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Use Library Search – your map to academic success

Use Library Search – your map to academic success

22/01/2025 / / 0 Comments

Use Library Search – your map to academic success

Navigating the vast array of resources available in an academic library can be daunting. Fortunately, the library catalogue is here to help. Think of our Library Search as your map to discovering a wealth of academic materials that will show you the quickest and most direct route to exactly what you need for your next assignment.

Why use the Library Search?

The Library Search is a central catalogue that lists all the books, and e-resources, including online journals, multimedia, and everything else available in the library across all three campuses. It allows you to search for specific titles, authors, and keywords, providing a quick and easy way to locate the materials you need. Most importantly, if you are searching for online resources, such as journal articles or ebooks, using the Library Search will give you seamless access to full text, usually with just one click.

Benefits of using Library Search

  1. Efficient resource discovery: The library catalogue saves you time by helping you quickly find the resources you need. Instead of wandering through shelves or browsing aimlessly online, you can use the catalogue to pinpoint exactly where to find the relevant materials.
  2. Access to a wide range of resources: The catalogue includes not only physical books and journals but also ebooks, online journals, digital archives, and multimedia resources. So much variety, all available in one place.
  3. Stay organised: Using the catalogue helps you keep track of the resources you’ve found and plan your research more effectively. You can save searches, create lists, and export citations, all to make your research process more organised and manageable.

Make the most of the Library Search

  • Remember to sign in: This will ensure that you get instant access to library e-resources.
  • Enter keywords related to your topic, a title, or an author’s name: And remember to use Advanced Search; it is a great way to get more relevant results, so give it a go!
  • Use filters on the right-hand side to narrow down the results: This way, you can find resources from specific time periods, select a type of material, subject, and much more. This will give you a list of the most relevant resources in seconds.

If you have any questions or come across any issues, don’t hesitate to ask us for assistance. You can also find more information on MyNapier Library pages.

By mastering the use of the Library Search, you can navigate your academic journey with confidence and efficiency. Stay tuned for more tips on making the most of your library’s e-resources!

By Patrycja Respondek

Read more about LibrarySearch on the blog with our article  Introduction to librarysearch

 

New year military tattoo at the castle: Scottish New Year Traditions

Scottish New Year Traditions

31/12/2024 / / 1 Comment

Scottish New Year Traditions

An old Scottish New Year tradition was First Footing – all you had to do was grab a lump of coal and a bottle of whisky and visit your neighbour to “see in” the New Year. This tradition is thought to date back to the Viking times and is quite quaint and sedate, but in modern times some of our New Year traditions have become a little bit crazy…..

Stonehaven Fireballs

This spectacular display takes place in the town of Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire. Roughly 40 people take part and at the stroke of midnight, the fireballs are lit and are whirled around by those brave enough to take part in the procession along the High Street. The balls are made from wood and fabric soaked in paraffin and then enclosed in wire mesh. The procession takes around half an hour and the balls are hurled into the sea at the end. The origins of the tradition are unclear, but it has now become a popular tourist attraction. If you can’t attend the procession, there has been a webcam allowing remote viewing in the past which will hopefully be running again this year and the link is here. You can check out previous processions online by clicking here.

The Ba’, Kirkwall, Orkney

The game begins at 1pm on New Year’s Day when the Ba’ is thrown up from the Mercat Cross outside St. Magnus Cathedral. Two teams, Uppies and Doonies try to get the Ba’- a leather ball filled with cork handmade by local craftsmen- to their respective home goals. For Uppies it’s at the far end of the main street opposite the catholic church, and for Doonies it’s Kirkwall Harbour. If the Ba’ “gaas doon” then the players are expected to jump into the harbour. It’s a contest of scrums, pushing, shoving, fast sprints and sneaky smuggles. Where your allegiance lies used to depend on where you were born with Uppies being born south of the cathedral and Doonies born north of it. Now with many women being sent to Aberdeen to give birth, most men play on the side their father or grandfather played on. The game mostly takes place on the town’s main streets with businesses and homes boarding up their properties to prevent damage.

Rules of The Game

There are no rules, and a game can last for many hours with little movement of the scrum. Only when a team member manages to get the Ba’ to the outer players can a fast break or smuggle (up a player’s jumper) take place. It is then chaotic with those in possession of the Ba’ trying to get as close as possible to their goal whilst throwing the opposition off the trail by using the winding lanes in Kirkwall’s streets.

Once the winning team has reached their goal, the Ba’ is presented to a member of the team-usually someone who has participated for many years. It’s a lot easier to watch than take part in-click here to watch the Ba’ from a previous year.

The Loony Dook, South Queensferry

Held on New Year’s Day, The Loony Dook is a charity event requiring the participants to dip into the freezing cold waters of the Firth of Forth. The name comes from two Scots words, loony (a crazy person) and dook (to bathe or take a dip).

The first Loony Dook took place in 1986 when some friends suggested it would be a good hangover cure. The following year it became a charity event with proceeds going to local charities such as RNLI Queensferry. Over the years the event grew to include a fancy dress parade and became so large it had to become an organized event. Each year thousands of onlookers come to watch participants who are greeted by pipers and offered hot porridge before taking the plunge.

The event has caught on in other Scottish seaside towns along the Firth such as North Berwick, Kirkcaldy and St. Andrews so if you can’t make it to South Queensferry, then you may be able to catch the action at a different venue. If you prefer to stay warm and dry at New Year then click here to view a previous Loony Dook from the comfort of your home!

By Vivienne Hamilton

Find amazing resources on Scotland in LibrarySearch.napier.ac.uk

Read more about Scottish Traditions with this post on Burns Night.

Merry Christmas

25/12/2024 / / 0 Comments

Festive image saying Merry Christmas and and a wonderful Festive Season from the edinburgh napier Library Blog

Spanish Christmas traditions. Image ofChristmas Decorations Hanging
Source

Spanish Christmas Traditions

20/12/2024 / / 2 Comments

A Spanish-style Traditional Christmas 

Christmas in Spain is not so very different from Christmas elsewhere, but there are one or two traditions that may sound slightly exotic to Scottish ears, and I’ll set them out here.

First of all, our festive period is longer, running from the 22nd of December until the 7th of January. We celebrate the end of Christmas with presents brought from faraway lands by the Three Wise Men (traditionally marked by the Epiphany). This, of course, makes the youngest members of the family very merry, but it pleases the grownups too. Traditionally Santa Claus has never been recognised in Spain, but nowadays that is changing, and like the reyes mago” (3 wise men), he now sometimes brings presents too.

The Spanish Lottery

A more recent, and much more secular tradition, is El Gordo, the Spanish Christmas Lottery. This, too, is celebrated on the 22nd of December. It’s the most popular draw of the year in Spain and is considered the biggest worldwide since it was first celebrated in 1812. Winning El Gordo’s jackpot is one of the best Spanish Christmas presents you could hope for.

As in many other parts of the world, Christmas trees, fancy city lights, and splashes of red, green, and white decorations make their appearance during the festive period. However, something quite particular we have is the Portal de Belén: tiny models of Bethlehem representing the Nativity, with many accompanying structures such as the desert, town, angels, shepherds and farm animals.

Continue reading

Image for blog post The 12 Days of Festive Library Resources

The 12 Days of Festive Library Resources Part Two

16/12/2024 / / 0 Comments

The 12 Days of Festive Library Resources Part Two

Part Two

Here is part two of our Festive Library Resources List.

Day 7: Libguides

Libguides are subject guides created by our Librarians. They help you to find the right information for your area of study and provide you with links to appropriate resources. You can find them here: libguides.napier.ac.uk

You can read a more in-depth guide from our Library blog here.

Day 8: Books and Journals (plus Stats)

Have you wondered how many books are on our shelves? How many Ebooks on our digital shelves? Well wonder no more. We have 105,301 books in stock. And over 273,000 Ebooks. And they are all available on LibrarySearch for you to enjoy.

Day 9: Relaxation Zones

We have Relaxation Zones at all our campus Libraries, with games, comfy seating and relaxing activities for you to enjoy. Also, check out our Virtual Relaxation Zone on the Library Blog with links to meditation, videos and online relaxing activities. Read more about our relaxation zones here.

Day 10: Repository

An Open Access showcase for our research outputs. We have journal articles, conference papers and theses, data sets, programs, images, scores, music, and exhibition catalogues in digital format. The Repository helps us

  • Increase the impact of the University’s research by making it more visible thus improving the citation rate
  • Encourage collaboration and raise academic profiles
  • Meet with funder and REF requirements

You can all that the Repository has to offer here.

Day 11: Heritage collections

Edinburgh Napier University has a number of outstanding collections which explore, explain and engage with the cultural history of Edinburgh and beyond.

Our Heritage collections:

  • War Poets Collection

  • Mehew Robert Louis Stevenson

  • Jim Haynes

  • Edward Clark Collection

For information about any of our special collections and archives, please email heritage@napier.ac.uk

Day 12: The Librarians…we are here 

We have made it to the final day. And on the 12th day of festive resources gave to me: Librarians. The most valuable resource the Library offers is its Library Staff. Remember, we are here to help. You can contact us via the help desks, email library@napier.ac.uk or phone 0131 455 3500. We may be closed over the festive break but we have out-of-hours service if you need assistance.

Enjoy your holidays and we look forward to seeing everyone back in January.

By Maya Green and Juliet Kinsey

Image for blog post The 12 Days of Festive Library Resources

The 12 Days of Festive Library Resources Part One

09/12/2024 / / 0 Comments

The 12 Days of Festive Library Resources Part One

Part one

To celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of the Festive holiday break we thought we’d share some of our best resources.

Below is a list of some of our best:

Day One: Librarysearch

We have to start with our trusty Library Catalogue, LibrarySearch. Found at Librarysearch.napier.ac.uk.

This is a great place to start. Remember to sign in first before you start your search.

You will find information on everything the library has available and information on how to access it. Read our guide on how to get started with LibrarySearch.

Day Two: Box of Broadcasts

On the second day of Christmas, my library gave me

BoB (Box of Broadcasts) is an innovative shared online off-air TV and radio recording service for UK higher and further education institutions. It contains over a million items including an archive of all BBC TV and radio content dating from 2007.
BoB enables all staff and students in subscribing institutions to choose and record any scheduled broadcast programme from 60+ TV and radio channels. You can also edit programs into clips, create playlists, embed clips into Moodle, share items via social media and generate reference citations.

Please note that our BoB licence is for educational purposes only, and only for use within the UK.

Box of Broadcasts is a truly fantastic database.

Visit learning on screen and use your university login to start watching.

Day Three: LibKey Nomad

This amazing tool will help you get full-text access to books and articles! You can add it as a browser extension or go to their website. It’s so good it even works on Amazon! It will tell you all the possible sources for the literature you are looking for and where to get them. Check out our Libkey guide here and watch the video below.

Day 4: Wellness

Here in the Library, we believe that looking after your physical and emotional health is just as important as your studies. So we created the Wellbeing Collection. University life can be challenging, even at the best of times. We’ve gathered together these resources in the hope that they help you feel happy, healthy and comfortable at Edinburgh Napier. Our collection covers a range of topics and includes guided self-help approaches to supporting mental health, personal development and achievement. You’ll find stories of resilience and recovery, discussions of family matters, and practical tools to help with the everyday realities of University life, such as finance and exam stress. If you have any suggestions, you can email library@napier.ac.uk

Day 5: DigiMap

Digimap is an online map and data delivery service. Digimap offers a number of data collections, including Ordnance Survey, historical, geological, LiDAR and marine maps and spatial data. You can create or interrogate a map online by selecting an appropriate base map, adding annotations and customising the content, use measurement and query tools to learn more about any study area. Download the raw spatial data in a wide range of formats for use in local GIS, CAD or image processing software.

Read more about Digimap in our blog post “Introducing DigiMap”

Check out their DigiMap help guides on YouTube

Day 6: Databases

We provide 190 databases covering every imaginable subject, from engineering to art. We have you covered. You can find them all on LibrarySearch . If you need a bit of help on how to navigate, we have subject-specific Libguides to help you get a more tailored research experience.

Check in with the Blog next week for Part Two!

By Juliet Kinsey and Maya Green

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

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

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

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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