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.

Author: julietkinsey (Page 1 of 20)

library books

National Authors Day

28/10/2026 / / 0 Comments

National Authors Day

Today is National Authors Day – a time for us to show some appreciation and love for the wonderful writers, thinkers and academics whose works keep our bookshelves stacked and library catalogue full. It is also a chance for us all to celebrate and honour the contributions of authors to culture and literature in society. This includes authors of all kinds of works: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, screenwriting, song writing, columnists, bloggers, and so much more! Their impact on individuals and society as a whole is so profound in terms of how they can vividly bring stories, experiences, ideas and perspectives to life, often in a way that can invoke strong emotions and feeling within various audiences. As part of National Authors Day, we have decided to ask ourselves within the library who our favourite authors are and say a few words about why they are our favourites specifically as well.

Some of our favourite authors…

J R. R. Tolkien – Alannah

  • “If I had to pick a favourite, I’d go with J.R.R. Tolkien. He’s considered the father of modern fantasy, and his Lord of the Rings series has had a massive global impact. He was also incredibly cool! He could speak around 35 languages (at varying levels of fluency), eloped with his wife as soon as he came of age (to the displeasure of his family), was a Professor of English Language at Oxford, fought in the First World War, and was best friends with fellow author C.S. Lewis! My favourite Tolkien anecdote is that he once dressed up as a polar bear for a fancy-dress party and started chasing people down the street! It’s nice to know that such influential individuals in literature also had their silly moments!”
  • J R. R. Tolkien has written a wide range of fantasy novels with his most popular and well-known works being The Lord of the Rings series and The Hobbit.

Agatha Christie

  • Recognised as the ‘Queen of Crime,’ Agatha Christie is a bestselling author of many murder mystery and detective novels. Her most popular and well-known works are ‘And then there were none’ (1939), her bestselling novel, and ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ (1934), which has been adapted into iconic films and screenplays. The Mousetrap – another classic written by Agatha Christie – was adapted into the world’s longest-running play with a total of 30,000 running performances.
  • Agatha Christie was born in Torquay in 1890 and wrote her first short story at the age of 18 years old. She eventually went on to write hundreds of murder mystery, crime and detective novels and sell billions of copies in English and billions translated from English as well. She is considered one of the most translated individual authors of all time. Upon a recent visit to Blackwell’s bookstore, I even discovered that they had a whole section dedicated to Agatha Christie’s books as well!

Morgan Housel – Rachel

  • I have decided to give a special shout out to Morgan Housel, writer of the infamous Psychology of Money, The Art of Spending Money, and Same as Ever. He has sold over 13 million copies of his books which have also been translated into more than 60 languages. He is also a partner at the Collaborative Fund, a leading venture capital firm with a primary objective of unleashing and investing in new generations of entrepreneurs through the expansion of opportunity to access capital for business ventures. His work in this field likely gave him a wealth of knowledge and experience regarding financial matters, thus influencing and likely being incorporated into much of his writing.
  • His book on the Psychology of Money explores the link between our psychology and spending habits and behaviours and how both can be interlinked. It touches upon the power of compounding and ultimately how effective money management and control of your spending habits can also help you achieve more control over your time as well as your finances.

Amélie Nothomb and Elena Ferrante – Adeline

  • “Amélie Nothomb is a Belgian writer who has been releasing a new book every year on average since the publication of her debut novel Hygiene and the Assassin in 1992. I find her writing style very unique and refreshing – no two of her stories are the same, and yet you can always recognise the flavour of her writing. The titles of her books can be puzzling and will only start making sense once you are deeply immersed into the story. Her books are dark and funny, even shocking at times, and when you start one, there is always the thrill of not being sure where the story will take you. The dialogues between her characters and her protagonists’ internal monologues are particularly witty. So far, my favourite books by Amélie Nothomb have been Antichrista and Journal d’Hirondelle. One of her probably best-known works translated into English is Fear and Trembling and it is a great read as well.”

Fyodor Dostoevsky and Others – Juliet

  • “Give me Dostoyevsky any day! The first time you read him, it’s a challenge, but once you get into the swing of how he writes his work is amazing. It’s timeless. My favourite is Crime and Punishment. For some of the most incredible writing I have ever read Nabokov is undeniable if challenging. Lolita is a masterpiece. Underrated is the work of Anais Nin. Raunchy subject matter for sure, but the way she writes is breathtaking. If you want something fantastical, Leonora Carrington and Jorge Luis Borges can’t be beat. For fantasy Sarah J Mass is the Queen. Her stories with powerful female lead characters are stunning as is her world-building. Sci fi/Dystopian I love pretty much all the greats Orwell, Bradbury and early Margaret Atwood to name a few.”
  • Fyodor Dostoevsky is a widely-recognised Russian author who has not only written the infamous Crime and Punishment, but has also written short stories, essays and philosophical papers as well which have majorly influenced modern psychology, global literature, and philosophical theories and perspectives regarding concepts such as existentialism.

By Rachel Downie

You can find many of these books in our library catalogue: Librarysearch.napier.ac.uk or why not join your local library and borrow them there

 

Photo of black cat

Black Cat Day : Luck, Legend and Loyal Companions

28/10/2026 / / 0 Comments

Black Cat Day: Luck, Legend and Loyal Companions

 As someone with their own black cat, this is a day I can appreciate. Black cats have always divided opinion. Some people see bad luck, while others see a sleek and loving companion. My grandmother taught me they were only bad luck if they crossed you from left to right. A bit of a challenge if they live in your house!

Scotland’s folklore welcomes the black cat as a sign of good fortune, and its Highland legends give the creature an air of magic. If a strange black cat turns up at your home, Scottish folklore says it signals prosperity. So the next time a stray appears on your doorstep, welcome it warmly. After all, it may bring good luck.

This year, National Black Cat Day falls on Wednesday 27 October 2026. It gives us the perfect excuse to explore the stories, the science and the real cats still waiting for homes.

Why We Celebrate Black Cat Day

The charity Cats Protection launched National Black Cat Day in 2011. The charity found that black cats in its care took, on average, a week longer to find a home than cats of other colours. Staff wanted to change that, so they created a day to celebrate these glossy felines. Since then, the campaign has grown across the UK. You can find more on the Cats Protection black cat page.

Meet the Cat Sìth

Scotland also has a far more mysterious black cat. The Cat Sìth appears in Highland folklore, and it resembles a large black cat with a white spot on its chest. Storytellers described it as a fairy creature. Some tales even made it a witch in disguise. In those stories, a witch could take cat form nine times, then stay a cat for life. Some say this idea helped create the saying that cats have nine lives.

The Cat Sìth also features in Samhain customs. Families left out a saucer of milk, hoping the cat would bless their home for the coming year. You can read more on Folklore Scotland. Perhaps you could try the tradition this Halloween.

Why Black Cats Need Our Help

Despite their charm, black cats still struggle to find homes. Cats Protection once reported that black and black-and-white cats take around 13 per cent longer to rehome than their more colourful counterparts. Superstition plays a part, and so do photographs. Dark fur can look dull on a screen, even though it shines in real life. In person, a black cat often looks sleek and striking.

Black cats also make wonderful pets. Most have a friendly nature and often seek cuddles from their favourite people. Their eyes often glow gold or copper against the dark coat. Furthermore, they suit almost any home, from city flats to country cottages.

Black cats have walked through Scottish stories for centuries. They have played the fairy, the witch and the lucky visitor. Today, they simply want a warm home and a soft lap. This Black Cat Day, celebrate the legends, then help a real cat write a happier ending.

Resources

Read more about Scottish folklore or learn more about history using our Library catalogue or why not check out more posts here on our blog.

By Juliet Kinsey (photo by author)

Safer Internet Day

Natural language searching vs searching techniques in EBSCO databases

21/10/2026 / / 0 Comments

Natural language searching vs searching techniques in EBSCO databases

AI- Assisted Search – natural language searching in EBSCO databases 

EBSCO Databases  

If you use our Library search engine LibrarySearch to search for books, journal articles and other resources, you may be familiar with EBSCO – the EBSCO platform hosts a variety of databases that you can search together or individually. 

Some of our popular EBSCO databases include:  

  • CINAHL Ultimate 
  • APA PsycInfo 
  • CAB Abstracts with Full Text  
  • ERIC  
  • MEDLINE 
  • SPORTDiscus with Full Text 

These are heavily used by our Nursing, Midwifery, Physiotherapy, Life sciences, sports sciences and education students, among others. 

You can find a list of all 17 EBSCO databases that we provide access to here: A-Z Databases. 

 

We want to introduce a feature of EBSCO databases that lets you search using natural language, e.g. like Google – this is an AI-assisted search, that EBSCO is calling , ahem, AI assisted search! 

 

What is AI-Assisted Search 

EBSCO describes this feature as follows :  

“AI-Assisted Search enables users to search in everyday natural language, making research more intuitive while quickly connecting them to relevant content.” 

This provides a natural language search experience where you can type an entire question rather than using keywords. 

AI translates the query that you type into the search box into a Boolean style search, which provides you with a relevant results list.  

How do I use it? 

Start in LibrarySearch and navigate to your chosen EBSCO database

Choose ‘E’ for EBSCO and choose 1 or more EBSCO databases

Choose Search options and ‘AI Assisted search’.

Now carry out your search using natural language – just type in your full question.

Click ‘Show refined query’ and this shows you how your search has been broken down and transformed into a Boolean Search.

You can choose AI assisted and traditional search methods in the same session, for example of you want to edit the query.

It also provides ‘Suggested search queries’, creating 3 possible follow up questions or directions of travel for the researcher.

You can opt to turn AI assisted search on and off on the Basic Search and Results pages.

When on the Advanced search screen, a user can find AI-assisted search listed as a Search mode, under the Search options tab (Search options > Search modes).

Where can I learn more?

Dawn Adams, Subject Librarian for School of Health and Social Care will run an online training session on October 29th 13.00 – 13.30 on using AI assisted search – book via LibCal – Use AI-assisted search in Ebsco databases – Home – Edinburgh Napier University

Everyone welcome regardless of Subject discipline!

How is EBSCO handling ethical concerns related to the use of AI?

Please see EBSCO Information Services Defines Guiding Principles for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (11 March, 2024) as well as EBSCO’s AI Tenets.

“EBSCO is committed to responsible and ethical use of AI in our research experiences. To learn more about how AI is used to support AI-assisted searching, visit: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transparency Fact Sheet – AI-Assisted search”

More resources:

By Judy Wheeler

National Poetry Day 2026

02/10/2026 / / 0 Comments

National Poetry Day 2026

The first Thursday in October is the UK’s National Poetry Day, a day dedicated to celebrating poetry in all its forms and giving us all the chance to come together and share in the pleasure of poetry.
As Scotland has such a rich history of poetry, we thought we’d take today to talk a little about poetry in Scotland, National Poetry Day itself, and a little bit about poetry here at Napier!

National Poetry Day has been celebrated in the UK for over thirty years and has seen participation from millions of people taking part in organised events such as discussions and workshops. Celebrations for the day are typically organised by the Forward Arts Foundation, but organisations across the entire UK join in with their own celebrations as well. Past celebrations have involved public readings and discussions hosted by poets, public displays of poetry in prominent locations, and workshops to help aspiring poets hone their craft.
You can find the full list of official events on the Forward Arts Foundation events page. However, you don’t need to join an official event in order to take part – just trying sharing some of your favourite poetry with people you know, or even write some yourself. One of the most beautiful things about poetry is that all you need to get started is a pen and paper!

Poetry in Scotland

Now, here in Scotland we have a long history of poetry stretching back hundreds of years, with epic poems of the medieval era such as Brus by John Barbour, and Blind Harry’s The Wallace, serving as romantic (and heavily fictionalised!) recordings of Scottish history that have done much to shape the popular view of medieval Scottish history. This tradition then continued over the following centuries, with Scottish poetry coming to place an emphasis on capturing Scottish vernacular and being written in either Scottish Gaelic or in the Scots language. From this tradition we have Robert Burns, perhaps Scotland’s most famous poet, who was known for collecting poetry and folk songs from around the country and adapting them to both Scots and English, along with discussing the important topics of his day such as the development of Scottish identity in Britain, issues of social class and the church, and gender.

By the twentieth century, Scotland would see a great revival of Scottish prose and poetry writing dubbed the Scottish Renaissance, with a new wave of writers helping to bring about a renewed interest in poetic works written that are written in Scots language and which tackle Scottish identity in the modern world. Edinburgh served as a major hub of this movement, with many prominent Scots poets such as Hugh MacDiarmid calling the city their home.

The Scottish Poetry Library

As a testament to this, Edinburgh is now how to the Scottish Poetry Library, which can be found just off the Canongate, a short walk from the Royal Mile. The Poetry Library is the heart of poetry in Scotland, with their website holding records of over 3,000 poems that you can read for free anytime you want. They also run several ongoing projects, such as their toolkit for running your own poetry workshop, which we can proudly say is being ran in collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University. Another project from the poetry library, ran in collaboration with Napier and other higher education institutes, was the Poems for Nurses & Midwives pocket book, an anthology of poetry intended to serve as a source of comfort and inspiration for newly qualified nurses and midwives. You can find a copy of the collection in our Sighthill Campus library in the Wellbeing Collection, and it is recommended reading for any of our student nurses who are making the transition to work.
The Poetry Library also works closely with Scotland’s national poet (known as the Makar) to promote poetry nationally. The current Makar of Scotland is Pàdraig MacAoidh, who is also the first Makar to write his work primarily in Gaelic.

Our Library

We here at Edinburgh Napier we are happy to have been the host of the Scottish Revival Network, a group led by academics here at the university dedicated to studying the work of the Scottish literary revival, including looks at Scottish poetry of the era. The network oversaw the publication of academic papers on the subject, as well as a range of different lectures. You can find recordings of many of these lectures on the Network’s Youtube page.
Also at Napier we have the War Poets Collection, dedicated to the memory of the poets of the First World War who were treated at Craiglockhart hydropathic, which is now the building that makes up our Craiglockhart campus. In the collection, you’ll find first edition copies of work by famed poets Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon, collections of prose and other written works relating to Craiglockhart, along with recordings of the poetry recited by legendary Hollywood actor Daniel Day Lewis, author Pat Barker, along with many others.

Of course, you can also check what poetry we have in stock at our campus libraries by checking on LibrarySearch. Your university membership also gives you access to the university’s Literature Online subscription, where you can find a huge variety of poetry and other written works.

By Matthew Ferrie

Black History Month 2025 image of arty peoples heads

Honouring Our Communities for Black History Month

01/10/2026 / / 0 Comments

Honouring Our Communities for Black History Month

Every October, Black History Month allows us to celebrate Black history, culture and achievements across the UK. This year’s theme is “Honouring Our Communities”. At Edinburgh Napier, that feels like a perfect opportunity to look closer to home. Our University community is full of people who are making a difference. They are students, graduates, staff, researchers, athletes, entrepreneurs, creatives and leaders. So this Black History Month, we are celebrating some of the people of colour who have been part of the Edinburgh Napier community and recognising the contributions they have made.

Panashe Muzambe: making history in Scottish rugby

For Panashe Muzambe, Edinburgh Napier was where a new passion began. Panashe studied Sport and Exercise Science at the University. Before then, rugby was not part of her sporting plans. She had grown up playing basketball. That changed when she attended a women’s rugby “come and try” session during her third year. She quickly fell in love with the sport.

Panashe became an early member of Edinburgh Napier’s women’s rugby team and went on to become team captain. Her university experience helped her develop her skills and confidence, both on and off the pitch.

Her achievements continued after graduation.

In 2019, Panashe became the first Black woman to play rugby for Scotland, making her international debut during the Women’s Six Nations Championship. She has since continued her career in rugby and coaching and was appointed Head Coach of Heriot’s Rugby Women for the 2025/26 season.

Her story is a reminder that sometimes university gives us more than the qualification we came for. It can also introduce us to opportunities, people and passions that change the direction of our lives.

Liseli Sitali: changing the game

Another Edinburgh Napier alumna making an impact is Liseli Sitali. Liseli studied English and Communications at Edinburgh Napier after moving to Edinburgh from Zambia at the age of 17. During her time at the University, she became a Student Representative, played hockey and worked as an International Marketing and Advertising Intern. A university assignment even helped open the door to her first major career opportunity. After Liseli wrote about branding and Formula One for her final-year assignment, her lecturer connected her work with Ferrari’s Head of Communications. She subsequently secured an internship with Ferrari’s racing division, Scuderia Ferrari.

Since then, Liseli has built an impressive career across sport, marketing and media. Her roles have included working with Ferrari, The Wall Street Journal, DAZN, Sky Sports and Expedia. But her work goes beyond her own career.

Liseli founded In Her Corner, a platform supporting women in sport, and has worked to create career and development opportunities for women and girls. She has also used her experience in marketing and sport to support greater visibility and opportunities for underrepresented talent.

Liseli received an Edinburgh Napier Alumni Award in 2013. Her story shows how the ideas, connections and opportunities developed at university can continue far beyond graduation.

Mary Abboah-Offei: Improving healthcare through research

Dr Mary Abboah-Offei is a Lecturer in Public Health at Edinburgh Napier University and Programme Leader for the MSc Healthcare Management. Her research focuses on public health, person-centred care and health inequalities. She is Principal Investigator for the ExtraCECI project, a major research programme exploring how community-based, person-centred care can improve the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS in Ghana. The project received around £1.5 million from the Medical Research Council.

Mary began her healthcare career as an emergency nurse in Ghana, and her experiences there helped shape her research interests. Through her research and teaching, she continues to connect healthcare practice, education and communities across Scotland and Ghana.

Dr Timothy Olawumi: Building a more sustainable future

Dr Timothy Olawumi is a Lecturer in the School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment at Edinburgh Napier University. His work brings together construction, technology and sustainability, exploring how new approaches can help address some of the challenges facing the built environment.

Timothy has worked across academia and industry in Nigeria and internationally, including at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. His experience includes major construction projects, including a US$4 million World Bank-funded bridge construction and highway rehabilitation project in Nigeria.

At Edinburgh Napier, his research focuses on sustainable construction and informatics. He also leads the development and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in the built environment.

His work extends beyond the University too. Timothy is a member of the Green Building Council Nigeria’s Research and Development Board and co-founded Nigerian Researchers in Europe, where he supports and mentors research students.

Through his teaching, research and professional work, Timothy brings an international perspective to Edinburgh Napier while contributing to research into how we can create more sustainable buildings, infrastructure and communities.

Celebrating our community

These are just a few stories from the much bigger Edinburgh Napier community. They also show why this year’s Black History Month theme matters. Honouring our communities means looking at the people around us and the amazing contributions they make. We should be recognising the work people do to create opportunities for others and listening to different experiences and making space for new voices.

The University has also taken steps to strengthen its Black community and create a more inclusive environment. In 2024, Edinburgh Napier became the first Scottish higher education institution to partner with Black Professionals Scotland, supporting the University’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and representative community.

Want to learn more and check out some books or research: Librarysearch.napier.ac.uk can help

By Juliet Kinsey

Blog image for International Day for Universal Access to Information showing data coming out of a laptop

International Day for Universal Access to Information

28/09/2026 / / 0 Comments

International Day for Universal Access to Information: Finding the right information in a digital world

On 28 September, we mark the International Day for Universal Access to Information. The day recognises the importance of everyone being able to access information and use it to make informed decisions. UNESCO established the day in 2015, and the United Nations formally recognised it in 2019.

This year, the focus is particularly relevant to university students. The 2026 theme is “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The role of access to Information in addressing Information Disorder.”

But what does that mean for you?

Information is everywhere. But is it reliable?

You probably have access to more information than any previous generation of students. You can search Google, scroll social media, watch YouTube videos, ask an AI tool a question or find an article in seconds.

That sounds like a good thing. And it is.

However, having access to information does not automatically mean having access to good information.

You might find a statistic on TikTok. You might see a confident claim on Reddit. You might ask an AI tool to explain a complicated topic. You might find a website that looks professional but gives no indication of where its information came from.

So, when you are researching an assignment, the question is not simply “Can I find information about this?”

It is also:

Who produced it?
Where did the information come from?
What evidence supports it?
When was it published?
And can I trust it?

These questions form an important part of information literacy.

Your library is part of the answer

This is where your university library can help.

Library resources give you access to information that you might not find through an ordinary web search. Through LibrarySearch and the library’s databases, you can find academic books, journal articles, newspapers and other resources selected to support your studies.

You can also use your reading lists to find resources recommended for your modules. If you are not sure where to start, your librarians can help you search for information, understand different types of sources and develop your research skills. Check out our LibGuides in your particular subject area.

There may be another version of the resource available through the library. There may be another database to search. There may be an alternative source that meets your needs.

And if you cannot access something you need, we are here to help. There are interlibrary loans and SCONUL Access to help you access what you need. Ask us for help when you are stuck, and one of our Librarians will be happy to help.

Getting help with your research is not a sign that you are doing something wrong. It is part of becoming an independent researcher.

Access also means removing barriers

Universal access is about more than simply putting information online.

People access information in different ways. Disabilities, technology, internet access, language, cost, and the design of websites and documents can all create barriers.

Accessible information helps more people participate fully in education.

That might mean using accessible documents, providing alternative formats, designing content clearly or making sure digital resources work with assistive technologies.

The library has an important role here too. We want students to be able to find and use the information they need for their studies, regardless of how they access it. Check out more information on our accessibility tools in this guide

What about open access?

Access to information also connects to open access. Read about Napier’s Open access here.

Open access makes research available online without requiring readers to pay for access. This can make research more widely available to students, researchers and the public.

However, open access does not mean that every piece of information online is reliable. You still need to consider who produced the research, how it was published and what evidence it provides.

In other words, access and quality go hand in hand.

Your information toolkit

You do not need to become an expert in every source you encounter. Instead, build a few simple habits.

First, pause before you share. If something makes you angry, shocked or excited, take a moment to check it.

Next, look beyond the headline. Find the original source and read the information in context.

Then, check the evidence. Look for references, data and links to reliable sources.

Finally, compare sources. If you find an important claim, see whether other trustworthy sources support it.

And when you are doing university research, make the most of the resources available through your library. All your research should start in LibrarySearch.

Information is a shared resource

The International Day for Universal Access to Information reminds us that access to information matters. It supports education, participation, research and informed decision-making. UNESCO describes access to information as important for inclusion, social progress and the development of knowledge societies.

For students, that starts with something very practical.

Find the information. Check the information. Understand the information. Then use it well.

And if you are not sure where to start, your library is here to help.

Five Research Mistakes Students Make (and How to Avoid Them) image of laptop and papers

New Skills@ENULibrary Programme for 2026/27

24/09/2026 / / 0 Comments

New Skills@ENULibrary Programme for 2026/27

September 2026

Welcome to the new Skills@Library Programme for 2026/27, previously known as the Digital Library Skills Programme.

The programme offers short, practical sessions to help staff and students develop their research and information skills. Sessions cover a range of Library tools, services and subject-specific resources.

New Skills@Library Programme for 2026/27

The programme includes online sessions that help you refresh your knowledge of Library tools and services. You can also use these sessions to find resources and guidance to signpost to your students.

Whether you want to develop your own skills or support your students, Skills@Library offers practical learning opportunities throughout the academic year.

What’s on offer?

The programme includes a range of standalone sessions. Some sessions also focus on the needs of specific Schools or subject areas.

Sessions are available online. Students can also attend drop-in sessions in our physical libraries. Sessions are free and open to all students.

Upcoming topics include:

Find out more

Explore the full programme, view upcoming session topics and check available dates on the Training and Events Calendar.

You can also book places for upcoming sessions through the calendar.

photo of people outside during The Edinburgh Fringe

The Edinburgh Fringe

17/08/2026 / / 0 Comments

The Edinburgh Fringe

Everything you should know about The Edinburgh Fringe

It’s August again, the sunshine is going away, and we’re hard at work getting the library ready for all the students coming back in September, so what better way to unwind than catching a show at the Edinburgh Fringe?

Taking over the city for its 78th year, the Fringe is a fantastic way to take in a good dose of culture. As Edinburgh’s various streets, pubs, and clubs are playing host to a range of off-beat and out-there live acts featuring performers from around the world. You can catch an exhibition on Scotland’s relationship with rain being hosted at the National Library of Scotland, Then head on over to St Giles’ Cathedral to listen to some music. Then in the evening, you can go to Monkey Barrel Comedy Club and enjoy some stand-up comedy performed by some of your favourite comedians from the television along with local talent looking to breakthrough.
The beautiful thing about the Edinburgh Fringe is you really never know what you’re going to get.

The History of the Fringe

Starting back in 1947 and running every year since then (with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic) the Fringe is an off-shoot of the Edinburgh International Festival that is held in the city every year. The Fringe stands out when compared to other art festivals due to its status as an open-access festival, meaning anybody can apply to participate and perform anything they want!
This means that every August Edinburgh gets to play host to a wide variety of strange and unexpected shows, and over the years the Edinburgh Fringe has built up a reputation as the go-to-place for aspiring performers to build an audience and hone their craft, with many international celebrities performing at the Fringe early on in their careers. For example, did you know that award-winning Irish actor and Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy performed the Fringe back in 1997 as part of his first professional acting job, touring with the play Disco Pigs? Or that the critically acclaimed shows Baby Reindeer and Fleabag began life as a play performed at the Fringe? As did the comedy gameshow Taskmaster which ran at the Fringe for two years before being commissioned for television.
So who knows! Maybe at the Fringe you’ll catch a star in the making, or the next modern classic.

Some recommendations…Library themed, of course!

But why don’t we save you the trouble of trying to sort through the Fringe programme for yourself and recommend you a show that we’ve thoroughly enjoyed. And since this is the library blog after all, it’s of course going to be a library themed show.
Returning to the Fringe for the third year in a row, comedy theatre group Cabbage Productions are performing their show The Librarians: A Very Serious Comedy, a satirical look at libraries in the modern day. The show follows the staff at a local library struggling to deal with a lack of customers, the building falling apart around their ears, and a new head librarian who wants the building sold-off to make expensive flats! Needless to say, we here at the library find all this a lot more relatable than we’d like – especially the show’s emphasis on the importance of which biscuits are available in the library office. We’re not sure if anybody involved in the production has a history of library work, but they’ve certainly managed to nail the tone in our opinion. But it’s not all jokes with The Librarians. Although the show never fails to keep a light comedic tone, at its heart it is very much a story about the important role that these types of community spaces play in society, and how the abandonment of these public run institutions has left a hole in our local communities.

Running every day of the Fringe from 3:15 to 4:15 at the Pleasance Courtyard, The Librarians is a show that manages to balance sharp comedic writing with a heartfelt message and we here at Napier Library can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who’d like a behind the scenes look at what modern library work is like, with plenty of laughs along the way.

Library resources

We have lots of resources on the Edinburgh Fringe and wider festival.  From books likeThe Edinburgh Fringe by Alistair Moffat and The Fringe Survival Guide by Mark Fisher to this fantastic article called : A hefty dose of lemons: the importance of rituals for audiences and performers at the online Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2020 by Ingi Helgason et al. Check out Librarysearch for so much more.

Read more about different festivals here on our blog. Check out: The Cherry Festival 

By Matthew Ferrie

Image of crops for blog post Lughnasa Celtic Harvest Festival

Lughnasa Celtic Harvest Festival

01/08/2026 / / 0 Comments

Lughnasa Celtic Harvest Festival

Lughnasa is one of four traditional Celtic harvest festivals alongside Samhain, Imbolc and Beltane.  It happens at the end of summer when the grains are ripening but have not yet been harvested. Traditionally celebrated on the 1st of August, it marks the end of summer and the beginning of the second half of the Celtic year. It falls roughly halfway between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox, making it a turning point between the warmth of summer and the approach of the darker months. Occurring halfway between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox.

Like many ancient festivals, Lughnasa was closely connected to the rhythms of nature, agriculture and community. It was a time to celebrate the earth’s generosity, gather together, share food, tell stories, and take part in games and competitions.

A History of Lughnasa

According to Irish mythology, Tailtiu was a daughter of the Fir Bolg king Mag Mor and became associated with the land and fertility. One version of the story tells that she took on the enormous task of clearing the plain of Brega (or the land around Tailtin/Teltown in County Meath) so that it could be used for farming. The work was so demanding that she became exhausted and died. The story comes from the medieval Irish text Metrical Dindshenchas, a collection of poems explaining the origins of Irish place names and traditions.

Before her death, she asked that the people of Ireland continue to gather each year in her honour. Lugh is said to have established the Óenach Tailteann (the Tailteann Games) as a memorial festival for her, which became connected with Lughnasa celebrations.

The story is symbolic as well as literal: Tailtiu’s sacrifice represents the effort required to transform wild land into fertile farmland, while Lughnasa celebrates the reward of that labour, the ripening harvest. It is a recurring theme in Celtic mythology that fertility and abundance often come through sacrifice and renewal.

The Tailteann Games were not only about physical competition but also about celebrating creativity, skill and community spirit. The games included events such as long jump, high jump, running, hurling, spear-throwing, boxing, wrestling, swimming, chariot racing and horse racing. There were also competitions in singing, dancing, storytelling, strategy and traditional crafts, including goldsmithing, jewellery-making, weaving and armour-making.

These gatherings were more than simple entertainment, bringing together different communities, encouraging trade and celebrating the talents of the people.

Lughnasa Today

Although the ancient rituals have changed over time, Lughnasa continues to be celebrated in Ireland and other parts of the Celtic world today. Modern celebrations often include traditional music, dancing, storytelling, crafts, food and gatherings that honour the connection between people and the land.

One of the most famous surviving traditions is Reek Sunday, which takes place at the end of July. On this day, thousands of people climb Croagh Patrick, a mountain also known as “the Reek”. This pilgrimage has connections to both Christian and older Celtic traditions, with people continuing the ancient practice of climbing sacred hills and mountains as part of seasonal celebrations.

The Four Celtic Seasonal Festivals

Lughnasa is one of four major Celtic festivals, each marking a key point in the changing seasons.

Samhain is celebrated on the 31st of October and marks the beginning of winter in the traditional Celtic calendar. It is strongly connected with modern Halloween traditions, with ancient customs including bonfires, feasting and remembering ancestors.

Imbolc, celebrated on the 1st of February, welcomes the first signs of spring. It is a festival of renewal, fertility and the return of life to the land after winter.

Beltane, celebrated on the 1st of May, marks the beginning of summer. It is a festival of fire, fertility and celebration, with dancing, music and bonfires forming an important part of the traditions. Edinburgh is home to one of the most famous modern Beltane celebrations, held on Calton Hill, where thousands gather to watch a spectacular display of fire, music and performance.

Read more on Scottish history at librarysearch.napier.ac.uk

By Juliet Kinsey

Photo by Polina Rytova on Unsplash

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Five Research Mistakes Students Make (and How to Avoid Them) image of laptop and papers

Five Research Mistakes Students Make (and How to Avoid Them)

30/07/2026 / / 0 Comments

Five Research Mistakes Students Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Research is about much more than finding information. It helps you understand your subject, evaluate evidence, and develop your own ideas. Strong research also makes writing assignments much easier because you already have reliable sources to support your arguments.

However, many students fall into the same traps. The good news is that these mistakes are easy to avoid with a little planning.

Here are five common research mistakes and some practical ways to improve your research skills.

1. Starting Your Research Too Late

It is easy to underestimate how long research takes. Many students think they can find everything they need in one evening. Unfortunately, good research rarely works that way.

Finding useful sources takes time. Reading them carefully takes even longer. You also need time to compare different viewpoints, make notes, and decide which evidence best supports your argument.

Instead, start your research as soon as your assignment is released. First, read the assignment brief carefully. Then identify the main topics and keywords. Next, spend some time exploring what information is available before you begin writing.

Starting early has another advantage. If you cannot find enough information or feel unsure where to look, you still have time to ask for help.

2. Relying Too Much on Google/A.I.

Google and can be useful for finding background information. However, it should not be your main research tool for academic work.

Search engines do not always prioritise the most reliable or scholarly sources. As a result, you may find outdated information, opinion pieces, or websites that are not suitable for university assignments. A.I. is notorius for throwing up false information and hallucinations. Sometimes it can be useful to brainstorm ideas, but it is not a reliable source for well any sources!

Instead, begin with your university library (That’s us!). LibrarySearch gives you access to books, ebooks, peer-reviewed journal articles, and other trusted academic resources. Many resources are available online, so you can access them wherever you are studying.

You should also explore the subject databases and Libguides recommended for your discipline. These databases often contain specialist material that you may not find through a general web search.

Remember that librarians are experts in finding information. If you are struggling to locate good sources, ask for help. A short conversation could save you hours of searching.

3. Using Weak or Unreliable Sources

Not everything you read deserves a place in your assignment. Anyone can publish information online, but that does not make it accurate or trustworthy.

Before using a source, ask yourself a few simple questions. Who wrote it? Are they an expert in the subject? When was it published? Is the information supported by evidence? Has it been reviewed by other experts?

Peer-reviewed journal articles usually provide strong academic evidence because specialists have evaluated the research before publication. Books published by academic publishers are also excellent sources for many subjects.

That does not mean you should never use websites. Government organisations, professional bodies, charities, and official statistics can all provide valuable information. However, always evaluate the source before you include it in your work.

Choosing reliable sources will strengthen your arguments and improve the credibility of your assignment.

4. Searching with Only One Keyword

Many students type one word into LibrarySearch, look at the first few results, and assume there is not much available. In reality, the problem is often the search itself.

Good searching is flexible. Different authors use different terminology, so one search may miss valuable resources.

For example, if you are researching stress among university students, you could also search for wellbeing, mental health, higher education, academic pressure, or student support. Using quotation marks around phrases can also help you find more specific results.

Filters are equally useful. Narrow your results by publication date, resource type, subject, or peer-reviewed content to find the most relevant material more quickly.

If your first search does not work, do not give up. Adjust your keywords and try again. Small changes often produce much better results.

5. Forgetting to Keep Track of Your Sources

Few things are more frustrating than finding the perfect journal article and then forgetting where you found it.

Many students leave referencing until the end of an assignment. Unfortunately, this often means searching for sources all over again. It can also lead to incomplete references or accidental plagiarism.

Instead, keep organised from the beginning. Save useful articles as you find them. Record the details you will need for your reference list, including the author, title, publication date, and publisher or journal. Use EndNote or Mendeley to help.

You should also make notes in your own words rather than copying large sections of text. This helps you understand the material and reduces the risk of accidentally using someone else’s words without proper acknowledgement.

A little organisation at the start can save a great deal of time later.

Build Better Research Habits

Research is a skill that improves with practice. Every assignment helps you become more confident at finding, evaluating, and using information effectively.

Start early, search strategically, and choose reliable sources. Keep organised throughout your project, and ask for help when you need it. These simple habits will make your research more efficient and your assignments much stronger.

Remember that your library is here to support you at every stage of the research process. Whether you are writing your first essay or completing your dissertation, you do not have to figure everything out alone. Explore LibrarySearch, make use of your subject resources, and speak to your library team if you need guidance. We are always happy to help you find the information you need.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more on Research with our article on The repository

Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash

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