The Library Blog

Edinburgh Napier University

Author: julietkinsey (Page 6 of 14)

Barbie doll photo for blog post Barbie: From Iconic Fashionista to Cultural Phenomenon

Barbie: From Iconic Fashionista to Cultural Phenomenon

07/08/2023 / / 0 Comments

Barbie: From Iconic Fashionista to Cultural Phenomenon

Exploring the Fascinating History of the Doll

No one can be unaware of the new Barbie movie that was recently released and the new conversations it is bringing up. So why not read a bit about her history and Barbie’s place in the cultural Zeitgeist.

Barbie and her Impact on Popular Culture

The Barbie doll is an iconic figure that has had a profound impact on popular culture since her introduction in 1959. Created by Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, Barbie quickly became a beloved toy for children around the world. With her stylish outfits, glamorous lifestyle, and ever-evolving persona, Barbie captured the imaginations of generations and became a symbol of beauty, fashion, and empowerment.

The Early Years: The Birth of Barbie and her First Appearances

Barbie made her debut at the New York Toy Fair in 1959, where she instantly caught the attention of buyers and the media. With her blonde hair, blue eyes, and hourglass figure, Barbie represented a departure from the baby dolls that were popular at the time. She was marketed as a teenage fashion model, and her wardrobe consisted of stylish outfits that reflected the latest trends.

During her early years, Barbie faced some criticism for promoting unrealistic beauty standards and perpetuating gender stereotypes. However, her popularity continued to soar, and she soon became a staple in toy stores and households across the globe. Barbie’s success paved the way for a new era of dolls and toys that focused on fashion, glamour, and self-expression.

The Evolution of Barbie’s Appearance and Fashion Choices

One of the most fascinating aspects of Barbie’s history is the evolution of her appearance and fashion choices. Over the years, Barbie has undergone numerous transformations to reflect changing beauty standards and societal preferences. From her iconic blonde hair to her signature pink outfits, Barbie has always been at the forefront of fashion trends.

In the 1960s, Barbie embraced the mod look with her stylish mini-skirts, go-go boots, and bold prints. In the 1970s, she sported a more natural look with her sun-kissed tan and bohemian-inspired outfits. The 1980s saw Barbie embrace the glitz and glamour of the era with her big hair, shoulder pads, and sparkling accessories. In recent years, Barbie has embraced diversity and inclusivity by introducing dolls with different body types, skin tones, and hairstyles.

Barbie’s fashion choices have always been a reflection of the times, and her ability to stay relevant and adapt to changing trends has played a significant role in her enduring popularity.

Barbie’s Cultural Impact and Controversies

As a cultural phenomenon, Barbie has had a significant impact on society and has sparked numerous controversies throughout her history. On one hand, Barbie has been praised for encouraging imagination, creativity, and self-expression in children. Many young girls have looked up to Barbie as a role model and have been inspired by her glamorous lifestyle and career choices.

However, Barbie has also faced criticism for promoting unrealistic beauty standards and reinforcing harmful stereotypes. Some argue that Barbie’s unrealistic proportions and emphasis on physical appearance can negatively impact body image and self-esteem, especially in young girls. Additionally, Barbie has been accused of perpetuating gender stereotypes by portraying women primarily in roles related to fashion and beauty.

Despite these controversies, Barbie has remained a beloved and influential figure in popular culture, inspiring countless children and adults alike.

Read more on Barbie in the book: Barbie Culture by Mary F Rodgers, available at Merchiston Library

The Iconic Barbie Cut-out Box and its Significance

One of the most recognizable aspects of Barbie’s packaging is the iconic cut-out box. Introduced in the early years, the Barbie cut-out box allowed children to play with Barbie and her accessories in a miniature world. The box featured a cardboard backdrop, furniture, and clothing that could be cut out and assembled to create various scenes.

The Barbie cut-out box not only provided an interactive and imaginative play experience but also served as a marketing tool. The box showcased Barbie’s extensive wardrobe and accessories, enticing children to collect and play with different outfits. The cut-out box became a symbol of Barbie’s fashion-forward image and added to the overall allure of the doll.

Why not head upstairs in Merchiston Library and check out some of the books on packaging design?

Barbie’s Role in Promoting Diversity and Inclusivity

In recent years, Barbie has made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusivity. Recognizing the need for representation, Mattel introduced dolls with different body types, skin tones, and hairstyles. Barbie now comes in a range of sizes, including petite, tall, and curvy, allowing children to see themselves reflected in their toys.

Barbie has also partnered with influential figures and organizations to promote inclusivity and empower young girls. Collaborations with the likes of Olympic athletes, scientists, and artists have showcased the endless possibilities and potential that girls have. By expanding the range of dolls and highlighting diverse role models, Barbie has sought to inspire and empower children of all backgrounds.

Barbie’s Influence on Fashion and Style Trends

Barbie has long been a fashion icon, inspiring countless trends and styles over the years. Her ever-changing wardrobe, from glamorous gowns to casual chic ensembles, has captivated the imaginations of fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Barbie’s influence extends beyond the toy industry, with her fashion choices often making their way onto runways, magazines, and even real-life wardrobes.

Barbie’s impact on fashion trends can be seen in her collaborations with fashion designers and brands. From high-end designers to fast-fashion labels, Barbie has partnered with renowned names to create limited-edition collections that bring her iconic style to life. These collaborations have not only elevated Barbie’s fashion status but have also cemented her position as a cultural icon with a lasting influence on the fashion industry.

Barbie’s Collaborations and Partnerships

Barbie’s collaborations and partnerships have played a significant role in shaping her image and expanding her influence. Over the years, Barbie has teamed up with various brands, celebrities, and organizations to create special editions and collections that reflect current trends and interests.

Whether collaborating with iconic fashion houses to featuring pop culture icons, Barbie has stayed relevant. By aligning herself with influential figures and brands. These collaborations have not only increased Barbie’s appeal but have also allowed her to connect with diverse audiences and expand her reach beyond the toy aisle.

The Future of Barbie: Innovations and Changes Over the Years

As Barbie celebrates over six decades of success, the future looks bright for this iconic doll. Over the years, Barbie has continued to innovate and adapt to changing times. From embracing diversity to incorporating technology into play experiences, Barbie has shown that she is not afraid to evolve and stay relevant.

In recent years, Barbie has embraced digital play experiences, allowing children to interact with her through online games, apps, and social media. This digital integration has opened up new avenues for storytelling and imaginative play, keeping Barbie at the forefront of children’s playtime.

Looking ahead, it is clear that Barbie will continue to evolve and adapt to meet the needs and desires of future generations. The enduring legacy of this fashionista doll will continue to inspire and empower children around the world.

Barbie’s Enduring Legacy and its Impact on Society

In conclusion, the Barbie doll has had a fascinating history and has left an indelible mark on popular culture. From her early appearances as a teenage fashion model to her current role as a champion of diversity and inclusivity, Barbie has continuously evolved to reflect changing times and societal values.

Despite facing controversies and criticism, Barbie’s enduring popularity is a testament to her ability to capture the imaginations of millions. Her influence on fashion, style trends, and popular culture cannot be overstated. Barbie has not only entertained generations of children but has also inspired them to dream big and embrace their individuality.

Furthermore, as we look to the future, it will be interesting to see how Barbie continues to evolve and adapt. With her rich history and enduring legacy, Barbie will undoubtedly remain a cultural phenomenon for years to come.

By Juliet Kinsey

Barbie: From Iconic Fashionista to Cultural Phenomenon. What do you think about Barbie? Let us know in the comments below. Is she new feminist Icon or a simple doll?

Loving our toy theme? Read about the History of Lego on our Blog too.

Image Source: Pezibear on PixaBay

Image of crops for blog post Lughnasa Celtic Harvest Festival

Lughnasa Celtic Harvest Festival

31/07/2023 / / 0 Comments

Lughnasa Celtic Harvest Festival

Lughnasa is one of four traditional Celtic harvest festivals.  It happens at the end of summer when the grains are ripening, but have not yet been harvested. Usually celebrated on the 1st of August, it marks the end of summer and the beginning of the second half of the year. It occurs halfway between the summer solstice and autumn equinox.

A History of Lughnasa

Lughnasa is an ancient Gaelic holiday, said to be in honour of the pagan god Lugh, and his mother Tailtiu. As well as the usual traditions of feasting and gathering, it is believed that this was when the Tailteann Games were held. Games included “the long jump, high jump, running, hurling, spear throwing, boxing, contests in swordfighting, archery, wrestling, swimming, and chariot and horse racing. They also included competitions in strategy, singing, dancing and story-telling, along with crafts competitions for goldsmiths, jewellers, weavers and armourers.”[Source]

Lughnasa is still celebrated today in Ireland as a holiday. It includes music, dancing, stories and crafts. Furthermore, One modern-day legacy of Lughnasa is “Reek Sunday”. This involves climbing up a mountain or hill. In Ireland, many people climb up Croagh Patrick in Co. Mayo., also known as “the Reek” hence the name “Reek Sunday.”

The Myth

The myth that Lughnasa is based on according to Máire MacNeill who wrote on it back in1962 is the following:

“[it involves] a struggle for the harvest between Lugh and Crom Dubh, another mythical god who stores the grain, which Lugh seizes for humanity. Often, this is portrayed as a struggle for ‘Eithne,’ a woman who symbolizes the grain. Also, Lugh combats and destroys another figure representing blight. ‘Óenach Tailten’ or ‘Aonach Tailteann’ was a ceremony held during Lughnasadh in commemoration of Tailtiu [Lugh’s mother].” Source  

The four feast days

As well as Lughnasa, there is Samhain, Imbolg and Beltane. These are all based on the harvest periods and seasons. Samhain is celebrated on the 31st of October and is linked to Halloween celebrations. People leave gifts for the dead to appease their spirits and festivities and bonfires are often lit. Imbolc or Imbolg is celebrated on the 1st of February and is a lesser know celebration. It marks the beginning of spring and rebirth of the land. The final festival, and a very big one for Edinburgh is Beltane. It happens on the first of May and involves a lot of dancing and bonfires. Why not visit Edinburgh this year and attend our Beltain event on the top of Carlton Hill.

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

By Juliet Kinsey

Photo by Polina Rytova on Unsplash

Read more on Scottish history and Festivals with articles on:

The Edinburgh Festival

Image of plastic bottles for blog post July is Plastic Free Month

July is Plastic Free Month

24/07/2023 / / 0 Comments

July is Plastic Free Month

Plastics what’s the big deal?

50% of plastics in the world are made up of lightweight single-use products and packaging materials. The disposal process of these synthetic non-biodegradable plastics has become a problem for the environment, animals, and people.

In 2018 it was estimated between 4.8 million and 12.7 million metric tons of plastics were discarded into the ocean annually, by countries with ocean coastlines.

The Ocean

Once in the ocean, sunlight and seawater react with the plastics. This causes it to become brittle, breaking down and turning into microplastics. These harmful by-products are then ingested by various types of wildlife, such as zooplankton, invertebrates, fish, turtles, birds, and mammals. In addition, ocean currents above and below the sea spread the debris over a wider area, and carry the waste back to the shore, where it affects land wildlife.

Cleaning the oceans is a mammoth task and would cost billions, and as such is not a viable solution. The alternative option was to reduce the use of plastics, which would reduce the amount of waste needing disposal, and so the idea of Plastic Free Month was created.

Plastic Free Month

Join the movement and become part of the solution to help reduce plastic pollution. By replacing single use plastics, you use, one step at a time. Together we can have a massive impact on the overall output of single use non-recyclable plastics. The idea has already been embraced by a million plus participants in 190 countries since Plastic Free Month’s began in 2011. By 2021 those taking part had reduced waste by 2.1 million tonnes.

The Plastic Free Foundation

Setup by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz (the founder of the Plastic Free Foundation) and a small team in local government in Western Australia, it has grown to become one of the most influential environmental campaigns in the world. Six years after its initial set up in 2011, Plastic Free July, led to the formation of the Plastic Free Foundation Ltd, an independent, not-for-profit charity that would support participants and grow the campaign. Plastic Free July has become a key initiative that allows the organisation to work towards a world free of plastic waste.

Their core mission values are:

  • Honesty and integrity
  • Inclusivity of people, ideas, visions, and approaches.
  • A focus on providing solutions.
  • Authenticity and collaboration.
  • The belief that small changes add up to a big difference.

To find out more about Plastic Free Month and some great ideas on how you can play your part in helping and improving the environment, head over to Plastic Free July – Be Part of the Plastic Pollution Solution.

Working to make a difference.

Click on the following link to see how a lab technician and technical assistant at Edinburgh Napier University pioneered a new recycling initiative that has to date (December 2022) re-routed 3,000kg of plastic from general waste to dry mixed recycling.  Lab Plastic Recycling Project (napier.ac.uk)

Or read the blog at: Solving single-use plastic waste with a dynamic duo – The School of Applied Sciences (napier.ac.uk)

By Mo Almas

Read more about the Environment and the world in our article on re-introducing animals to Scotland.

Photo by tanvi sharma on Unsplash

photo of people outside during The Edinburgh Festival

The Edinburgh Festival

10/07/2023 / / 0 Comments

The Edinburgh Festival

Everything you should know about The Edinburgh Festival

The Edinburgh Festival is one of the most famous and internationally loved festivals in the world. It boasts multiple festivals within the festival, as well as art shows and street performances around every corner.

Here’s a list of the main festivals:

There is something for everyone no matter your interest. Us Librarians of course get very excited by the Book festival and a chance to hear our favourite authors read from their work is a rare privilege. All the big names appear in our tiny city and the excitement and energy on the streets is invigorating.

History

Incredibly The first ‘International Festival of Music and Drama’ took place between 22 August and 11 September 1947 (Wikipedia). The ethos behind the creation of the festival was  “provide a platform for the flowering of the human spirit” (Source) after the horrors of the Second World War.

Beginning with the high arts of Ballet, Opera, Classical music and the Visual Arts. It has grown to encompass so much more. The Edinburgh Fringe is a place to hear some of the greatest up-and-coming comedians, as well as standard favourites from around the Globe. The Jazz and Blues festival boasts some of the best musicians in the world. Not to mention the street performances that are free for everyone. Although you will need plenty of time to get between shows as it’s hard to resist stopping constantly to see them all.

Library Resources for Edinburgh Napier members

Whether it’s Jazz musicians or film criticism you are interested in, check out librarysearch.napier.ac.uk for all our resources

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

By Juliet Kinsey

Happy Fourth of July American Flag

Happy Fourth of July Independence Day🎉

04/07/2023 / / 0 Comments

Happy Fourth of July Independence Day🎉

Also referred to as Independence Day, the Fourth of July marks the anniversary of the then 13 colonies declaring independence from the British crown. It has a rich history of celebrations throughout the United States.

On July 2nd 1776, the then continental congress voted for independence. Consequently, two days later the 13 colonies adopted the declaration of independence. Thomas Jefferson famously drafted the document. The Fourth of July has been celebrated ever since. Fun fact, as it was the 2nd of July that congress passed the decision on Independence, future President John Adams refused to celebrate American independence on the fourth of July and marked celebrations on the second. He would die fifty years later on July 4th 1826 (History.com).

Celebrations range from family barbecues to street parades. In addition, firework displays are notorious and have been part of celebrations since 1777, with the first reported in Philadelphia. Early celebrations included having mock funerals for King George III, and the firing of muskets and cannons.  These were followed up by a public reading of the declaration of independence (History.com). In 1870, it was recognised by Congress as a federal holiday, although it was not until 1941, that it would be a paid holiday for federal employees. It was in the late 19th century with the rise of leisure time that family get-togethers and barbecues became more common celebrations (History.com)

Whatever you are doing this year have a happy fourth of July Independence Day!

Read about other celebrations on our blog such as St.Patricks Day and Chinese New Year

Want to learn more about American History? Try Librarysearch.napier.ac.uk for all sorts of information. Need to know how to use it? Read our Guide here.

By Maya Green

Photo by Paul Weaver on Unsplash

 

 

 

Photo of a beatles sculpture for Blog Post on Global Beatles Day

Global Beatles Day

25/06/2023 / / 0 Comments

Global Beatles Day

June 25th

Good morning, Good morning, Twist and shout! it’s the 25th of June. So grab your magical mystery tour ticket to ride, because it’s Global Beatles Day. Furthermore, there’s not a blue meanie insight. So whether you’re a beautiful dreamer or day tripper. Take a swift step back in musical time to find out more about Global Beatles Day.

Can you dig it?

This unofficial holiday is an opportunity for people from all around the world to come together and celebrate the lasting impact the Beatles have had on music history, pop culture and the lives of generations of music lovers. The Band is regarded as the most influential group of all time, a leader of the era’s youth and social movements and influenced the counterculture of the 1960s.

Their experimentation with recording techniques and musical styles resulted in popular music being accepted as an art form. They revolutionised numerous areas of the music industry through pioneering recording techniques, songwriting and artistic presentation. So, if you’re a fan, or you’ve never heard of the Beatles, now’s the perfect time to delve into their work.

The back story: A beginning almost like it was Yesterday:

In 1956 the Band came to the attention of Brian Epstein, a local Liverpool record store manager. He saw their talent and potential for mass appeal. It wasn’t long before the world would be introduced to the Beatles, and the frenzy-based mania they would cause, which UK press aptly went on to call Beatlemania. But first, the band needed a recording deal, which was secured with Parlophone, a subsidiary of the giant EMI group of music labels.

Do you want to know a secret?

Once signed with Parlophone, George Martin became the band’s producer. He was referred to as the fifth Beatle, because of his in-depth involvement with each of the Beatle’s original Albums. Also, he suggested firing drummer Pete Best, who’d been part of the group since 1960. Subsequently replacing him with Ringo Starr, who was a more seasoned drummer.

The boys were also fondly referred to as the Fab 4: Though Lennon and McCartney had been performing together since 1957, with various individuals and changing band names from Quarry Men to the Silver Beatles. Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison recorded together for the first time in 1962.

I’ve got a feeling:

Try to act naturally, but the fans just couldn’t, the mayhem the band caused just by being present here, there and everywhere brought with it an unprecedented level of chaos. The band first appeared on British Television in 1963 and Brain Epstein’s hunch about the band’s mass appeal was correct. Additionally, their songs, popularity and influence made them the centre of attention and admiration for the hopes and dreams of a generation, that came of age in the 60s, and had something to say.

Getting better

A year later they took the states by storm, appearing on American Television and flying high in pop culture. The level of their popularity is encapsulated in the Beatles film A Hard Day’s Night

Here Comes The Sun:

Notably, June 25, 1967, was seen as the pinnacle of “The Summer of Love”, and saw the first-ever live global satellite television link to 26 countries worldwide, broadcasting the BBC’s Our World programme to an audience of 400 million viewers. With none other than the Beatles attending to perform “All you need is Love”. It was for this very reason the first Global Beatles Day was celebrated on June 25th 2009, by Beatles fan Faith Cohen. Faith referred to the idea as “a thank you or love letter to The Beatles”. This idea proved to be a popular means by which fans worldwide, old and new, continue to connect and celebrate the musical legacy of the Beatles.

Goodbye, the end:

I guess all things must pass, and this is where I must leave you. The band formally broke up in 1970. The group members did go on to have solo hits and collaborate with other artists. But don’t let this stop you, because, like many people worldwide, you can listen to the Beatles anytime at all. There’s a wealth of information out there on the band and its members.

If you’re a student or lecturer check out bob (Box of Broadcasts) to watch some of the Beatle’s films or documentaries like:

  • A Hard Day’s night
  • Help!
  • Magical Mystery Tour
  • The Yellow Submarine
Just for fun

If you had to pick 3 of your favourite Beatles songs which, would they be?

Having read the blog, did you spot The Beatles song titles hidden in the text, what are they? and how many are there?

By Mo Almas

——

Thinking about studying a music course, why not look at what Napier University has to offer in Music study

Read more on our blog with articles like:

Image SOurce: Photo by Fedor on Unsplash

image of The Kelpies sculpture at Falkirk for blog post International Faerie Day

International Faerie Day

24/06/2023 / / 0 Comments

International Faerie Day: A Scottish History

So, before we go any further. One thing…don’t call them Faeries! For they most certainly do not like it. Fair folk is fine but remember to show the utmost respect as they enjoy playing tricks on humans and take very badly to perceived slights. Though there is the odd kind faerie, most of them are mischievous at best, and terrifying at worst.

Scotland and Faerie History

In Scotland, Fairies are traditionally called Seelie or Unseelie from the word ‘seilie’ in Scots, which means Happy or Lucky (source). Also known by the fair folk, elevs, good people and many other names. In Gaelic they were called Daoine Sith meaning ‘people of peace’ (not because they were peaceful mind, but as an act of fearful respect).[1] In Gaidhealtachd, the Scots Gaelic oral storytelling tradition they were called the “still folk” or “silently moving people,” spelt SITH and pronounced SHEE [2].

We have mentions of them throughout the last 1000 years of recorded history, which is pretty incredible. Some of our earliest sources are from poems like Thomas the Rhymer, Tam Lin and The Elfin Knight.

Protection

Throughout Scottish History, there are many records of Faeries being blamed for people’s misfortune, from crops failing and cream curdling to lost children.

To protect themselves superstitions grew around how to protect oneself. Wearing rowan berries or decorating your home with them was one. Carrying Iron was another. There were also the acts of Saining or maistir. Saining involves the burning pine cones or metal-imbued water being sprinkled over a new mother and her child. Maistir, a rather more unpleasant choice involved stale urine. This was placed on windows and doors to keep out Faeries…and everyone else probably [3].

It was believed that every source of water from a well to a loch had its own Faerie protector. One must appease these protectors with gifts and respect. This is perhaps why we find so many precious items from the past in them.

Famous Scottish Fair Folk

Apart from Nessie, is any other creature more famous in Scotland now than The Kelpies? The stunning sculptures pay homage to a terrifying creature, half man, half horse. Said to trick the unwary into rides on his back, only to drag them into the water and drown them. Gulp!

The sad tales of Selkies are another well-spun story. Beautiful creatures who take on human form when they remove their seal-like skin. Humans would fall in love with them and trap them by hiding their skins. Preventing the Selkies from returning to their homes. These tales always end in heartbreak when the Selkie finally frees itself and returns to the water where it belongs.

A lesser-known being (I only heard about them when researching this article!) is the Scottish Faerie Vampire. Baobhan Sith. Known to devour their male victims and take their hearts [4].

Not that they were all bad! Wee sprites and Brownies would favour children and help them out in times of peril. The well-known Ghillie Dhu or Gille Dubh was thought to be a kindly sort, devoted to children.

Places to visit

One of the best places for Faerie fun in Scotland is the Isle of Skye. With its well-known Fairy Pools and  Fairy Glen. Take a brave dip in a pool and see who you might meet! or wander the glen just as dusk falls and keep your eyes open.

Although not actual Kelpies thank goodness, Scotland’s stunning sculptural artwork of them is well worth a visit. Also, whenever you are on the coast keep your eyes peeled for both Selkies and Kelpies, but don’t get too close.

No matter where you are in the Scottish countryside, you will find faerie circles hidden in woods or mystical glens to wander through. Just keep your wits about you or you could disappear into the faerie court for 100 years in the blink of an eye!

By Juliet Kinsey

Library Resources

Read more about the subject of Faeries on Librarysearch.napier.ac.uk.

How about this article by Moir Marquis, Otherworld Here: On the Ecological Possibilities of Faeries

or this book: The Virtue of Temperance in the Faerie Queene

To learn about all things fairytale and Celtic, read The Golden Bough.

Why not learn more about History in our blog post on May Day?

References

[1]Henderson, L. & Cowan, E.J., 2001. Scottish fairy belief: a history, East Linton: Tuckwell Press

[2] & [3] https://www.guide-collective.com/gc-magazine/fairies-the-still-folk-of-scotland

[4] https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/15583075.scottish-myths-legends-vampire-fairies-shape-shifting-selkies-loch-ness-monster/

Sources

https://www.scotland.com/blog/faeries-in-scottish-folklore/

https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/stories/fairy-belief-fairy-tales-scotland

https://www.guide-collective.com/gc-magazine/fairies-the-still-folk-of-scotland

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/15583075.scottish-myths-legends-vampire-fairies-shape-shifting-selkies-loch-ness-monster/

https://www.nordicvisitor.com/blog/mythical-scotland-exploring-the-legends/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghillie_Dhu

 

Can music improve your wellbeing and health? Blog post Image of headphones

World Music Day 2023 🎵

21/06/2023 / / 0 Comments

World Music Day 2023: Fête de la Musique

Is there anything better than when your favourite song comes on? Whatever grey clouds are there, good music brings a little bit of sunshine. And that’s what World Music Day 2023 🎵 is all about.  An annual celebration that occurs every 21st of June, originating in France.

The first ever World Music Day took place in Paris in 1982, organised by the Minister of Culture for France. Its objective was to promote music by encouraging amateur and professional musicians to perform in the streets and organising free concerts to make more music accessible. Since it first began, over 130 countries have taken part in celebrations, as well as over 1000 cities worldwide.

Why not try out some World music events right here in Edinburgh this summer! Check out what’s on here.

Resources for World Music Day 2023 🎵

The library has a wide range of musical databases that celebrate musical talent which you can find at our LibGuides

Or search for the vast amount of music scores and CDs available through LibrarySearch 

And of course, our Spotify account!

SO why not spend this day wrapped up in music? Listen to all your favourite songs and dance like no one is watching!

By Maya Green

Find out more about what the Library has to offer over the summer here.

Photo by C D-X on Unsplash

Bike Week 2023: On yer bike! cyclist on bike

Bike Week 2023

05/06/2023 / / 0 Comments

Bike Week 2023

No disrespect to Giovanni Fontana. I’m sure he meant well, but that bike he designed way back in 1418 really wasn’t practical.  For a start, it had 4 wheels and its gears were connected by rope. Still, he was on to something, and a mere 400 years later German baron, Karl von Drais, invented what is regarded as the first modern bicycle – or the steerable running machine as he called it. So what if it didn’t have pedals and the rider had to push it along the ground with his feet? It was the big bang of cycling – the realisation that mechanized personal transportation was a thing, and that thing was here to stay.

Not long afterwards the first pedal-driven bicycle with rear wheel drive was invented by a Scotsman – yay! He was either Kirkpatrick MacMillan or Thomas McCall. It’s been disputed since the 1860s – and that’s when cycling really started to, erm, motor.

Today, of course, bike technology is so advanced that there is a type and model for every type of cyclist, whether you’re into racing, mountain-biking, recreational weekend tootling, getting to work or just nipping down to the shops. And of course, cycling is not just a convenient way to get around, it’s healthy and good for the environment too.

According to charity, Cycling UK, British cyclists notched up 5.03 billion miles in 2020, and the trend is going up by an average of 3 billion every year.  We’re still lagging well behind our European neighbours, though.  Out of 28 countries surveyed, the UK came 25th for cycling.  So let’s all get saddled up and bump up those statistics.

Bike Week 2023

This month national Bike Week takes place from the 5th to the 11th of June. To see how you can get involved, see here:

Bike Week 2023 | Cycling UK

And for more local information, check out: Edinburgh Festival of Cycling | Cycling UK

We at Edinburgh Napier are keen to promote safe cycling in and around the city.  To see what resources are available and how we can encourage you to get on your bike, please see here:

Cycling (napier.ac.uk)

By Lesley McRobb

Exercise is a great way to practise self-care and get fit. For more ideas why not check out some of the books here.

banner image for A Quick Guide to Using Boolean: Top 5 Tricks

A Quick Guide to Using Boolean: Top 5 Tricks

29/05/2023 / / 0 Comments

A Quick Guide to Using Boolean: Top 5 Tricks

Improve your search results with Boolean search operators.

Introduction to Boolean

First off, what the heck is Boolean you may be asking? Boolean search operators are simple terms like AND, OR and NOT or modifiers like quotation marks “”, parentheses () or an asterix*. You use these in conjunction with your search terms to help narrow down your search.

Most search engines, databases and of course library catalogues allow you to use these when looking for books or articles.

Top Tip 1: AND

This makes sure that your search results include all the words you need.

e.g. Zombies AND Aliens

It will remove any results that do not contain all these terms.

Top Tip 2: NOT

This is a great option for editing out results when searching.

e.g. Apocalypse AND Zombies NOT Aliens

Top Tip 3: Quotation marks “”

Quotation marks are one of my favourite search modifiers. Use them to make sure you have an exact match returned. This can be handy for a book or article title if you know exactly what you are looking for.

e.g. “Brave new world”

Top Tip 4: Asterix *

This little “star” is better known as a wildcard and is a pro tip for those who struggle with spelling or want to find results with a variation of the keyword.

e.g. If you use it with say the word Develop* it will return results including “development,” “developer,” and “developing.”

Top Tip 5: Parentheses ()

This is where you can start to get fancy! Use parentheses to group together keywords and control the order they will be searched for.

e.g. (Alien OR Zombie) AND Apocalypse

Now there is another Boolean operator OR (seen above helping out the zombie and alien search) which didn’t make the top 5 but is definitely top 6. Use OR to allow results using multiple keywords.

e.g. (Aliens OR Zombies OR Kittens) AND Apocalypse.

Combining Terms

The best thing about Boolean is it allows you to combine all these operators to make highly specific searches saving you time and effort trawling through pages of results.

e.g. (Aliens OR Zombies) AND Apocalypse AND “Tuesday Morning” Start*

LibrarySearch

Our LibrarySearch Library catalogue helps you to get started with this. Simply click on “Advanced Search” and you will see options to use Boolean operators.

Screenshot of Librarysearch Boolean search operators

So why not give them a go today!

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more study tips in our article on preparing for exams.

 

« Older posts Newer posts »

Contact Us

Email: library@napier.ac.uk

Telephone: 0131 455 3500

Twitter: @EdNapLib

Instagram: @ENU_Library​

 

© 2025 The Library Blog

Theme by Anders Norén — Up ↑