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.

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Europe

European Day of Languages

26/09/2026 / / 0 Comments

European Day of Languages

European Day of Languages is celebrated on 26th September every year. Established in 2001, it is a joint initiative by the Council of Europe and the European Commission. Both organisations worked together in 2001 to organise the European Year of Languages. Aimed at the general public to encourage lifelong learning, the European Year of Languages proved to be a phenomenal success, with so many people from 45 countries taking part in activities to promote language learning and protect cultural diversity. The Council of Europe announced that the European Day of Languages should be recognised every year thereafter. It has since been celebrated throughout the EU and further afield.

Aims of the European Day of Languages

The aim of the European Day of Languages is to encourage people of all ages to learn a language. It is promoted by a wide number of organisations, including education ministries, language institutes, cultural organisations, schools and community groups throughout Europe. The theme for European Day of Languages 2026 is “Languages Unite!”, celebrating the many ways languages bring people together, improve understanding, and foster connections across cultures and communities.

The European Union has 24 official languages, although there are estimated to be over 225 languages across Europe.  The 24 official EU languages are: Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish and Swedish. Croatian became the most recent official language of the European Union, bringing the total number of official EU languages to 24 in 2013. Some countries have two official languages e.g., Welsh and English in Wales, Basque and Spanish in the Basque country and Catalan and Spanish in Catalonia.

Learning Languages

Learning languages can be fun and can help us to discover more about other cultures and establish good relationships with others. There are many significant benefits to learning a language. The act of learning a language keeps your brain active and can aid memory, concentration and creativity. It makes travelling easier and allows you to feel more at home when you are overseas. Even a little knowledge of a language can help break down barriers.

People from other countries often appreciate it when you try to use their language, and it’s okay if you make a mistake – it’s all part of the learning process! You can increase your cultural understanding by reading books, watching films, television and news programmes in a foreign language. It can also boost your self-confidence and develop your social skills by enabling you to communicate, interact and cooperate with others, which, in turn, could lead to greater employment opportunities. Having another language makes living, working and studying within Europe more accessible. The EU language policy recommends that pupils in schools be taught two additional languages in addition to their mother tongue. It is believed that this will increase their chances of living fulfilling lives, improve their employment prospects and allow them to actively participate in society.

Why not celebrate this year’s European Day of Languages by committing to learning a language? It can be as simple as learning a few conversational phrases for a forthcoming holiday to help you communicate. There is no single way to learn a language. Everyone learns differently, so here are a few hints and tips to help you get started. Try different methods and see which one, or which combination, works best for you.

  • Learn the basics. A few keywords and phrases, such as basic greetings and simple dialogues, can help to build your confidence.
  • Practise little and often: 10 – 15 minutes per day instead of one long weekly session. Short bite-sized sessions will help to keep you motivated.
  • Memorise whole phrases such as “I would like…” rather than individual words. This will help with sentence structure.
  • Read and speak aloud. Read texts and/or newspapers out loud from day one to train your mouth and ears to process new sounds simultaneously. Make lists and say them out loud. Memorise orders in a bar or restaurant.
  • Write words on Post-it notes and spread them around the house.
  • Watch TV and videos in the language you are learning. You will become familiar with the sounds and pick up occasional words and phrases.
  • Repeat activities to reinforce what you have learned.
  • Visit a place where you can practise using the language you are learning.
  • Revisit something you did at the beginning of your learning journey. You’ll be surprised at how much you have learned!

 

Here are a few websites to help you start your language learning journey:

Learn a Language

 OpenLearn – Open University

BBC – Learn a language? Why? Which? How?

 

The European Day of Languages brings people together to celebrate their diversity and aims to inspire others, regardless of age, to learn a new language and discover the importance of multilingualism. It raises awareness of how learning new languages increases our understanding of other cultures and helps us build relationships with others.

Whether it’s your first time learning a foreign language or you are learning another one, it will be a worthwhile experience. Learning a new language comes with many benefits and presents so many more possibilities for life and work regardless of your age. With such a variety of languages spoken across Europe, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing which language to research on your European Day of Languages.

Happy European Day of Languages. Enjoy your learning!

 

Photo by Christian Lue Unsplash 

 

 You can read about European traditions

reading lists

Reading Lists

25/09/2026 / / 0 Comments

ere Reading Lists

 

Your set reading lists for your modules will be the bread and butter of your research and further study in your specific subject area. Reading lists will also make it easier for you to find, access, and request relevant resources for your coursework and assignments, with all materials categorised as essential or recommended reading for your subject area and modules. All reading list resources and materials are usually up to date and tailored to your specific module and its content for specific weeks throughout each trimester.

Accessing Reading Lists

There are a few ways to access reading lists for your modules. You can find your course reading list on your module pages in Moodle, or search for it in Leganto. If you go into our LibrarySearch catalogue, there is a tab titled Reading Lists above the search bar that takes you directly to these pages.

reading list

Once you click on the reading list tab, you can then put in the module code for your specific subject and access the reading list from there. You will often find that the resources listed are organised under a drop-down menu titled ‘essential’ or ‘recommended’ reading, clearly defining which resources are compulsory reading for parts of your course and which may be useful. You can then click on all the essential and recommended resources and webpages, which will include links to access them via a database we subscribe to or a specific website or link. Physical books and resources have a tab when you click on the full details of the item in which you can place a request for the specific book or item that you need for your research.

Requesting

reading list

Once you click the ‘Request’ button, you will be asked where your preferred campus is to collect the book from and given the opportunity to leave a note if there is anything you would like to ask or inform us about. Requested items will be kept on our hold shelves for up to 7 days altogether before being reshelved. Once collected and checked out at our self-service kiosks, they will automatically renew for up to four months whilst on loan to you unless recalled to fulfil another request. Don’t worry – you will receive an email notifying you if this is the case, and you will have 7 days from the date this email is sent to return the book!

Reading List Material

Some of the books, journals and articles that you will come across on our reading lists will only have digital access provided – usually, to access online resources, a link to a specific database or databases will be provided within the item record. Some E-books can be downloaded; however, others often only allow you to save or print a limited number of pages.

reading list

There are some academic journals and databases may ask you to log in with your student number and password. Databases are accredited academic search engines and websites that give you access to a wide range of up-to-date, high-quality research, articles, and materials. You will find that you will use databases more and more as you progress through your course.

 

More information about Reading Lists, including how to create one, add items and publish one is available in our LibGuide.

 

By Rachel Downie

 

More library information, your subject librarians are there to help

reading lists

Inter library loans

17/09/2026 / / 0 Comments

Interlibrary loans

One of the great perks that you get when you become a student at Edinburgh Napier University is access to our library catalogue, which consists of thousands of books and online articles that you can use to help you in your studies. These books and articles can easily be found, requested, and read through our Library Search, which you can access through the tile on your student app or through a web browser.

However, at some point during your studies, you might feel like you need access to a book or article that isn’t part of our library catalogue. In cases like this our Inter Library Loan (ILL) Service has got your back.

Inter Library Loans allows you to request access to books and articles that are not normally part of our library catalogue. You simply submit a request for the material that you need and the ILL team will get in touch with another university in Britain to see if they have a copy that they would be willing to loan us.
Need access to an article from a journal the university doesn’t have a subscription to? Maybe the ILL team can see if there’s a university who can send us a PDF.
Is there a book that would be just perfect to cite in your assignment, but the university doesn’t have it? The ILL team can check if there’s a university close by who’d be willing to send us their copy.

The ILL service is free to use for students and staff at Napier, but please keep in mind that the university is actually paying for this service on your behalf. So only submit a request for material that you’re absolutely certain you need (and try not to request too much at once!)

We should also note that there are some restrictions to what material we can get through ILL. For example, you won’t be able to request copies of dissertations or theses, and we aren’t able to provide you with access to full copies of e-books. However, we can maybe get you a copy of one specific chapter if that is suitable.

Now let’s go over how exactly the ILL service works.

You can find the ILL service through Library Search by clicking the InterLibrary Loans tab above the search bar and signing into your university account.

Inter Library Loan

Once you’re logged in, you’ll have to select what type of material you’re requesting and then fill out a form provide us with information such as the title, author name, and what journal it is part of if you’re requesting an article. If you only need one book chapter, then you might want to let us know the specific pages as well. You’ll also have to select which of our campuses you would like to collect books from. Articles that you request will be sent to your student email address.

Please make sure that you’ve selected the correct option from the top of the page before you fill out the form. Selecting the wrong option will result in the request being rejected, and you will have to resubmit correctly.

Inter Library Loan fees

Once the request has been submitted, the ILL team will first check if it is necessary for us to get the material through ILL. You’d be surprised at how often people request books through ILL without first checking to see if we already have it in the library!
Many online articles are also available through Google Scholar, so you might want to have a quick check on there before submitting an ILL request.

If the book isn’t available in our catalogue or through Google Scholar, then the ILL team will do a search of our partner institutions to see if any of them have a copy of the material they would be willing to loan us.

For articles and book chapters, these will usually arrive quite quickly as our partners will email them to us in their preferred format – sometimes they send us a PDF, sometimes they’ll send us an encrypted link that can be accessed using a password they provide. We’ll then pass this on to you so you can get to studying!

Please keep in mind that the format the material is provided in is decided by our partner institution, and that these formats sometimes come with restrictions such as links only being accessible a certain number of times or expiring after a certain number of days.

For physical books, we ask that you please be patient and wait at least fifteen days for the book to arrive in the mail from our partner library.
The return date for ILL book is set by our partner library so we ask that you collect the book from your requested helpdesk as soon as you can. You have no idea how many people have come to collect an ILL at the last minute only to discover that our partner library expects the book to be returned to them the very next day!
Once the book arrives it must be collected and returned to one of our library helpdesks during staffed hours (8:45AM to 4:45PM, Monday to Friday) Additionally, ILL books cannot be sent out to you through Postal Loan the way our normal catalogue can be.

As these books are not the property of Edinburgh Napier, we ask that you please be extra careful and look after them when you have them out on loan. Also, you should keep in mind that our partner libraries have the right to recall books at any time. In this case we will email you to let you know when the book should be brought back to us.

This blog post ended up a bit longer than expected, but that’s only because there’s a lot to talk about with our ILL service!
This year alone we’ve supplied over four hundred books and articles to our students and staff through our ILL service, and in turn we’ve lend hundreds of our own books and articles to other universities across Britain.
So why not get involved yourself? It’s a great way to get your hands on some unexpected study material that your classmates might not even know about.

By Matthew Ferrie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September

September Starts

16/09/2026 / / 0 Comments

September Starts

It’s halfway through September; studies are on their way, and the justification to eat Halloween sweets is getting closer.

 

Welcome to Trimester One

Can you believe we’re already halfway through the first week of teaching for Trimester One? As everything starts to settle, we wanted to take a moment to share some fantastic library services tailored for both our undergraduate and postgraduate students. Whether you’re familiar with everything we offer or just discovering the resources available, this post is a handy guide to help you on your academic journey.

Academic Skills and Study Support

First and foremost, the Academic Skills Team should be your go-to for any support in your studies. They provide practical advice regarding your coursework, which can be especially crucial as you navigate the heavier workload often associated with a postgraduate program or navigate your undergraduate program for the first time. You can arrange a one-on-one appointment or attend walk-in sessions on campus. More details are available on their web pages. To make things even easier, they have also produced short pre-recorded videos on Panopto, giving you academic tips in bite-sized formats. Be sure to check out MyNapier for all the information you need related to academic skills and support for research students, including answers to frequently asked questions about research degrees. And we can’t stress how wonderful they truly are.

And Maths Plus, organised by lecturers from the School of Computing, Engineering, and Built Environment, will return to the Merchiston Library soon. we will keep you posted. Maths Plus is 1 on 1 support to help with any mathematical problem.

Our Online resources

If you’re looking for resources, our LibGuides are designed to help you quickly find relevant information specific to your area of study. They offer advice on searching for both print and electronic resources, recommend useful websites, and provide access to databases. Additionally, you can explore our A-Z list of subscribed databases, complete with trial access for your research needs. Our detailed subject guides cover every school within the university, along with resources for conducting literature reviews, developing critical thinking skills, and understanding referencing styles such as APA 7th edition. And our subject librarians are always there for contact if you would like 1-to-1 support, whether on campus or online.

Training and Events Calendar

Throughout the year, we host a variety of workshops and training sessions led by our knowledgeable library staff. These workshops aim to enhance your academic skillset, covering topics like literature reviews and reference management systems such as Endnote and Mendeley. You can easily sign up for these sessions through Libcal, and don’t worry if a session fills up—more will be scheduled throughout the year to ensure you have plenty of opportunities to participate! For more detailed information about our training offerings, head over to the Home page of the Edinburgh Napier University website.

Study Spaces and Relaxation Areas

Each of our campus libraries has a range of study spaces tailored to fit various needs. Whether you require a silent study area to focus on your coursework or a collaborative space to work with classmates, you will find what you need. Our study rooms can be reserved through Resource Booker and most are equipped with PCs, whiteboards, and plasma screens. For students with young children, we also have our family rooms at Merchiston and Craiglockhart.

Wishing you the best of luck

Funnily we have lots of study support posts

campus

Campus guide

14/09/2026 / / 0 Comments

Campus guide

At Napier, we have three university campuses spread across the city of Edinburgh, each of them outfitted with state-of-the-art facilities to assist you in your studies, and each of them serving as the central hub to our different academic schools, with the library catalogue of each campus being focused on that campus’s academic departments.
Speaking from experience, we know that it can be a bit confusing for students (and staff!) to keep track of what things are at each campus, so we thought we’d put together this very quick campus guide to help incoming students get familiar with each campus – and maybe to try and jog the memories of returning students!

Merchiston Campus

First up is Merchiston, our oldest campus and home to the School of Arts and Creative Industries (SACI) along with the School of Computing, Engineering, and Built Environment (SCEBE)
It’s actually from the history of Merchiston that Napier gets its name. The campus is built around Merchiston Tower, which was the family home and birthplace of John Napier, a 16th-century Scottish mathematician who discovered logarithms and helped popularise the decimal point!
Although the tower is typically closed to the public, it is occasionally open for guided tours. So keep an eye out for any upcoming tours if you ever want to get a peek inside!

At Merchiston, you’ll find professional-standard facilities ready to provide you with some hands-on experience in creative fields, such as music recording studios and a news broadcast room. You’ll also find our Merchiston library, with a full catalogue of books covering creative subjects, computing, and engineering, as well as eleven study rooms and dozens of desktop PCs in an open-plan environment with a bright.

But perhaps the most notable feature of Merchiston is the Jack Kilby Computing Centre (JKCC) A 500 seat computer lab complete with all the facilities you’ll need for your studies, including desktop computers, printers, and laptops available for loan. There is also a helpdesk where our student helpers will be available to provide you with any IT support you might need during your time here, from resetting your university password to connecting you to our precious Wi-Fi!
Merchiston is also where you can find the offices for ENSA – the Edinburgh Napier Student’s Association which serves as the university’s student union and is there to provide you with advice and support during your studies, as well as organising social events for you to meet and get to know other Napier students. ENSA also organises and oversees dozens of student societies and sports clubs active at the university.

You’ll find Merchiston in the southside of Edinburgh between Bruntsfield and Morningside, just down the road from Holy Corner (an area named because of the large number of churches it has). This makes it our most centrally located campus, and as a result, it is well served by Edinburgh’s public transport. Bus routes 11, 15, 16, 23, 36, and 45 all stop at Holy Corner just a short walk from the campus, while the 45 bus stops just across the street.

Craiglockhart Campus

Next up is Craiglockhart, home of the Business School and located in the former Craiglockhart Hydropathic Building, a Victorian-era facility that originally served as a healthcare facility before becoming a military hospital during the First World War. The most notable feature of Craiglockhart has to be the Lindsay Stewart lecture theatre, which seats 200 people and looks sort of like a giant silver egg attached to the front of the building.

Our Craiglockhart library is directly downstairs from the entrance atrium and has an open-air plan, meaning if you’re in the library, you can just look up and see right into the entrance atrium above you. Here you’ll find our catalogue of books on business and law studies, collaborative study desks, and separate rooms for quiet and silent study.
One of the most interesting parts of Craiglockhart is the War Poets Collection, an archive of over 800 items relating to the famous First World War poets who spent time at the building back when it was a hospital for British army officers. You can find many of these items on display in the campus atrium.

The Craiglockhart campus is located in the southwest of the city, between Morningside and Colinton, in a quiet suburb. If you ask me, this is maybe our prettiest campus. The building is surrounded by grass and trees, and the back of the campus opens onto Craiglockhart Hill, which offers a lovely view of the surrounding area. I’ve known more than one person who enjoyed spending their lunchtime going on quick walks of the hills, or otherwise just having a little picnic in the sun!
Craiglockhart is serviced by bus routes 4, 10, 27, and 45. It is also a quick walk uphill from Slateford train station.

Sighthill Campus

Finally, there is Sighthill, the newest of all our campuses and home to the School of Health and Social Care (SCHSC) and the School of Applied Sciences (SAS)
Sighthill might be the most high-tech of all our campuses. At Sighthill, you’ll find the Clinical Skills Centre, where our healthcare students can practice what they’ve learned in a simulated environment that closely reflects the atmosphere of a real hospital.

Sighthill also has our largest library, with over 200 computers and 9 study rooms spread across five floors of the Learning Resource Centre (LRC). On the first floor, you’ll find a social area with some tables for socialising and studying. On the second floor, there is our library and IT helpdesk, along with some printers, dozens of computers, and some laptops for you to borrow. Floors three and four house our book catalogue and serve as our silent study floors. And on the fifth floor you’ll find some group study rooms, along with the Horizon Suite – a conference room that has a beautiful view of the surrounding area.

At Sighthill, you’ll have access to ENGAGE Fitness, our on-campus gym and sports facility, which is open to Napier students and members of the public. At Engage you’ll find Olympic weightlifting equipment, as well as a sports hall that can be booked out for badminton, basketball, five-a-side football, and other games.
Sighthilll is also the administrative centre of Napier, being the campus where you’ll find many of our student support departments such as the International Support team, and the Finance office.

You can find Sighthill west of the city centre just off Calder Road in the suburb of Sighthill. The campus is served by bus routes 3, 21, 25, 33, 34, and 35. You can also get here quickly by tram, with the Bankhead Loan tram stop just being a short walk away from campus.

This post has been a long one – but then, there’s lots to say and see at our campuses!
Your studies will mostly be centred around one campus, but hopefully this post has you excited to go visit the others while you’re here!

By Matthew Ferrie

We have lots of campus posts, learn about their quirks and histories

welcome

What do you wish you had known in first year of University?

07/09/2026 / / 0 Comments

What do you wish you had known in first year of University?

 

Starting university is often a significant, exciting but also daunting transition in one’s life. Whether you have moved to the city where your new university is based, commute to the university or have enrolled as an online student, there is often so much to learn, prepare for, and organise – particularly in the first couple of months. This goes beyond just the academic side of university life alone as well – for many students in their first year of university, they may also be living out for the first time, learning to manage finances and budget, making new friends and navigating many other aspects of university life as well. That first year of university often flies by as well, and sometimes, there are things we discover or come across later on in our university careers and life that we wish we had known in our first year.

 

So, we are now allowing you to tell us what you wish you had known in your first year of university! What life lessons, wisdom, and information would you like to pass down to other students commencing their first year of university with us? Pop by one of our campus libraries over the next few weeks and check out our Welcome Week displays where you can leave a Post-it note with a message for our new students (and for us if you wish)!

 

What many students wish they had known in their first year of university…

 

  • Most students wish they had budgeted more, and more wisely. There is often so much going on in your first year of university, academically and socially. This can make it difficult to save money, which is why it is important to make the most of any student discounts you can get, whether it’s on food, entertainment or clothes. Another good way to save money – visiting the library! You can borrow books for free from us rather than buying them, especially textbooks as these can often be very expensive to purchase!

 

  • Start early and plan your studies. You will thank yourself later! Start to search for, save and make notes on any relevant sources and articles you come across for upcoming assignments as early as possible before they are due. Break down each part of the assignment into small, manageable daily tasks by deciding, for example, that you are going to write one chapter or section a day – you may find yourself finishing two or more in fact if you get really into the flow of writing. It is often starting that is the hardest part! Make the most of what our campus libraries have to offer by using our study spaces, physical and online resources, and Libguide, and ask us for help if you need extra support with anything.

 

  • Reference as you go! Leaving your referencing in an assignment, project or dissertation to the last minute never usually ends well – it extends the amount of time it can take to input them all through each page and into the bibliography at the end. It can also lead to you losing or forgetting the source the reference came from in the first place! If you are stuck or need some extra help with referencing, check out our Referencing in APA 7th Style guide in our Napier LibGuide.

 

  • Health is wealth – take care of your physical and mental health! This can include learning to cook health and nutritious meals, exercising, going out with friends, devoting time to hobbies and of course, resting! Make sure to take some time out to relax when you can so that you will feel rested and recharged when you start conducting research and revision again.

 

  • Join societies and social activities to meet your people. Most of your first year of university will involve meeting new people and making new friends along the way. One of the best ways to do this is to join as many societies and social activities as you can, particularly where you are likely to share common interests with others.

 

  • Explore and familiarise yourself with your city and campus. Check out your local shops, cafes, restaurants and green spaces, as well as spots on campus such as your union, social spaces and campus libraries. You may find a new favourite place to study or meet up with friends in the process!

 

  • Ask for help! There are various teams across our three campuses at Edinburgh Napier University which can assist and support you with matters such as finances, academic skills, wellbeing, accommodation and admissions. Our campus libraries are also here to help with matters regarding your studies and research.

 

Book Recommendations…

 

Here are some book recommendations from us which give useful advice and tips on how to make the most of university life in your first year and beyond this. All of these can be borrowed and requested through our LibrarySearch catalogue.

 

  • Starting university: what to expect, how to prepare, go and enjoy, Scallan, Melissa, author.; Salmon, Louise (Editor) editor.; Shields, Molly, illustrator. Second edition. 2021. Available at Sighthill, Merchiston and Craiglockhart campus libraries.
  • Manage your money. Smale, Bob, author. 2019. Available at Merchiston campus library.
  • The little book of student food. Williams, Alastair, 1969- author. 2019. Available at Craiglockhart campus library.

 

Edinburgh

New to Edinburgh? Edinburgh Guide

04/09/2026 / / 0 Comments

New to Edinburgh? Edinburgh Guide

Starting university in a new city can feel a little overwhelming, but one of the best ways to settle in is to get out and explore. And Edinburgh is the perfect city is the best place to do it. With historic streets, green spaces, cosy neighbourhoods and incredible views, there is so much to discover beyond the university campus.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to take your new flatmates, a good spot for a weekend walk, or just somewhere to escape the library for an afternoon, here are some Edinburgh favourites to add to your list.

Arthur’s Seat

One of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks, Arthur’s Seat is a must for anyone new to the city. Sitting in Holyrood Park just a short walk from the Royal Mile, this ancient extinct volcano rises 251 metres above sea level. So expect incredible views.
The walk to the top can be a little challenging in places, but the views are more than worth it. On a clear day, you can see across Edinburgh, over to the Firth of Forth and beyond.
It usually takes around one to two hours to complete the walk, depending on your route and how many times you stop for photos. It’s also a great one to do with your new coursemates or flatmates; just keep the weather in mind!

Calton Hill

If you want amazing Edinburgh views without quite as much effort, Calton Hill is the perfect alternative.
Just a short walk from the city centre, the hill gives you panoramic views across Edinburgh. And you can treat yourself to a little treat at cafe calton and take in the views.
Calton Hill is particularly worth visiting around sunset, when you can watch the city light up below you. It’s an easy way to get one of those classic Edinburgh views without committing to a full hike.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Not every day in Edinburgh needs to involve climbing a hill. If you’re looking for somewhere peaceful, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon to literally smell the flowers.
Covering 72 acres, the Botanics are home to thousands of different plant species, as well as impressive trees, gardens and glasshouses. And its free.

Dean Village & the Water of Leith

For somewhere that feels completely different from the busy city centre, head to Dean Village.
This picturesque area sits alongside the Water of Leith and is full of historic buildings, cobbled streets and riverside views. From Dean Village, you can follow the Water of Leith walkway towards Stockbridge, making it a lovely walk when you want to explore without heading too far out of the city.
It’s also one of those places that makes you realise just how much of Edinburgh there is to discover beyond the main tourist attractions.

Stockbridge & Circus Lane

Carry on towards Stockbridge and you’ll find one of Edinburgh’s most popular neighbourhoods with students and locals alike.
Stockbridge has a village-like feel, with independent shops, cafés, restaurants, charity shops and plenty of places to stop for food or coffee. Make sure to take a little detour to Circus Lane, one of the city’s prettiest streets.
It’s the perfect place for a relaxed afternoon when you don’t have anywhere you need to be.

Victoria Street & the Grassmarket

For a taste of Edinburgh’s Old Town, head to Victoria Street. Its colourful buildings and curved shape make it one of the most recognisable streets in the city, and it’s packed with independent shops and places to eat. Perfect place to capture for Instagram
At the bottom, you’ll find the Grassmarket, a lively area surrounded by pubs, restaurants and some great views of Edinburgh Castle.
It’s also a good starting point for exploring some of the smaller closes and hidden streets around the Old Town. Don’t just stick to the Royal Mile — some of Edinburgh’s best little discoveries are tucked away just off it.

National Museum of Scotland

When the classic Scottish weather arrives, the National Museum of Scotland is the perfect place to escape the rain.
Located in the Old Town, the museum has everything from Scottish history and culture to science, technology, nature and world history. Best of all, general admission is free, making it another great option for students.
You could easily spend a few hours here, so it’s worth keeping in mind for those days when you’ve made plans with friends but the weather has other ideas.

Edinburgh Castle

Of course, no Edinburgh list would be complete without Edinburgh Castle.
Sitting above the Old Town, the castle is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and is packed with centuries of Scottish history. Even if you don’t go inside, there are plenty of places around the Old Town where you can get great views of it.
For one of the best photo spots, head to The Vennel, where you can capture the castle rising above the historic buildings of the Grassmarket.

Explore the Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is one of the first places most people visit when they arrive in Edinburgh — but don’t just walk from one end to the other.
Take your time exploring the small closes, courtyards and side streets that branch off the main road. You’ll find historic buildings, tiny shops, cafés and plenty of hidden corners that are easy to miss if you’re rushing through.
It’s also a great place to bring friends and family when they visit you at university.

Portobello Beach

Yes, Edinburgh has a beach!
Portobello is just a short journey from the city centre and is home to a long stretch of sandy beach, cafés and places to grab an ice cream.
On a sunny day, it can feel like you’ve escaped the city completely. It’s ideal for a summer afternoon with friends, a walk along the promenade or simply sitting by the sea when you need a break from studying.

Bruntsfield & Morningside

If you’re looking to experience a more local side of Edinburgh, explore Bruntsfield and Morningside.
Both neighbourhoods have a relaxed atmosphere, with independent cafés, restaurants, charity shops and plenty of green space. They’re a great change of pace from the city centre and perfect for a lazy weekend coffee or an afternoon wandering around with friends.

Edinburgh’s spooky side.

Edinburgh has a seriously creepy history, so if you’re looking for something a little different, try a ghost or underground tour.
The Old Town is full of stories about murders, ghosts, plague victims and the people who once lived beneath the streets. Tours take you into some of the city’s historic closes and underground spaces, giving you a completely different perspective on Edinburgh.
It’s also a fun option for a group of new friends — especially if you’re brave enough to go after dark!

Make Edinburgh Your Own

The best thing about moving to Edinburgh is that you don’t have to see everything at once. Start with the big landmarks, but make time to wander without a plan too. You’ll quickly find your own favourite café, viewpoint, park or little street.
A great first Edinburgh day could be Dean Village → Water of Leith → Stockbridge → New Town → Victoria Street → Grassmarket, finishing with food or drinks with your new flatmates.
So, once you’ve ticked off Arthur’s Seat, Calton Hill and the Botanics, don’t stop there. Get lost down a few side streets, explore a new neighbourhood and see what you find — that’s when Edinburgh really starts to feel like home.
Photo by Mark Newbury Unsplash 
welcome

Welcome to ENU Libraries: An Introduction

01/09/2026 / / 0 Comments

Welcome to ENU Libraries: An Introduction

A very warm welcome to all of our new and returning students to our Edinburgh Napier University campus libraries this year! Have you had a chance to visit us yet? No worries if not! There is still plenty of time to get to know us, the resources and services we offer, and how we can support you throughout your university journey. Don’t be afraid to pop by one of our help desks to say hello! In the meantime, we will briefly introduce ourselves and share the resources and services we offer to support our student and staff community throughout the year.

 

Books!…

 

What is a library without it’s books? We have a vast range and collection of physical and online books and journals which you can consult and borrow from us. Most of these books and journals are also tailored to your specific school and area of study. Our books and journals can be accessed by visiting our campus libraries or by signing into LibrarySearch, where you can access our e-books or online journals or place a request for a physical book to be kept on hold for you for up to a week at any of our campus libraries, which is most convenient to you.

 

Any physical books you take out on loan will automatically renew for up to four months maximum unless it is recalled to satisfy another request – in this instance you will receive an email regarding this and have seven days to return the item from when the email is sent. You can scan any books out at our self-service kiosks on campus; we also offer a Postal Loans Service which you can apply for as well. More information about Finding and Borrowing Books is available in our My Napier Webpages.

 

PCs and Laptops…

 

Digital access is very important to us at Edinburgh Napier University. Our libraries have loads of PCs in each campus library which are free to use and don’t have to be booked in advance – it’s all first come first served! Some of them also have dual screen monitors if you need to do a bit of multi-tasking, and we also have standing desks as well as seated ones. We also have library laptops which can be taken out and borrowed for up to two weeks – these can be borrowed from our self-service Lapsafe lockers located in our Sighthill, Merchiston and Craiglockhart campus libraries, as well as the JKCC and Bainfield Student Accommodation. Unfortunately, because our library laptops are so popular, they cannot be renewed for more than two weeks, but you can check their availability in the Laptop Availability tile in your student account and My Napier app.

 

Our LibGuide…

 

We have a thorough, up-to-date LibGuide which covers all schools and subject areas at Edinburgh Napier University as well as topics such as copyright, literature reviewing, publishing and open access, reading lists, referencing and how to use reference management software such as Endnote and Mendeley. Check it out! Find out LibGuide in here.

 

Study Spaces and Bookable Study Rooms…

 

Whether you need a quiet place to study or a space to collaborate on a group project, we have a wide range of study spaces tailored to your individual needs in all three of our campus libraries. We also have bookable study rooms which can be reserved through Resource Booker. Rooms can be booked up to 14 days in advance for a maximum of two hours. Some of them are also equipped with AV equipment, screens and PCs as well as whiteboards, tables and chairs – great for a bit of collaborative group work and learning! For students with children or childcare responsibilities, we also have Family Study Rooms in our Merchiston and Craiglockhart campus libraries equipped with toy boxes to keep your little ones entertained while you study.

 

Our Wellbeing Collection…

 

Fun fact: we don’t just have academic books and textbooks! We also have a range of books, DVDs and resources covering topics such as mental health, managing finances, personal relationships, sleep, neurodiversity and university life. They all come under our Wellbeing Collection, which can be found in our LibGuide. In this collection, you can find a range of resources to support different areas of your health and wellbeing, including inspiring stories and practical tips, advice and tools which can be applied to everyday realities and challenges in both your personal and university life.

 

Online Workshops…

 

We have a range of workshops, training and drop-in sessions available, both online and in-person, that can be found and booked through our Libcal. There are sessions specifically tailored to students, staff or both groups sometimes as well! There are workshops and drop-in sessions that cover areas such as getting started with the library, literature reviewing, database searching (sometimes specific ones such as CINAHL or JSTOR), referencing and open access publishing, to give a few examples.

 

Displays…

 

Throughout the year, our library staff will often put up and curate a range of themed displays advertising our resources and services – some of these displays are also in line with national holidays such as Christmas, Easter, Halloween and Valentine’s Day. They often have posters, flyers, bookmarks and leaflets advertising our services and resources – sometimes they may also have some relevant books on display, Post-it notes to leave us some feedback, and even sweets or fruit!

 

Contact us…

 

Need to get in touch with us? Our contact details can be found below.

 

Email Address: library@napier.ac.uk

Phone Number: 0131 455 3500

 

See our Opening Hours here.

 

By Rachel Downie

Need a bit direction, we have a campus guide

Bookshop

Bookshops of Edinburgh

24/08/2026 / / 0 Comments

Bookshops of Edinburgh

If librarians aren’t spending their spare time visiting other libraries, you will probably find them in bookshops. Edinburgh is home to some of the finest bookshops in the world, and we love to share them.

Edinburgh has always been a city that seems made for readers: its winding closes, historic streets and atmospheric cafés. It has captured the imagination of writers over the years. And with this, Edinburgh is home to beautiful independent bookshops that capture the creativity. So whether you are seeking first editions, a story to get lost in, or a gift for someone special, there is a bookshop for you.

Argonaut Books

Argonaut Books, situated on Leith Walk, has established itself as a community-focused independent bookshop. It offers a rich, diverse selection of books for everyone, as well as community events such as workshops and book launches. A true gem to have in your life.

Armchair Books:

At 72–74 West Port, Armchair Books is a wonderful starting point for anyone who loves the atmosphere of a traditional second-hand bookshop. Self-described as “alphabetised chaos” so please be aware when you go in, you will be there for hours marvelling at its magic.

Golden Hare Books

Now heading over to Stockbridge. An award-winning independent bookshop that handpicks books for the ever-changing landscape of fiction and non-fiction. The shop also runs author events, workshops and a reading group, making it a genuine part of Stockbridge

Edinburgh Books

Now in Bruntsfield we have Edinburgh Books, another award-winning bookshop. There is an expansive collection of fiction as well as children’s books; they also hold story time twice a week for under 5 which is much loved. As well as other action-packed events that must be visited.

Lighthouse – Edinburgh’s Radical Bookshop

One of Edinburgh’s most distinctive and beloved bookshops, situated on West Nicholson Street. Supporting small presses and new writers, with a wide selection of books for politically and socially engaged reading. Good destination if you are interested in politics, LGBTQ+, social justice and feminism.

McNaughtan’s Bookshop

For something a little more specialist, head towards Haddington Place and McNaughtan’s Bookshop.

A long history of specialising in second-hand books that appeals to any book collector who has a particular interest in older editions.

This is less about quickly picking up a paperback and more about discovering something with a story

Rare Birds Book Shop

Visiting Stockbridge for the second time, this time to the Rare Birds Book Shop. The shop proudly and exclusively features books written by female authors, celebrating diverse voices across fiction, non-fiction, and captivating contemporary prose. Beyond its inspiring book walls, you will discover a warm, welcoming community hub complete with unique literary gifts, stationery,

Typewronger Books

Another distinctive personality to Edinburgh’s independent bookshop scene.

Located on Bruntsfield Place, it’s a small independent shop with a strong sense of community and an eclectic literary character. It’s the sort of place that rewards curiosity, with books and independent publishing sitting alongside the shop’s distinctive typewriter-inspired identity.

Independent Bookshops

One of the best things about Edinburgh’s independent bookshops is that they aren’t all the same, and these shops all give the city character. Which is magical for a city with rich literary history.  So go and visit one of these beautiful bookshops and remember, there are many other ones too. Independent bookshops provide spaces where booksellers can recommend something personal, readers can discover authors they might otherwise miss, and communities can come together around literature.

Photo by Nathalie Stimpfl, Unsplash 

Got the reading bug? We have some staff recommendations. 

Edinburgh International Book Festival 2026

Edinburgh International Book Festival 2026

14/08/2026 / / 0 Comments

Edinburgh International Book Festival 2026

Saturday 15th – Sunday 30th August 2026.

The Book Festival

The Edinburgh International Book Festival began as a biennial event in 1983 and became an annual event in 1997, and has now been running for over forty years. As one of the largest public celebrations of reading and the written word, there is always something for everyone.

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is a charity which depends on gifts and donations from willing donors to achieve its goal of promoting reading and writing and encouraging an understanding of the wider world, bringing empathy, escapism, entertainment and joy to the masses no matter where they come from, their age, financial status or individual tastes.

Funding is not only required to support the Book Festival itself but also a wide variety of events within schools, hospitals, prisons, libraries and community centres all year round. The funding helps to secure these projects for now and for the future.

Where to find it and what to expect

Every year in August the Edinburgh International Book Festival takes place alongside the city’s Fringe Festival. This year the Book Festival runs from Saturday 15th – Sunday 30th August 2026.

The Book Festival is based at Edinburgh Futures Institute, close to Edinburgh’s Old Town, in what was formerly the Royal Infirmary Hospital building. The old and new architecture really captures the atmosphere of the Book Festival with something to suit everyone’s tastes and loads of cosy corners for reading. The main entrance to the building is just off Middle Meadow Walk at the junction with Porter’s Walk.

The Festival site is open daily from 09:30 – 23:00 and is free to enter. You can enjoy a selection of food and drinks and relax at the indoor café and Courtyard pop-ups. There are some green spaces nearby and cosy indoor nooks available for shelter just in case of inclement weather (it is Scotland after all!).

The famous Festival Bookshop, run by Waterstones, is in a spacious tent in the Courtyard. The bookshop is filled with titles from the authors in the events programme and lots more. The Bookshop also provides space for book signings by authors after their events. There are also other signing locations outside some of the venues hosting author events.

Events and Writers

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is a unique event showcasing both new and well-known writers and celebrates all things literary, bringing together Scottish, British and international writers to inspire each other and the wider public with a series of wide-ranging events. Generating discussions and making them available to everyone is the focus of the Book Festival.

With 600 events taking place over the 16 days, you can explore the events listings to find out what is happening each day and to see ticket prices. Events take place at venues throughout the city with something to suit every age group and every genre. Tens of thousands of people come together every year to celebrate books, and the impact reading can have. The Book Festival is a place where stories come alive, people’s views can be heard, and new perspectives are discovered. It can inspire conversations and debates, helping us to understand the world around us and opening our minds to other cultures and new perspectives.

Discussion, performance and interactive events are now popular elements of the Festival, as well as the more traditional author talks, strengthening the Book Festival’s prominence as a dynamic conference which encourages people to ask questions and exchange views with writers and experts on various subjects, whether social, ethical or political, all the while remaining literary and cultural.

The format of events can vary from a typical interview with an author, Q&A session and book signing or a debate hosted by a chairperson where the audience are also invited to ask questions. More unusual events may involve enjoying food and drinks or a ramble through the city’s Old Town searching for favourite characters such as the Gruffalo. Events for children can vary in activity levels – some will be more energetic with singing and dancing; some will involve play time while others offer a chance to unwind with some quiet time listening to a storyteller. There is a packed programme of events this year with something to suit everyone – all ages and all genres. Colm Tóibín, Meera Syal, Ann Patchett, Matt Haig, Lorraine Kelly, Prue Leith, Alan Davies, Jacqueline Wilson and Liz Pichon are just a few of the famous faces who can be seen at this year’s Book Festival.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it in-person to your favourite events. Most of the events in larger venues are livestreamed and are available to watch both in-person and online, so you don’t need to miss anything! A variety of cameras are used to film live footage of both the stage and the audience so you can see the whole event online if you are unable to attend in-person.

So, explore the programme, find an event that interests you and get involved. You never know, you may even be lucky enough to see one of your favourite authors meandering around the Book Festival!

 

By Sharon McMichael

 

Why not read our article on world book day?

 

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