is the leading English-language information service.  It provides easy access to hard-to-find academic and research material on subjects such as agriculture, health, and life sciences.

Conducting Searches with CAB…

 

One of the many beneficial features of CAB is its comprehensive subject indexing within the CAB Thesaurus. This is the database’s controlled vocabulary tool. Conducting searches through CAB is therefore easier than in most databases. It allows for more precision when trying to gain access to all relevant research on a particular subject area or topic.

 

For example, imagine yourself being assigned a research project on cardiovascular health, focusing specifically onNext risk factors for cardiovascular disease and how cardiovascular health can also be improved overall. Now imagine you intend to focus on how nutrition can improve cardiovascular health. The first step in the search process may be to input “cardiovascular health” as shown below. This search query does of course bring up a significant and wide variety of results. However, the thesaurus tool can be used to greatly narrow down this overwhelming list of results.

 

CAB database

As you can see here, this search has generated 71,224 results in total! Now let’s narrow down the results by going to the  ‘Subject: Thesaurus Term’ section, then ticking one of the terms listed. Here, we will go with ‘risk factors.’

cab subject

As you can now see below, the search results have narrowed down to 20,436 – a much less overwhelming and more relevant base of results overall!

CAB refine results

We will now see if we can narrow these results down even further by going back to the ‘Subject: Thesaurus Term’ section and clicking on ‘Show more.’ This brings up even more terms, one of which is ‘nutrition.’ This will facilitate the generation of journal articles which cover all areas we intend to focus on regarding cardiovascular health and the research project at hand. As you can see below, we have now managed to narrow down the search results from a total of 71,224 results to 1,723 – a very significant drop!

 

CAB

Under the ‘limit to’ section, you can also narrow down the search results to journal articles published only within a specific period to  reduce the  results even further, or ensure that they are more recent publications with more current research conducted on a specific subject area or issue.

 

Benefits of using the CAB Abstracts database…

 

There are many advantages when using CAB abstracts for research.

  • It fulfils user expectations by allowing them access to the full text of material they are searching for in the CAB abstracts index.
  • Materials which are otherwise difficult to find and had prior been lost to the scientific community are archived and preserved within the CAB abstracts database, making them easily findable within this database.
  • The ease and efficiency of searching for texts and documents within the CAB abstracts database saves users a great deal of time and expense when trying to locate otherwise hard-to-find texts.
  • Invaluable texts which are otherwise hard to find are placed among main-stream literature to allow guaranteed access to all relevant documentation and texts so that search results are not just limited to those which are more readily available. Also ensures that researchers can access the most current research, studies and literature on specific subjects and subject areas
  • Any information and knowledge presented at within reports and at conferences is shared widely within the scientific community as well.
  • Full-volume sets are included, along with archival material from an ever-evolving number of journals. Whilst some material covered is free to access on the internet, CABI’s full-text database ensures that the article is never lost or access to a text is disrupted by broken links.CAB abstracts can be accessed through our A-Z Databases in our Libguide. Along with various other advanced databases and searching tools.

     

    By Rachel Downie

Read about other databases on the library blog here.

Cycle to campus

World Sustainable Transport Day

26/11/2024 / / 0 Comments

World Sustainable Transport Day

You would hardly know it as you try to negotiate your way around Edinburgh’s potholes and roadworks, but it’s World Sustainable Transport Day. It’s a new venture, created last year by the UN and will be celebrated annually on 26th November. This is a day for reflecting on how we can make transport safer, more efficient and greener.

How can we integrate transport options into our natural environment? How can we plan to move people around more quickly, comfortably and reliably while preserving habitats, migrating to cleaner fuel systems and causing the least disruption to our communities?

These are taxing questions, to be sure. Here at Edinburgh Napier, we’re committed to answering them. Our Transport Research Institute has been teaching, consulting and researching since 1996, and in the last few years has included low-carbon transportation and new technology solutions for the future of UK transport and city solutions as part of its thematic focus. If you’d like to know more about our TRI, see here: Transport Research Institute

On a wider level, Edinburgh Council has ambitious plans to commit to their general sustainable transport options. These include encouraging residents, by 2030, to increase their walking by 3% per week, cycling by 35%, journeys by bus or tram by 26% and rail by 12%. This assumes, of course, that residents will be happy to ditch their cars, and that the alternative transport options will be attractive ones. You can monitor the stats and gauge the results here: Targets for a sustainable transport future – The City of Edinburgh Council

Meanwhile, we would encourage you to move around our campuses by foot, bike or bus. We have a wealth of information on bike access and safety, bus timetables and route planning here: Cycling to campus. 

Have a look at the research and innovation that our School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment on their blog.

By Lesley McRobb

 

Photo of trees for National tree Week blog post

National Tree Week

25/11/2024 / / 0 Comments

National Tree Week

National Tree Week begins on November 25 and continues until December 3. It marks the start of the tree-planting season, providing a wonderful opportunity to celebrate trees. If possible, volunteers can join tree-planting activities organized by local groups and conservation organizations. If planting isn’t an option, consider finding some “Tree Time” to connect with nature in other ways.

Trees play essential roles in ecosystems around the world. They offer food, shelter, and habitats to many species while stabilizing eroding riverbanks. More importantly, as climate change remains a major issue, trees help mitigate it by capturing carbon dioxide, a key greenhouse gas, in their tissues and releasing oxygen.

Background

After the last Ice Age ended about 9,000 years ago, Scotland’s native trees and shrubs began to populate the landscape. Ancient oaks, Scots pines, and Caledonian pines once covered the region, but various events have reduced tree numbers over the centuries.

More than 4,000 years ago, cooler and wetter climates limited tree growth on higher ground. At the same time, woodlands were cleared for farming, a trend that has continued for centuries to make space for housing and infrastructure. In the early 20th century, World War I led to further deforestation, though the Forestry Commission, founded in 1919, aimed to restore Britain’s woods. While large pine plantations were created, conservation efforts now focus on diverse species to provide better habitats for wildlife.

In recent years, severe winter storms like Storm Arwen in 2021 caused significant tree loss in Scotland. Disease has also taken a toll, including Dutch Elm disease, which has destroyed many elms across the country.

The Future

Following devolution, the Scottish government assumed responsibility for forestry and established Scottish Forestry, focusing on native woodlands and conservation. Across Scotland, volunteers, conservation groups, and private estates are planting trees to increase biodiversity. For example, Project Laxford on the Reay Forest Estate in Sutherland aims to boost salmon numbers in the River Laxford by re-establishing trees along riverbanks. This project plans to plant one million trees to improve biodiversity and habitat health in the area.

Famous Trees

The Glen Affric Elm – The Last Ent of Affric: Known as “The Last Ent” after Tolkien’s tree creatures, this lone elm stands in Glen Affric, surviving Dutch Elm disease likely due to its remote location. Thought to be the last remnant of an ancient forest, it won Scotland’s Tree of the Year in 2019.

The Fortingall Yew: Estimated to be 5,000 years old, this yew tree in Fortingall churchyard is one of the oldest in the world. Once used in funerals, the tree is closely linked with life and resurrection, as its branches can re-root to grow anew. Over time, it has suffered damage from rituals, fires, and cuttings. In 2015, part of the tree even changed, sprouting red berries and showing signs of stress.

These trees reveal the complex ways humans impact nature, underscoring the importance of ongoing conservation efforts.

Find out more

You can find books and articles about trees and conservation using Library Search.

By Vivienne Hamilton

Image Source: Photo by Arnaud Mesureur on Unsplash

Book Week Scotland 2024

Book Week Scotland 2024

20/11/2024 / / 0 Comments

Book Week Scotland 2024

Book Week Scotland 2024 is an annual celebration of reading which takes place from 18- 24 November throughout Scotland.  It is a way of bringing together people of all ages and from all walks of life to celebrate the joy of books and reading.

There are many events and activities taking place across the country to celebrate the power of reading. And look how it can change lives. Many of Scotland’s authors, poets, playwrights, storytellers and illustrators participate in events and activities, bringing them to life for so many people. You can find out more about these events on the Scottish Book Trust website. You can also follow on social media via Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

The theme of Book Week Scotland 2024 is Hope. People from across Scotland are invited to share their stories, all of which are available to read on the Scottish Book Trust website along with stories from previous years’ themes including Adventure, Scotland’s Stories, Celebration, Future and others. A selection of these short stories are published in a free book issued specially for Book Week Scotland every year. The books are widely distributed at venues throughout Scotland. Free copies of the book are available to students and staff from each of our campus libraries and student accommodation buildings so be sure to collect your copy before they are none left!

Happy reading!

Links:

Scottish Book Trust

Book Week Scotland

Book Week Scotland Events

By Sharon McMichael

Don’t forget our virtual bookshelves. 

Heritage collections

Explore our Heritage Collections

19/11/2024 / / 0 Comments

Explore our Heritage Collections

You can now explore our Heritage Collections in one place with the launch of our Heritage Collections Discovery page!

Heritage Collections on Library Search

From this page you can:

  • Search by keyword across all our Heritage Collections items.
  • Follow the links to each individual collection to find out what the collection is about.

Library search war poets

On each individual collection page, you can:

  • Browse all the items within one collection.
  • Search by keyword within one collection – just use the search box on the individual collection page.

 

Searching tips

  • Want to use more than one keyword?

Use OR between your keywords to find records that include any of your keywords. Remember to type OR in capitals for this to work, e.g. Scotland OR Ireland.

  • Looking for more advanced searching?

Within each individual collection, follow the Advanced Search link to begin an advanced search for that collection. Then click the expand arrow in the search box to open the advanced search criteria options, where you can add further parameters to your search.

Through these pages you can now more easily discover the unique items which make up our Heritage Collections. There is plenty to explore, from the historical development of printing in the Edward Clark Collection, to the works of Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen (who met at the Craiglockhart War Hospital) in the War Poets Collection, or the history of Merchiston Tower in the John Napier Collection.

Including rare books, manuscripts, letters, photographs, printed ephemera, and objects, ranging from the 15th century to the modern day, our Heritage Collections offer the opportunity to delve into the cultural history of our campus buildings, the city of Edinburgh, and beyond.

For more information, or to arrange to view any items from the collections, please contact heritage@napier.ac.uk.

By Liz Dyer

Interested in touring a 500-year-old tower at Napier, we offer tours of Merchiston Tower. 

British Library Cyber Attack one year on

British Library Cyber Attack one year on

18/11/2024 / / 0 Comments

British Library Cyber Attack one year on

It has now been a year since a cyber attack impacted nearly every aspect of the British Library’s (BL) public services. Over the past 12 months, BL has worked hard to restore as many services as possible.

On December 20, 2023, the British Library Board approved a new Rebuild & Renew program. This program, designed for an 18-month period, will coordinate the Library’s long-term recovery efforts across three focused phases:

  1. Respond: Immediate crisis management.
  2. Adapt: A six-month phase focused on identifying and implementing interim solutions to restore services, internal processes, and partnerships.
  3. Renew: An 18-month phase dedicated to creating a resilient infrastructure and delivering lasting solutions, either by upgrading or adapting current systems or implementing new ones as needed.

BL is now deeply engaged in planning the next recovery phase, which will continue into the new year. This phase will prioritize the restoration of key resources, including the Sound Archive and the popular Ethos database of 600,000 digitized theses.

Stay updated on restoration progress via the Knowledge Matters blog. For available services and access details, visit the BL webpage.

Impact on Edinburgh Napier

Inter Library Loans

Currently, we cannot use our institutional account to request books and articles through the inter-library loan form on Library Search. We continue to rely on other libraries and institutions to supply these items. Although book deliveries vary in timing, articles generally arrive within a few days. Our inter-lending team is also managing requests from other universities, supplying books and articles promptly.

Digitisation

Requests for Digitised items are now available once again. However please be aware that it will take longer for the British Library to process them. University staff can request digitised items from our web pages.

If you have a personal BL account and plan to visit the reading rooms, you can now order items online for consultation at either Boston Spa or St. Pancras.

BL remains committed to restoring all services, with a goal to modernise and enhance its operations. Meanwhile, we will do our best to source materials for you from other institutions. Remember, the National Library of Scotland on George IV Bridge also offers extensive resources that may be helpful.

By Vivienne Hamilton

Read more about Inter-Library Loans here

John Napier bronze bust at Merchsiton.

Framing the Past: A work placement photographing the Heritage Collections.

16/11/2024 / / 0 Comments

 Framing the Past: A work placement photographing the Heritage Collections.

 

From February to May 2024, the Heritage Collections welcomed Rebbecca Cram, a third-year student from the BA (Hons) in Photography, for a trimester-long work placement. As part of the placement, Rebbecca photographed unique objects from the University’s collections and took images to help promote the department’s wider work. Here, Rebecca talks about her experience of her placement.

A work placement photographing the Heritage Collections.

 

I worked with the Heritage Collection department from February to May as a placement for my third year studying photography at the university. After taking part in an archive-based module the previous term and interviewing prominent members of the heritage collection scene in Edinburgh I became fascinated with the industry but desired a more hands-on approach rather than an interview or a one-time thing.

Therefore, with the help of the placement team I reached out to the Heritage Collections department to enquire about a position. After exchanging emails back and forth and arranging a meeting to chat over the intentions for the placement, the Heritage Collections department welcomed me with open arms despite it being a busy time for them. Our main goals for the placement were to photograph the initial items that were to be recorded in the department’s new digital catalogue and take promotional material for the items that were to be used for student and community engagement. We met once a week for a full working day throughout the term alternating between the studio, editing and research days.

 

Studio day for HeritageStudio day Heritage

Above photos: Studio days

My most memorable part of the placement was working alongside Ian (Special Collections Manager) and Laura (Senior Curator of University Heritage Collections), their in-depth knowledge and passion for history were infectious. They shared many anecdotes about the collection items, which helped with the promotional side of the placement as I was actively learning about the items, so although I was only taking and editing the images, I believe every step was a collaborative effort. I’d often get excited about certain items that we’d be photographing in a few weeks just so I could see them in person after hearing so much about them.

The placement was a true test of my technical skills and often my patience whilst having to sift through an abundance of images that look almost identical. If I missed any signifier of the angle, the item would be recorded incorrectly. However, knowing the importance of heritage collection photography and heritage collection service as a whole and why it’s such an integral part of education and history gave me a sense of accomplishment and confidence in my work.

Organ found in Craiglockhart campusItems being transported back to collection

Framing the past

Stepping into the world of Heritage Collection photography is definitely a step in the right direction for me and my career, but it was less like a step and more like a fall into a never-ending rabbit hole. One week I was doing research at home on the origins of the department and the next I was handling a taxidermied rooster in the studio or finding hidden rooms in the campus I’ve been going to for three years.

The team was always very quick to adjust to any changes in the schedule needed for me to complete my other modules, or anything new that came to fruition whilst working in the studio or editing. Prior to the placement I had no knowledge of any methods of working in a department like this other than knowing a few things about other institutions’ methods, so the team providing me with plenty of research days in the early days and frequent check-ins throughout the placement to aid this was very helpful and overall, it was a great learning experience for not just me but the department also. Through these methods and our frequent check-ins, I really got a sense of some of the realities opportunities that working in a smaller, newer department like this can offer, so I’m very pleased to have been the first of hopefully many to complete this placement with such a lovely team.

If you would like to know more about the Heritage Collections or are interested in seeing some of the items discussed above for yourself, do get in touch! All the information you’ll need to plan your visit can be found on our website.

 

Read more about the Heritage collections and remember you can tour Merchiston Tower 

By Rebecca Cram

 

Edward Clark Collection book

Book Week Scotland Publishing Event

14/11/2024 / / 0 Comments

Book Week Scotland Publishing Event

Publishing

 

You Are Invited!
The Postgraduate Publishing programme at Edinburgh Napier University invite you to our Publishing & Printing Archive Open Day!
As part of Book Week Scotland, we are delighted to provide a unique opportunity to view materials from our Edward Clark Collection.
Join us in the Glassroom at Merchiston Campus, 10 Colinton Road, Edinburgh Napier University, on Wednesday 20 November to learn about – and interact with – books and artefacts from the collection (not usually on display to the public).
There are 2 identical events – please select MORNING or AFTERNOON.
Each event will be two hours long and will be led by Laura Cooijmans-Keizer, Senior Curator of University Heritage Collections, Edinburgh Napier University, and Dr H S Williams, Honorary Edward Clark Fellow.
  • First hour: Introduction to the Edward Clark Collection, talk on print production, and Q&A.
  • Second hour: Opportunity to view the artefacts, and ask questions. (Some items may even be handled.)
This FREE event is your chance to delve into the fascinating world of publishing and printing. Learn about the history of these industries, explore rare books and documents, and gain insights from our archival experts.
Some of the items on display: page from the Gutenberg bible; leaf from Shakespeare 2nd folio, 1632; Grimaldi, steel engravings; 1835 Lizars Atlas, engraved; a volume from the Doves Press Bible.
Whether you’re a student or staff member, publishing professional, or simply curious, come along. This open day provides a rare and unique opportunity to view some of the treasures in our Edward Clark Collection!
 
Read more about the Edward Clark Collection
by Avril Gray, Associate Professor
Grove music online blue banner

Grove Music Online

11/11/2024 / / 0 Comments

Grove Music Online: Unlocking the World of Music Research

In today’s world, reliable resources for music research can be hard to find. That’s where Grove Music Online comes in. This essential database serves musicians, scholars, and enthusiasts alike. It offers a wealth of information across all musical knowledge, making it a must-have tool for anyone eager to explore music more deeply.

What is Grove Music Online?

Grove Music Online is a digital platform housing the Oxford Music Online database, which includes the esteemed Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. It provides access to thousands of articles covering everything from historical composers to specific works and theoretical concepts. Experts regularly update the content, ensuring it remains a reliable reference for both casual readers and serious researchers. With over 52,000 articles, it boasts a publication history spanning more than a century!

Why Use Grove Music Online?

  1. Comprehensive Content: Find entries on a wide range of topics. Explore well-known figures like Bach and Beethoven, as well as lesser-known composers and global musical traditions.
  2. User-Friendly Interface: The platform’s intuitive layout makes searching easy. Browse categories or use the search bar for specific queries—accessibility is a priority for users at any experience level.
  3. Multimedia Resources: Grove Music Online includes not just text-based articles but also audio samples and visuals. This multimedia approach enriches the research experience and deepens user engagement.
  4. Regular Updates: The database continually reflects the latest research and developments in music. Users can rely on it for the most current information available.
  5. Cross-Referencing and Bibliographies: Each article includes hyperlinks to related topics, encouraging further exploration. Bibliographies offer curated lists for deeper dives into specific subjects.

Grove Music Online is a vital resource for anyone passionate about music. Whether you’re a student researching a paper, a musician expanding your repertoire, or a curious listener exploring a new style, this platform provides a treasure trove of knowledge. Dive into the world of music research with Grove Music Online and unlock new dimensions in your musical journey!

Access Grove Music online through our LibrarySearch Database List: Grove Music  Don’t forget to sign in!

Read more on finding Music with the Library using our LibGuides

Find more music related Articles on the blog with our posts on World Music Day and Music festivals

By Juliet Kinsey

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