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 7 of 18)

Picture of scrabble squares saying love for blog post A History of Valentine's Day

A History of Valentine’s Day

14/02/2025 / / 0 Comments

A History of Valentine’s Day

‍Love, Legends, and Lupercalia: A Fascinating Journey through the History of Valentine’s Day ‍

Valentine’s Day, a day filled with love, romance, and heartfelt gestures. But have you ever wondered about the origins and true history of this beloved holiday?

Origins of Valentine’s Day: Lupercalia and Ancient Roman Traditions

To understand Valentine’s Day, we must look back to ancient Rome and the festival of Lupercalia. Held on the ides of February, this lively event honored Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture. It featured feasting, dancing, and a unique matchmaking ritual. Young men would draw women’s names from a jar, forming pairs for the festival. These matches often sparked lasting relationships and even marriages.

So, how does St. Valentine fit in? The connection likely began when the early Christian church sought to replace pagan traditions. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius I declared February 14th as St. Valentine’s Day, commemorating a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage by secretly performing weddings. Over time, St. Valentine’s story merged with the celebration of love, giving the holiday its romantic roots.

The Legend of St. Valentine: The Story Behind the Holiday

The true history of St. Valentine is clouded by mystery, with multiple legends surrounding his life. One popular tale describes him as a kind man who, while imprisoned, healed the blind daughter of his jailer. Before his execution, he wrote her a letter signed “Your Valentine,” inspiring the tradition of love notes.

Interestingly, St. Valentine is also the patron saint of epilepsy. Although the details of his life remain unclear, his legend has deeply influenced the Valentine’s Day we celebrate today. Read more on this through Librarysearch.

However, it is important to note that the true history of St. Valentine is still a subject of debate among historians, and the details of his life may forever remain elusive. Nevertheless, the legend of St. Valentine has played a significant role in shaping the holiday we know and cherish today.

Valentine’s Day Cards

Valentine’s cards, or “valentines,” have been a key part of the holiday since the 15th century. In Europe, people exchanged handwritten love notes adorned with lace, ribbons, and even locks of hair. These intricate cards symbolized love and admiration.

The printing press made valentines more accessible. By the 19th century, mass-produced cards with elaborate designs and sentimental verses became popular. These cards helped spread the romantic spirit of Valentine’s Day to people from all walks of life.

The Commercialization of Valentine’s Day

In the 20th century, Valentine’s Day shifted from a simple celebration to a commercial phenomenon. With advancements in technology and a growing consumer culture, retailers saw an opportunity. Soon, chocolates, flowers, jewelry, and extravagant gifts dominated the holiday.

Movies, songs, and advertisements amplified the idea of grand romantic gestures. Today, Valentine’s Day is a multi-billion dollar industry, celebrated with everything from romantic dinners to heartfelt gift exchanges.

Valentine’s Day Traditions Around the World

Although Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide, traditions vary by culture. In Japan, women give chocolates to men on February 14th, with men reciprocating a month later on “White Day.” In Finland, the holiday focuses on friendship, known as “Friendship Day.”

South Korea extends the celebration further. February 14th is for women to give chocolates, March 14th (White Day) is for men to return gifts, and April 14th (Black Day) is for singles to gather and celebrate. These customs show that love, in all forms, transcends cultural boundaries.

Share the Love

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. It’s a chance to celebrate anyone special—family, friends, or even yourself. Whether you embrace its commercial aspects or prefer a more personal touch, the day reminds us to show love and appreciation to those who matter most.

For me, celebrating Galentine’s Day with my friends is always a highlight! How will you celebrate this year?

Resources

Want to deep dive into all things romance? Why not check out an entire Journal dedicated to the subject: The Journal of Romance Studies. Alternatively, get comfy on the sofa with a wealth of romantic movies all freely available through Box of Broadcasts.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read about how wonderful your Library is here on the blog with our posts on “love your Library”

Image Source: Image by Ylanite Koppens from Pixabay

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Check our A-Z databases list – unlock specialised resources

27/01/2025 / / 0 Comments

Check our A-Z databases list – unlock specialised resources

To prepare for your classes and assessments, having access to specialised resources is crucial. One of the best ways to find these resources is by exploring the library’s A-Z databases list. Here’s why this tool is invaluable and how it can benefit your studies.

 

Why check the A-Z databases list?

The A-Z databases list is a comprehensive directory of databases the library subscribes to, organised alphabetically. These databases cover a wide range of subjects and provide access to specialised academic resources, including journal articles, reports, and more. Accessing databases such as CINAHL, ACM or Lexis+ through our A-Z databases page, you will gain seamless access to these valuable tools.

 

Benefits of using databases:

  1. Access resources relevant to your research. The A-Z databases list includes databases that focus on specific disciplines, such as computing, nursing, business, and more. This means you can find high-quality, peer-reviewed resources that are directly relevant to your field of study.
  2. Enhance research quality. By using specialised databases, you can access a wealth of information that may not be available through general search engines. This can significantly enhance the quality and reliability of your research.
  3. Save time. Instead of sifting through countless irrelevant results, the A-Z databases list allows you to go straight to the sources that matter. This targeted approach saves you time and makes your research process more efficient.

 

How to use the A-Z databases list

You can access the A-Z databases list through the LibrarySearch. You will find the Databases tab at the top of the page. Browse the list alphabetically or use subject filters to find databases relevant to your research. Each database has a description and basic information about the resource which will help you choose the right ones for your needs.

By regularly using the A-Z databases list for your studies, you can unlock a world of specialised resources that will elevate your academic work.

By Patrycja Respondek

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

 

Clear your browser cache & cookies – a simple step for seamless access

Clear your browser cache & cookies – a simple step for seamless access

24/01/2025 / / 0 Comments

Clear your browser cache & cookies – a simple step for seamless access

Clear your browser cache & cookies can be a simple step for seamless access. E-resources that are just one click away probably make up the majority of reading and reference lists. We all love seamless access to articles and ebooks: you find it in the Library Search and read it a second later. However, many students overlook a simple yet crucial step that can ensure you won’t stumble upon an “access denied” error when browsing online library resources: clearing the browser cache and cookies. Here’s what cache and cookies are and why you should remember to clear them.

Cache & cookies – what are they?

Your browser cache is a collection of temporary files that your web browser automatically saves as you visit websites. These files include images, sounds, code, and more, which help websites load faster on following visits. Cookies, on the other hand, are small pieces of data stored by websites to remember your preferences and login information.

Why clearing cache & cookies can help

Over time, the cache can accumulate outdated or corrupted files, leading to conflicts and bugs that interfere with website functionality. For instance, if a website has been updated but your browser is still using old cached files, you might encounter problems even after the website itself has been fixed. Clearing your cache forces your browser to download the latest versions of these files, often resolving problems with accessing online resources.

Similarly, cookies can store outdated login credentials, causing authentication errors when trying to access eresources through institutional logins. By clearing cookies, you remove these old credentials, allowing for a fresh login session.

The main takeaway is that when you next can’t access an article or an ebook you found in our Library Search, clear your browser cache and cookies for all times and then try again! Chances are that will solve the problem. If not, don’t hesitate to report an issue by clicking on the wrench icon next to the item in the Library Search.

How to clear your cache

Clearing your cache is an easy process that varies slightly depending on the browser you use. Generally, you can find this option in your browser’s settings under privacy or history. Make it a habit to clear your cache regularly, especially before starting a new research project or when you notice performance issues.

By taking this simple step, you can ensure you get seamless access to online journals and ebooks our library offers.

Instructions for clearing the cache can be found within the relevant browser’s help pages – see links below:

  • Google Chrome – instructions for clearing cache can be found on the Google web pages.
  • Microsoft Edge – instructions for clearing cache can be found on the Microsoft web pages.
  • Mozilla Firefox – instructions for clearing cache can be found on the Mozilla web pages.
  • Apple Safari on a Mac – instructions for clearing cache can be found on the Apple web pages.
  • Apple Safari on an iPhone or iPad – instructions for clearing cache can be found on the Apple web pages.

By Patrycja Respondek

Read more about our E-Resources on the blog with our article  Eresources and Accessibility

 

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

 

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.

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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

A Quick Guide to Finding a Book with LibrarySearch

08/10/2024 / / 3 Comments

Finding a book with LibrarySearch


Are deadlines coming up? Assignments due? And Google just won’t do. Our quick guide to finding a book with LibrarySearch that will save the day!

There are books, journals, peer-reviewed articles and much more. We have over 225 databases, 33 000 journals, 100 000 books and well over 300 000 e-books all available at your fingertips at LibrarySearch. We can’t sing the praises of LibrarySearch enough!!

That’s all great and everything but the question now is how does it work?

Simply go to librarysearch.napier.ac.uk, access it through our web pages or click the shortcut here.

Don’t forget to sign in the right-hand corner to give you full access.

librarysearch screenshot

In the search bar, type the book title. If you don’t have any books in mind, you can type the keywords for your subject area and let LibrarySearch do its magic. There are filters on the side to narrow down your search for example if you only want books and books for a certain decade and books from a certain campus.

Librarysearch screen shot

Once you’ve spotted a book that looks useful click on the link. You will be able to see if it’s available online or in one of our Campus Libraries. If it’s available online just click on the links to take you right on through to your book. If the book is on one of our shelves note down the Dewey Decimal number. It will tell you where your book is positioned. Afterwards, If you get stuck check out our guide or ask one of our lovely Librarians who will be happy to help!

All there to make life easier. Like we said LibrarySearch is there to save the day

By Maya Green

 

Discovered your book on LibrarySearch, but need help spotting it on the shelf? Try our Guide to the Dewey Decimal System here!

Still stuck finding something useful then why not check out our LibGuides

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