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.

Month: April 2026

library study skills

The Library for New Staff

20/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

The Library for New Staff

Hello and welcome to all of our new (and long-standing) staff members here at Edinburgh Napier University! We would like to introduce you to as well as familiarise you with the facilities, resources and services which our three campus libraries have to offer you, and how we can help and benefit you as well. Our libraries are not just for students of Edinburgh Napier University! All members of staff also have access to our books, a majority of our library spaces and PCs. Let us walk you through what we have to offer…

Physical and Online Resources…

We have a vast range of physical resources and online material which students and staff can borrow and access: books, DVDs, articles, journals and newspapers, to name a few. You can borrow physical books and resources from us using your staff card – they will then automatically renew for up to four months unless they are recalled to fulfil another patron request. You will be notified via email if this is the case and have seven days to return your item or items from when this email is sent. Good news is that when you do need to return a book to us, you can drop it off at any campus which is nearest or most convenient for you, regardless of which campus you got the book from. You can drop it off in our return boxes and scan it through as a return by using our self-service kiosks. Do not worry if, for any reason, you forget to do this, though – our library staff process every book found in our return bins, so your item will be fully registered as a return regardless!

Edinburgh Napier University libraries have institutional subscriptions to a variety of academic databases, journal articles and webpages offering a range of credible research articles and papers. You can access these by signing into LibrarySearch via your staff account. If the book or article you are looking for is available online, this will come up in the item record when you search for it – when you go into this record, it will then show you an individual or range of links to databases or webpages from which you can access the desired resource, often in full text.

Inter-Library Loans Service…

It may be the case sometimes that we do not have access to the specific book or article you are looking for – not to worry! Staff are also able to use our Inter Library Loan service to request a book or article if it is the case that we do not have access to the desired item or have it in our library stock. The form for requesting a book or article as an Inter-Library Loan can be found in LibrarySearch and once, we have processed the form you have completed, we aim to have it ready for you to access or borrow through us within 3-15 working days. However, delivery cannot always be guaranteed within a specific time frame. Journal articles, which are often digital, are emailed to you.

Training and Events Calendar…

Our Training and Events Calendar is another resource we have which is not just available for students! In this calendar, we have a range of advertised and often bookable training events and workshops which staff and students can enrol in. Most of these advertised events are usually library-related – these include and are not limited to our Getting Started with the Library Sessions, library help sessions for specific schools and referencing workshops covering referencing styles such as APA 7th as well as software such as EndNote and Mendeley. Some advertised sessions also cover other aspects of academia, research and technologies within Edinburgh Napier University. These sessions are often run by our subject librarians but are sometimes run by staff in other disciplines and departments such as our academic skills team or IT teams.

Our Library and IT Helpdesks…

Got a question about our library resources, services or databases? Or something IT-related? Edinburgh Napier University staff can come by our helpdesks in each campus library if you need help with any of these specific kinds of queries. Our Opening Hours can be found in our My Napier webpages. You can also contact us via email by emailing library@napier.ac.uk or by phoning 01314553500.

By Rachel Downie

Trimester Two

Merchiston Tower

18/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

Merchiston Tower

In the centre of Merchiston Tower, you will find Merchiston Tower.

It’s a bang in the middle.

Have you ever wondered what’s inside? What’s its history? Want to peek inside?

Let us take you on a brief digital walk through the Tower in the blog post. But before we go any further, we would like to add that you can tour the Tower in person and see its 500 years of history in person for free. Email us at heritage@napier.ac.uk or library@napier.ac.uk. Please bear in mind that we need at least 24 hours’ notice. Group tours are available, but no more than 15 people can attend.

*update*

Tours are available for Friday mornings. If you are interested in a tour but this is not a suitable date, please contact us, and we can rearrange.

History of Merchiston Tower

Merchiston Tower has stood firm for over 500 years. Built in the middle of the 1400s, either by Andrew Napier or his son, Sir Alexander Napier, both of whom served as Provost of Edinburgh and both of whom moved in royal circles.

John Napier (Alexander’s grandson) was born in the Tower in 1550. Specifically, the University is named after John Napier. His inventions and contributions to Mathematics are longstanding, with his most known invention being logarithms. There is a lot of “myth, mystery, and intrigue” (John Napier napier.ac.uk) about the man, and you can read about him in a previous blog post on Edinburgh Napier University’s webpages.

The Tower remained in the Napier family until the beginning of the 1800s. It was then owned by the Merchiston Castle School, followed by the Edinburgh Council. For a while, it was also a storage space for fire hoses during the Second World War. By the 1950s, the Tower was set for demolition. It was in ruins. However, in 1958, a new technical college was coming to Edinburgh. A college that needed a campus. Napier College was formed around the Tower, saved from demolition and beginning a work of restoration. These restorations would uncover ceilings and stairwells that had been hidden for a century.

The hallway ceiling of the Tower now proudly displays the University’s crest and showcases the Tower’s timeline, a nod to the Napier family, Merchiston Castle School, and the Edinburgh Council.

Napier Crest

Inside the Tower

Can’t wait to have a look? Let’s go on a digital walkthrough. And while we have lovely pictures, nothing compares to seeing it in person.

The original great hall stands to the left as you enter. In this hall, you will find a stunning, decorative ceiling that was commemorated during the reign of Charles II, the decorations showcasing the Napier family’s loyalty to the crown. The massive fireplace is thought to be original to the Tower. The north and south windows are original, while the east window dates from the 17th century. During the restoration in the 1950s, a staircase in the thick walls was found.

The once hidden staircase leads to the Boardroom that now stretches across the third and fourth floors. The fourth floor would have been a loft area, home to servants, but it has now been opened up to make the room fell bigger and to properly showcase.

The magnificent Prestongrange Ceiling it dates from 1581. A rare example of a Scottish Renaissance painted ceiling, it was moved from Prestongrange House to Merchiston Tower in 1964 for preservation purposes. The ceiling is filled with art, featuring many motifs from folk plays. Truly Unique!

 

 

 

Prestongrange ceiling

 

Merchiston Tower and John Napier

In 1550, John Napier was born in the tower house. Over 400 years later, the Tower was saved from demolition and restoration work began for a new college to be named after John Napier. Now, it stands proud in the middle of our biggest campus, home to two of our schools: School of Arts and Creative Industries and School of Computing, Engineering & Built Environment.

 

Doors Open Day

On the 28th of September, we opened up the Tower to the public to celebrate Doors Open Day. In our second year running, we were delighted to welcome over 180 visitors.

 

 

If you are interested in visiting Merchiston Tower in person, please get in touch by emailing heritage@napier.ac.uk or library@napier.ac.uk. Tours are available on Friday mornings, but date and time can be rearranged if requested. And are available for individuals or groups of up to 15.

Please note that, due to the steep and uneven medieval staircases, the Tower is not wheelchair accessible.

For more information about the University’s Heritage Collections, have a look at our website.

Read more about the Heritage Collections

 

References

 

Merchiston Tower Edinburgh

The Napier Estate Past and Present

wellbeing area support craiglockhart library

Library Exam Support 2026 – Wellbeing

16/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

Library Exam Support 2026 – Wellbeing

For our final instalment of Library and Exam Support 2026, we wanted to focus on something that is just as important as studying during this time, your wellbeing.

Exams and deadlines tend to bring pressure and stress.

While it’s important to stay focused, taking care of yourself is equally important.

Library Wellbeing Collection

Here in the Library, we believe that looking after your physical and emotional health is just as important as your studies. We are committed to supporting positive mental health and wellbeing, and believe that the key to wellbeing is the care and balance of different aspects of our lives.

With this holistic view of health in mind, we have curated a collection of books and other resources to support the different areas of your wellbeing. We’ve gathered together these resources in the hope that they help you feel happy, healthy and comfortable at Edinburgh Napier.

Our wellbeing collection includes both physical and ebooks that you can access anytime.

You will find a collection at each campus library, making it easy to browse while you are studying or just taking a break. And if you are not on campus, it can be accessed on the mynapier webpages.

This collection is here to support you during university life. Feel free to explore when you need.

 

And if you have any recommendations that you think might benefit others, please email library@napier.ac.uk

Library and relaxation spaces

We also have our relaxation spaces.

These are small, colourful areas we’ve designed for you to sit back and enjoy the benefits of natural light and soft seating.

Each of our three campus libraries has its own dedicated space. Ask the helpdesk for directions. In these spaces, we’ve provided puzzles, jigsaws, craft materials and colouring books and pens to help you feel relaxed and explore your creativity. Maybe you just pull up a beanbag and let your mind wander. want to sit and do nothing for a while. That’s fine too. You’ll feel all the better for a break and ready to tackle your next assignment.

If you prefer studying at home, you can access our relaxation spaces virtually through the blog. We’ve got you covered.

 

Don’t Stress!

Please do not panic or become overly stressed about your exams. A small amount of stress can be good for us but not when we are overwhelmed by it.

There are several services available to support you if you feel you need help.

Find out more about our support services here: Counselling & Mental Wellbeing

 

Good luck with everything, we are all rooting for you!

exam support

Library Exam Support 2026 – Exams

14/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

Library Exam Support 2026 – Exams

We are at the second part of the Library Exam Support series, the jam of blog sandwich. So we thought, why not make it about the exams themselves? We will be looking how the library can help you tackle the exams themselves.

Exam Skills

In a previous post, we covered some exam skills.

Set aside time for studying. Create a revision timetable where you can have specific blocks of time to focus on particular topics. Set goals for what you want to achieve during each study session. Prioritising your studies will ensure that you get the most out of each session.

Do not make your study sessions too long. It is better to study for short periods. For example, three one-hour sessions with breaks in between will be more productive than one long three-hour study session.

Use flashcards to remember key information, phrases or concepts on a subject and use these to test your knowledge. This helps you to not only retain the information but to be able to retrieve it quickly.

Regular revision will help you build and retain knowledge. It will also help to keep you focused and avoid panicking.

Exam Stress

We have a previous blog post by Raquel Bryne on beating exam stress.  Detailing a good plan below from the article:

1. Timetable and prepare a study plan.

2. Create a study space that is comfortable, quiet, well-lit, organised, and has no distractions nearby.

3. Put your information into a format that allows you to absorb it best.

4. Take regular study breaks. Alternating subjects you’re studying will also help.

5. Remember self-care!

6. Schedule fun activities to reduce your stress.

7. Eat nutritious foods and exercise regularly to keep your brain power and energy up!

8. Make sure you have all the items you need for any exams. Get them ready the day before to avoid rushing on the day.

9. Remove anything distracting to help you focus. Try putting your phone in a different room when revising.

10. Write down revision targets for the day, review your progress, and update your revision timetable and targets appropriately.

Training and Events Calendar = Drop-in Support sessions

We offer a wide range of exam support resources to help you feel prepared and confident.

A great place to start is our Training and Events Calendar, where you’ll find everything from introductory sessions to more advanced research support. You can also book one-to-one appointments with subject librarians and academic skills advisors, giving you personalised support throughout your studies.

Sessions run both online and in person, so be sure to check the details before booking. And if the scheduled times don’t work for you, you can always get in touch with your subject librarian directly.

Not sure who your subject librarian is? You can find their details on the myNapier pages.

 

More information about exams at Napier, from guidance to timetabling

Good luck with the upcoming exams

World Art Day in Scotland post image of The Shepherd Boy (1891), Phoebe Anna Traquair, oil on canvas

World Art Day in Scotland

14/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

World Art Day in Scotland

Art does more than decorate walls. It influences how we feel. It inspires us and makes us rethink our views on the world. Art is magic, it is politics, it is hope in the darkness. We have made it since the beginning of time, and we continue to create it no matter what happens in our world.

Edinburgh Galleries

To celebrate World Art Day in Scotland, why not visit some of Edinburgh’s incredible galleries?

The Scottish National Gallery sits right in the city centre. It offers calm, light-filled rooms and world-class collections. You can move from European masters to Scottish favourites in one visit. Clear layouts make it easy to explore at your own pace.

Then, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery shifts the focus. Here, art tells stories through people. The building itself feels dramatic, with high ceilings and rich detail. Meanwhile, exhibitions connect past and present through powerful portraits.

Just a short walk away, the City Art Centre offers something different. It focuses on Scottish art across time. Rotating exhibitions mean there is always something new. It feels accessible and welcoming, especially for first-time visitors.

Next, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art opens things up. Two separate buildings sit in wide green grounds. Inside, you will find bold, contemporary work. Outside, sculptures invite you to slow down and wander.

Just outside Edinburgh, spaces like Jupiter Artland take art beyond walls. Here, installations live in the landscape. You walk between them. You experience them physically, not just visually.

Together, these galleries offer variety, space, and accessibility. So, whether you want quiet reflection or fresh ideas, Edinburgh has a place for you.

Some important Scottish artists of Edinburgh

Phoebe Anna Traquair

Phoebe Anna Traquair (1852–1936) was a leading figure in Scotland’s Arts and Crafts movement. She was born in Ireland and later settled in Edinburgh, where she created some of the city’s most remarkable artworks. She worked across many forms. These included murals, embroidery, and illuminated manuscripts. Her style drew on medieval art, rich colour, and symbolic detail. Her best-known work can be seen at the Mansfield Traquair Centre in Edinburgh. There, her murals transform the space into an immersive, peaceful environment. Today, she is celebrated as one of Scotland’s most important artists. She also stands out as a pioneering woman in a male-dominated art world.

Eduardo Paolozzi

Probably one of Edinburgh’s most well-known artists. His work is everywhere. Eduardo Paolozzi (1924–2005) was a Scottish artist and sculptor, widely seen as a pioneer of pop art. He was born in Edinburgh to Italian parents and studied at art schools in Edinburgh and London. He became known for bold collages and sculptures that mixed popular culture, technology, and mass media. His early work helped shape the visual language of modern pop art. Later, he created large public sculptures and mosaics, including works for London Underground stations. Today, Paolozzi is recognised as one of Scotland’s most influential modern artists, with a lasting impact on contemporary art.

Sekai Machache

Sekai Machache is a contemporary visual artist based in Scotland. She was born in Zimbabwe and raised in Scotland.

Her work focuses on identity, belonging, and representation. She often uses photography and performance, especially self-portraiture.

Her images challenge how Black women are seen in art. They create space for visibility and self-definition.

Machache has exhibited across Scotland, including in Edinburgh. Today, she is part of a new generation of artists shaping a more diverse Scottish art scene.

Continue reading

Craiglockhart campus

Library Exam Support 2026

13/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

Library Exam Support 2026

We say this every year, that honestly, we need a better introduction, but hey, it’s always true.

The days are getting longer, the skies a little bit brighter, and the hint that Summer is on its way is in the air. But alongside the seasonal shift comes a familiar reality: exams and final assignments are just around the corner.

Over the years, we’ve built up a catalogue of exam support posts to help you through this busy period. But for 2026, we thought it was time to bring them together. This is the first of three posts to help you during the exam period. Today, we will be going over study skills, but soon we will cover exam support and wellbeing, so stay tuned.

Study Skills and the Library

Our library is your partner in academic success. From building new study skills to strengthening existing ones, we offer a wealth of resources designed to support your journey. Whether you’re looking to master time management, improve your research techniques, or just need a quiet place to focus, we’ve got you covered.
You’ll find these collections across all three campus libraries, covering a wide range of subjects. Dive into key titles on literature searching, research methods, and academic writing. Whether you’re starting your postgraduate thesis or embarking on your very first literature review, our physical and digital resources are here to guide you every step of the way.
All resources are available through LibrarySearch, where you can easily find and request what you need—perhaps even discovering a few titles you didn’t realise would be helpful.
Books can be borrowed using our self-service kiosks and will automatically renew for up to four months, unless requested by another user. If a recall is placed, you’ll receive an email notification and have seven days to return the item.

Study Skills and LibGuides

Then we our Libguides to help you build confidence with your academic and study skills. They are packed with practical advice, tips and tools to help you develop as a researcher as well as strengthen core study skills.

Each school also has its own dedicated page which have been created by our subject librarians with links to relevant databases nd the key resources. Databases include CINAHL, British Standards Online, EBSCO, and many more.

The guide covers core skills you’ll use throughout your time at university, such as literature reviewing, critical thinking, and referencing. There’s also support for using reference management tools like EndNote and Mendeley, helping you stay organised as your reading list grows.

If you’ve explored the LibGuide and feel you’d benefit from a bit of extra support, you can get in touch with us at library@napier.ac.uk. We’ll connect you with one of our subject librarians—often someone who specialises in your area of study—who can offer one-to-one support, either in person or via Microsoft Teams.

You can also check LibCal for upcoming workshops and tutorials, covering everything from literature searching and referencing to making the most of library resources for your research.

Library Space and study skills

Enviroments and spaces have a huge influence on productiveity. Each library offers study rooms and study pods for collobraotion. We have social zones if you need to a little bit of noise to help you focus but if you need complate slience then we have silent areas too. You can find our opening hours on our webpages. 
Academic Skills and the Library

You can find a wide range of books regarding Academic Skills through Library Search.  These will be available both online and in physical books.

As well as the academic skills team, you can contact your subject librarian, someone who specialises in your subject area. They can help you navigate databases, references and finding resources. Additionally, they have crafted lib guides that are tailored to your courses, as well as helping build research skills. Appointments with subject librarians are available through the library training and events calendar, or you can email them as well. Our training and events calendar also offers sessions dedicated to referencing management and how to use the journal collection.

Good Luck!

Tartan

Tartan Day

06/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

Tartan Day

 

On the 6th of April every year, Tartan Day celebrates and acknowledges Scottish heritage, cultural contributions and diaspora throughout the globe. Despite Tartan Day being primarily centred around celebrating and promoting Scottish history and culture, it was actually first acknowledged in Canada in the year 1987 from which it evolved into an event which is celebrated worldwide. This is because Tartan Day also raises recognition of the world’s connections to Scotland and the many great things this country has to offer.

 

A Little Bit of History…

 

Although Tartan Day was first recognised during the late 1980s, it primarily goes all the way back to the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in the year 1320 when Scotland gained independence from England in line with the demands of Pope John XXII, and it became feasible for them to take military action if under attack. This took place on the 6th of April that year – purposely coinciding with the day in which Tartan Day is celebrated annually.

A few centuries later after the Declaration of Arbroath, in the year 1746, an attempt to re-integrate the people of Scotland and England and abolish Jacobite clanship was made through the release of the Act of Proscription. This included outlawing revolts and protests amongst Scottish people and communities, as well as heavily restricting any displays of cultural through The Dress Act as an example, which made it against the law for individuals (albeit soldiers) to wear any clothes with tartan or plaid.

 

Shortly after this, a significant Scottish diaspora occurred throughout the 18th and 19th centuries in which thousands of Scottish individuals and communities fled and migrated to countries such as Canada, the USA and Australia after the Highland clearances commences and saw a significant rise in rent prices for Scottish people. Canada has since celebrated the contributions of Scottish people who migrated over to the USA and their own nation which also influenced the proposal and proclamation of the 6th of April as Tartan Day.

 

The Witches of Scotland Tartan…

 

Tartan itself has also been used as a memorial piece honouring the victims – primarily women – of the Salem Witch Trials that took place throughout Scotland between the early fourteenth century and early sixteenth century. This campaign was established last year in 2025 to pay tribute to those who were executed during this period regarding accusations of ‘witchcraft,’ and was also launched with the aim of receiving an apology and legal pardon on their behalf.

The Witches of Scotland Tartan itself also tells a story in the colour scheme and thread count used. The colour scheme primarily consists of pinks, reds, black, grey and white, with pink and red being symbolic of blood and the brutal, tragic fate of those accused, grey and black representing this sombre period of history and the ashes of those sentenced to death, and the white check highlighting the three main objectives of this campaign: to receive a pardon, apology and ultimately act as a memorial for the victims of the Salem Witch Trials and those persecuted during this time. The 173-thread count represents the 173 years that the Witchcraft Act was in place for between 1563 and 1736. This symbolic memorial piece eventually became a part of the Scottish Register of Tartans in February 2025.

 

The tartan is designed to be worn and can be purchased through the official Witches of Scotland website and page. Their founders Claire Mitchell KC and Zoe Venditozzi also run a podcast series which I highly recommend for more information about the Witches of Scotland campaign, tartan and mission. This can be found through Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

 

How to celebrate Tartan Day…

 

There are many ways in which you can celebrate tartan day – not all of which involve wearing tartan as well:

 

  • Exploring and researching Scottish and Jacobite clan history.
  • Attending nearby parades and events such as Highland games.
  • Donning a specific item of tartan clothing or a tartan accessory.
  • Decorating parts of your home with tartan.
  • Enjoying traditional Scottish foods and fare such as shortbread and haggis.

 

Want to learn more about the history of the Scotland and the Scottish diaspora? We have a variety of relevant resources that can be found, accessed and requested via our LibrarySearch catalogue.

 

By Rachel Downie

Photo by Mykhaylo Kopyt Unsplash 

Dig deeper into celtic traditions

Ancient Pranks to Modern Traditions: The Fascinating History of April Fools' Day

Ancient Pranks to Modern Traditions: The Fascinating History of April Fools’ Day

01/04/2026 / / 0 Comments

Ancient Pranks to Modern Traditions: The Fascinating History of April Fools’ Day

April Fools’ Day, known for its playful pranks and practical jokes, has a long and intriguing history that stretches back centuries. So let’s delve into the origins of April Fools’ Day, explore ancient pranks and traditions, discover how it is celebrated around the world, and examine famous pranks from history. We will also discuss the role of media in April Fools’ Day pranks, explore modern-day traditions, and even delve into the psychology behind this mischievous holiday. So, buckle up and prepare to uncover the fascinating history of April Fools’ Day!

Introduction to April Fools’ Day

April Fools’ Day, also known as All Fools’ Day, is celebrated on the 1st of April each year. It is a time when people play pranks and practical jokes on one another, often to trick unsuspecting victims. But where did this tradition originate? The exact origins of April Fools’ Day remain shrouded in mystery, but several theories attempt to explain its origins.

The Origins of April Fools’ Day

One theory suggests that April Fools’ Day dates back to the late 16th century when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. Under the Julian calendar, New Year’s Day fell around the end of March or early April. However, with the adoption of the Gregorian calendar, New Year’s Day was moved to January 1st. Some people resisted this change and continued to celebrate the New Year on the old date. These individuals became the target of jokes and pranks, earning them the label of “April fools.”

Ancient Pranks and Traditions

Another theory links the origins of April Fools’ Day to ancient Roman festivals, such as Hilaria and Meditrinalia, which were celebrated around the end of March. During these festivities, people would engage in playful activities and wear disguises, much like the pranks played on April Fools’ Day today. This tradition of playful deception has persisted throughout history, and April Fools’ Day has become the perfect occasion for such mischief.

In medieval Europe, there was a tradition called the “Feast of Fools” that took place around Christmastime. During this feast, normal social hierarchies were temporarily inverted, and commoners would playfully mock and imitate those in positions of power. This topsy-turvy celebration shares similarities with the pranks and role reversals of April Fools’ Day.

April Fools’ Day around the World

April Fools’ Day is not only celebrated in Western countries but also has variations and equivalents in different cultures around the world. In India, for example, there is a festival called Holi, which often falls around the same time as April Fools’ Day. During Holi, people play pranks and throw coloured powders at one another, creating a joyful and mischievous atmosphere.

In Scotland, there is a tradition called “Hunting the Gowk” where people send unsuspecting victims on a wild goose chase. The person being pranked is sent on errands to fetch items that do not exist, such as a “long weight” or a “left-handed screwdriver.” This Scottish tradition shares similarities with the pranks played on April Fools’ Day.

Famous April Fools’ Day Pranks in History

Throughout history, April Fools’ Day has seen its fair share of memorable pranks. One of the most famous examples occurred in 1957 when the BBC aired a documentary about the Swiss Spaghetti Harvest. The program showed footage of people harvesting spaghetti from trees, leading many viewers to call in and ask how they could grow their own spaghetti tree.

In 1996, Taco Bell took out a full-page advertisement in several major newspapers announcing that it had purchased the Liberty Bell and renamed it the “Taco Liberty Bell.” This prank caused a stir, with many people believing it to be true and expressing outrage.

The Role of Media in April Fools’ Day Pranks

In the modern era, the media has played a significant role in April Fools’ Day pranks. News outlets, websites, and social media platforms often join in on the fun, publishing fake news stories or creating elaborate hoaxes to fool their audiences. These pranks can range from amusing and harmless to controversial and even politically charged.

One notable example is the 2013 prank by Google, where they announced the launch of Google Nose, a feature that claimed to allow users to smell scents through their computers or smartphones. While clearly a joke, this prank showcases how influential and creative April Fools’ Day pranks can be in the digital age.

Modern-Day April Fools’ Day Traditions

In recent years, April Fools’ Day has evolved into a day of lighthearted pranks, humorous hoaxes, and playful deception. People take pleasure in pulling pranks on friends, family, and coworkers, often with the intent of eliciting laughter and creating memorable moments. These pranks can range from simple tricks to elaborate schemes, with some individuals spending weeks planning their April Fools’ Day surprises.

Popular modern-day pranks include filling someone’s office with balloons, switching the sugar with salt, or placing a whoopee cushion on someone’s chair. The internet has also given rise to digital pranks, such as fake news articles or viral videos that captivate and confuse viewers before revealing their true nature.

The Psychology Behind April Fools’ Day Pranks

Why do we find pranks and practical jokes so amusing? The psychology behind April Fools’ Day pranks lies in the element of surprise and the temporary disruption of our expectations. When someone falls victim to a prank, their brain experiences a brief moment of confusion before realising that they have been fooled. This sudden change in perception often elicits laughter and a sense of joy.

Additionally, participating in April Fools’ Day pranks can foster a sense of bonding and social connection. By sharing in the laughter and merriment of a successful prank, we create moments of shared experience and playfulness, strengthening our relationships and creating positive memories.

Have fun!

April Fools’ Day may have humble origins rooted in ancient traditions and historical events, but it has evolved into a global celebration of humour and mischief. From ancient Rome to modern-day pranks, this mischievous holiday has captured the imagination of people around the world. Whether it’s a playful joke between friends or an elaborate hoax by a media outlet, April Fools’ Day reminds us of the joy that can be found in lighthearted deception and laughter. So, embrace the spirit of April Fools’ Day, but remember to keep it light-hearted and fun for everyone involved.

Let us know what pranks you have planned, or share some of your most memorable pranks below.

The library

Sadly, we must behave ourselves at the Library, so we will be keeping our pranks for home. If you are interested in finding out more, you can look up some great research on our library catalogue Librarysearch

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more about traditions on the blog here: Scottish New year Traditions

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