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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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?

 

Reading lists

Reading Lists: Best Practice Tips for Academic Staff

12/08/2026 / / 0 Comments

Reading Lists: Best Practice Tips for Academic Staff

As the start of a new academic year approaches, we wanted to share some advice from the library for creating or updating reading lists! To support this, library staff will be running training sessions on the Leganto reading list platform in late August 2026. Dates, times, and booking information for these sessions are available in Libcal.

Effective reading lists are more than a collection of resources, as they can:

  • Help students manage their workload.
  • Provide a structured route through relevant literature.
  • Support student engagement with key concepts explored throughout a module.

Whether you are creating a brand-new list or reviewing an existing one, these simple tips will help you make the most of your reading lists.

Set Manageable Expectations

It can be tempting to include every potentially relevant resource that you’ve found, but a focused reading list will often provide a clearer and more manageable learning experience for students. As a rough guide, limiting a list to a maximum of 100 items will greatly improve its usability, particularly for users of accessibility tools such as screen readers.

Instead of providing an exhaustive list of resources, consider directing students to Library Search to start their own research. In this way, keeping your list to a realistic length will encourage readers to carry out their own searches and find further material.

Structure Resources around Learning

Even if it is a more manageable length, an unstructured list can initially be overwhelming. Our reading lists can be structured using sections and tags to help you arrange and prioritise the resources in your list.

Organising resources into sections – which can be based on weeks, units, or topics – will allow students to navigate easily to relevant resources as they work through the module content. Within these sections, using tags to mark resources as ‘Essential’ or ‘Recommended’ will make your list more user-friendly, by helping students to identify the key resources at each stage of their learning.

Think beyond Books

One of the most common misconceptions about Reading Lists is that they are only for books. In fact, our Reading Lists can contain more than fifty different resource types, including journal articles, videos, maps, transcripts, or podcasts.

Including a variety of formats – such as links to Box of Broadcasts, sound recordings, or YouTube videos – not only makes your reading list more engaging, but can also help to make the list more accessible.

Review and Refresh

It is good practice to review your list yearly to check on any updated editions, add emerging research, and review the list’s structure and tags. As academic publishing can change quickly, access to the most up-to-date resources and perspectives is important for students.

The reading list tool embedded in your module will roll over when Moodle refreshes*, so you can continue to work with the previous year’s list. Conducting an annual review of any reading lists linked to your ongoing modules will ensure they remain relevant, accurate, and aligned with your learning outcomes.

* Please note, one exception to this automatic roll over is cross-listed modules (those with an XL code). For these, please contact your subject librarian to assist with the rollover of your reading list.

Work with the Library

Remember, the library is available to you at every stage of the reading list process. Library staff can:

  • Check and update links to ensure resources are accessible.
  • Purchase recommended materials where appropriate. You can add resources not currently available via the library to your list, and we will investigate whether purchase is possible.
  • Advise on alternative options when electronic formats are unavailable or we cannot supply sufficient licences for access.
  • Where possible, support digitisation requests through the Digital Extracts Service to make a book chapter or journal article available online through the Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA).

To ensure that library staff have time to investigate purchase or alternative access options if needed, please submit any reading lists for review four weeks before the start of trimester.

Not just for Teaching

Lastly, you can also use reading lists to organise resources outside of teaching for your modules. All staff and students have access to the reading lists platform, called Leganto. You can use this platform to create a journal club, set up a tutor reading group or even just to organise your own personal list of resources – and you don’t have to worry about this list being too long!

For example, get inspired by this list of suggested Summer Reading from the library, or take a moment to explore our Wellbeing Collection list.

Find Out More

For even more information on reading lists, please go to our Reading Lists LibGuide, which provides instructions and guidance for every step of the process. Or, as mentioned at the start of this post, you can attend one our upcoming workshops found on Libcal.

Finally, if you need any further support or have any questions about this topic, remember the library is here to help!

By Anna Langdon

Books

Book Lovers Day

09/08/2026 / / 0 Comments

Book Lovers Day

 

Calling all book lovers! Today is National Book Lovers Day – the perfect opportunity to embrace your love of literature and immerse yourself in a good book. This could be a new book you purchased or borrowed from the library recently, an old favourite which you have read many times, or even a book recommended by a family member or friend that you have not started reading yet that you have been keen to start for a while. The possibilities are endless! National Book Lovers Day also encourages and promotes all forms of reading, whether it is a hardback, paperback, e-book, or audiobook.

 

History of Book Lovers Day…

 

National Book Lovers Day is recognised as an unofficial holiday, so much about its origins, such as its official creator or founder and when it began, is unknown. It primarily emerged among local communities that enjoyed reading and wanted to widely promote this love of books and literature across other communities and regions. This national day is now widely recognised and celebrated across the globe.

 

Health Benefits of Books…

 

The annual ‘State of the Nation’ study conducted by The Reading Agency found that just over 50% of UK adults would describe themselves as regular readers, with the most notable rise being among demographic groups in their 20s and 30s. This is not only good news for bookshops, booksellers and libraries – it can also improve the well-being of individuals and communities on a national level as studies have shown that making reading a regular activity is linked to cognitive benefits such as lower stress levels, a more enhanced vocabulary, higher empathy and improved focus and concentration.

Since stress is one of the biggest killers regarding how it increases your risk of a heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke, this means that reading regularly can not only have cognitive benefits but also physical health benefits as well. Reading is also very good for your mental health. According to statistics compiled in a report written in 2025 by The Reading Agency, more than half of individuals who read regularly were more likely to express that they were generally happy and in good spirits. Just over half of the participants who read regularly also reported better sleep and greater ease in relaxing and ‘switch off’. Participants in this study who read regularly were also 32% less likely to report feeling depressed or anxious.

 

How our Libraries can help…

 

Did you know that, in addition to academic textbooks, journals, and articles, we also have fiction books in our library stock? If you are a student or staff member, or have an external or SCONUL Access membership with us, and need a break from academic texts, we have a variety of fiction that covers various themes and genres, all of which can be found in our LibrarySearch catalogue. They can also be accessed and requested through LibrarySearch as well if you have the required borrowing and access privileges.

When requesting a book from us, you can select your preferred campus to pick it up from – we will then send the requested item to your chosen campus library for pickup. We also have a wide range of seating areas and relaxation spaces in all three of our campus library which you can use whilst reading any of our or your own books. Our libraries are devoted to providing quiet, accessible spaces for patrons, and if you need a peaceful place to read, you have come to the right place!

 

Much of our fictional texts can be found in our Wellbeing Collection. This collection has been specially curated with books and resources that cover a variety of themes and topics, including relationships, mental health, neurodiversity, digital well-being, and university life. Texts can be either fiction or non-fiction as well.

By Rachel Downie

 

world cat day

World Cat Day

08/08/2026 / / 0 Comments

World Cat Day

 

Gather round all cat lovers and feline enthusiasts! Today is World Cat Day, which takes place on the 8th of August every year. This year, World Cat Day falls on a Saturday (shall we call it Cat-tur-day?) and was established by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), one of the largest animal welfare charities globally. Their fundamental objectives when launching this international day were to promote cat welfare, responsible ownership, and the protection of felines, as well as to celebrate their species overall. This very much remains their primary focus to this day. A large number of cat shelters also organise and run special adoption events or alternatively campaigns to raise awareness of cat protection and care on the 8th of August every year.

 

Some fun facts about felines…

 

  • There are approximately 600 million cats worldwide. This includes pets, feral cats and strays.
  • Having a cat neutered and spayed helps reduce the number of homeless cats and improves their overall health.
  • The longest living cat lived until the age of 38! Born on the 3rd of August 1967, Creme Puff exceeded the average lifespan of an indoor domesticated cat (12-18 years) before eventually passing away in the year 2005.
  • Following on from the previous fact, Creme Puff’s owner, Jake Perry, also owned a cat called Rex who exceeded the average feline lifespan, living to the age of 34! Rex held the record for the longest living cat prior to Creme Puff.
  • We share the same emotional regions of the brain as cats, so, cognitively, humans may be more like cats than we think!
  • The average cat has 18 toes, distributed between its front and hind paws. However, most cats have a condition called polydactylism, which causes them to be born with extra toes.
  • Cats, on average, sleep for a maximum of 15 hours a day, which takes up an estimated 70% of their lifespan in total!
  • In Ancient Egypt, cat owners would shave their eyebrows off as a ritual of mourning when their cat passed away. Cats, like humans, were also mummified after death and buried in tombs with their owners.

 

How you can support the cause…

 

There are many ways in which you can make a positive difference for our feline friends, whether it is from home, digitally or out in the local community.

 

  • Spreading the Word: Probably one of the easiest ways to support the cause – you can share any posts, pictures, stories or factual information on your social media channels to promote awareness regarding cat protection, care and advocacy.
  • Donate or Raise Money: You can make a one-off or regular donation to cat shelters and charity organisations, or provide any used items you are clearing out, such as towels or blankets. If time and resources allow, you can even organise a fundraising event or activity within your local community.
  • Treat your Feline Friend: Give your own cat some spoiling this International Cat Day! Treat them to a grooming session, a new toy or even some cuddles on your lap.
  • Volunteering: If you have a bit of spare time and perhaps want to send some of that around cats, you can volunteer to help out at a local cat shelter or rescue group, which could involve tasks such as bathing, feeding and socialising the cats there.

By Rachel Downie

 

Photo by Raoul Droog Unsplash

 

Have more of an animal read

library summer services

Library Summer Services

24/07/2026 / / 0 Comments

Library Summer Services

We wanted to let you know that despite the fact that it’s summer and there are building works going on at both Merchiston and Craiglockhart campuses, all campus libraries are open and staffed to provide assistance throughout the summer. We can help with all library-related questions, connect you to Wi-Fi, do password changes, help with multi-factor authentication and more! Our webpages have lots of useful information so even if our helpdesks are not open you may still be able to find what you need there.

Opening hours

Information about our opening hours and how libraries are being affected by ongoing works can be found on our website.

Library Search

Our catalogue Library Search is available 24/7 to search for books and articles. Don’t forget to sign in to view articles and e-books and to view your loans or pay outstanding fines.

Book loans

Books can still be borrowed and returned. All loans are extended over the summer and will be due back to us by 18th September 2026. Inter library loan  requests can still be submitted and will be processed and supplied as normal.

Laptops

Laptops can be borrowed from and returned to lapsafes. The laptop loan period does not change over the summer so continues to be for 2 weeks and overdue laptops will still be locked. Long term loan laptops due for return can be returned to helpdesks during opening hours.

Printing

Printers are still available and can be used as long as the library is open, and you have sufficient print credit.

Study rooms and spaces

Although it’s summer and libraries are used much less, we recommend booking a study room if you want to use one. Group study rooms are still in demand, and some will be upgraded over the summer, making them unavailable at times. Remember that a booking has priority over a “drop in”. Use Resource Booker to make your booking. Booths and collaborative desks are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Study spaces are available for use as long as there aren’t any building works going on in the area. We have quiet rooms and silent study rooms for those who find noise a distraction.

Relaxation spaces

Our relaxation spaces can be used throughout the summer if you are on campus and need to take a break. Colouring sheets, books, jigsaws and origami paper are all available to use.

Subject librarians

Your subject librarians are still around to provide expert assistance with referencing, databases, and so much more. Use the contact below if you would like to get some help from them.

Email: library@napier.ac.uk

Outwith staffed hours you may be able to find the information you need in the Subject Guide for your area of study on LibGuides

Training

There are still some online training sessions running over the summer, which may be helpful. Courses, dates, times and booking information can be found on Libcal.

Whatever your course or study needs over the summer, we have a range of resources available to you, and don’t forget we are on campus to help during staffed hours. We wish you successful summer studies!

By Vivienne Hamilton

 

 

 

study spaces

The Best Library Spaces for Different Types of Study

19/07/2026 / / 0 Comments

 The Best Library Spaces for Different Types of Study

There are several different study spaces available across our campus libraries to support your needs. From social study spaces that allow for collaborative work to individual spaces, silent study areas, and family study rooms, we have something to suit everyone. 

Study rooms are available across all campus libraries and must be booked in advance via Resource Booker. You can book a maximum of one two-hour slot per day. During assessment periods, this is extended to five hours per day. Study rooms can be booked up to 14 days in advance.  

Craiglockhart and Merchiston libraries have Family Study Rooms for students who have children with them. Please book rooms in advance of your visit. 

Library opening hours vary across our campuses. We are currently operating our Summer Library timetable. Our standard opening hours will resume in September. 

Please read on to find out more about the study spaces available at each of our campus libraries. 

 

Craiglockhart Spaces

Social study spaces are available in the main area of the library, which also includes a relaxation space where you can take a break from your studies. 

Five study rooms are available throughout the library. Each has a plasma screen, a whiteboard, and a webcam. 

There is also a quiet study room and a silent study area for those who prefer a more peaceful environment for studying. 

 

Merchiston Spaces

Please note: Zones 2 – 5 are currently closed due to essential maintenance works and are expected to re-open in September 2026. 

Merchiston Library is available 24 hours a day during term time. You can use the library freely each day from 8am – 5pm. You will need your Student ID to access the library after 5pm. 

Merchiston Library is divided into 5 separate zones allowing for different types of study spaces with 11 study rooms available. 

Zone 1 is a social study area which allows for independent study and group work. There are round tables to allow for collaborative working and several computers available for use. There are also two study pods with large screens for independent or collaborative working. Here you will find Study Room 8 where you can connect your own personal device to a large screen. 

Zone 2 is another social study area which allows for individual study and collaborative working. Computers are available for use in this area. 

Study rooms 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 are available where you can connect your own device to a screen. There are also two study pods in Zone 2. 

There is also a relaxation space to help you unwind from your studies. 

Zone 3 is a silent study area with individual study spaces over two floors.  

Zone 4 allows for independent study and collaborative working. Noise should be kept to a minimum. 

Zone 5 has independent study desks and desks for collaborative working. This is a quieter area where noise should be at a minimal level with low work-related conversation. Study rooms 3, 4, 9,10 and 11 are available in Zone 5. Please note that these study rooms will be closed from 9pm to 9am.  

 

Sighthill Spaces

Sighthill Learning Resource Centre offers students a range of comfortable study environments with up-to-date facilities spread over five floors. 

Nine study rooms are available, and all are equipped with computers; most also have plasma screens. Study room 4.E.03 has an adjustable height desk. 

Silent rooms (3.E.07 and 4.E.07) provide the opportunity for silent study with great views towards the Castle and Arthur’s Seat. 

LRC Floor 1 is a social study space with a combination of study booths and collaborative desks. This can be a noisy area. 

LRC Floor 2 is where you will find the helpdesk. There may be some noise, but it should be quieter than on Floor 1. Computers and desks are available in this area for independent or collaborative study. 

LRC Floor 3 is a quiet study area but there may be some low-volume work-related conversations. Silent study room (3.E.07) contains individual study spaces and two dual screen PCs. Sighthill Library relaxation space can be found on the east side of LRC3, where you can rest and enjoy the natural light and views of the surrounding area. 

LRC Floor 4 is also a quiet study area where low-volume work-related conversations may occur. Silent study room (4.E.07) contains individual study space, one large monitor and two dual screen PCs. 

LRC 5 has group study spaces, laptop tables, four group study rooms and comfortable seating. 

Please see Group Study Rooms for more details on what facilities are available across our campus libraries. 

 

Relaxation Spaces 

Each campus library also hosts relaxation spaces allowing for more informal study or a place to unwind from your studies for a while. Comfortable seating and indoor plants provide a pleasing environment to help you relax and a range of activities such as jigsaws, board games, Lego, colouring sheets and craft materials allow you to de-stress and take a break from studying. 

 

As you can see, there are a wide variety of study spaces available across our campus libraries. ENU students can use any of our campus libraries regardless of which is your main campus. 

If you require assistance while using our libraries, please contact staff at our library help desks, call us on 0131 455 3500 or email us at Library Enquiries. 

By Sharon McMichael

 Campus Guide

 

 

 

horoscopes

Dewey Decimal Classifications as Star Signs: Finding Your Cosmic Library Identity

16/07/2026 / / 0 Comments

Dewey Decimal Classifications as Star Signs: Finding Your Cosmic Library Identity

Forget birth charts. The Dewey Decimal System not only organises books but also aligns with zodiac signs. So, which shelf matches your sign, and what does it say about you?

♈ Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Your Section: 790s — Sports, Games & Recreation

You don’t read the instructions; you are more of a figure-it-out-as-you-go kind of person. Your library books are full of ambitious hobbies that, of course, you’ll absolutely master.  You’re always ready for new challenges. This month’s forecast: Say yes to a new challenge, but maybe finish one project before starting four more.

♉ Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Your Section: 640s — Home & Cooking

Comfort is an art form for you. You know the best reading chair, the best bakery, and exactly how many blankets are appropriate, which is always more. Hey, you just like to be comfy. This month’s forecast: Your ideal weekend involves snacks, soft lighting, and one really good book.

♊ Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Your Section: 400s — Language

You collect interesting words so other people can keep the stamps. Your browser history contains things like “etymology,” “how to pronounce…,” and six unrelated Wikipedia rabbit holes. This month’s forecast: Someone fascinating is about to cross your path. Ask questions!

♋ Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Your Section: 800s — Literature

You don’t just choose books; they choose you like a true wizard. You develop attachments to fictional families and often end up crying over endings and maybe adverts. This month’s forecast: A comforting reread may be exactly what you need.

♌ Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Your Section: 700s — Arts

Life is a performance, and honestly, you’re giving an excellent one. Whether it’s painting or theatre, you’re drawn toward creativity that makes people stop and look. This month’s forecast: Your creativity deserves an audience.

And Happy Birthdays, Leos!!

♍ Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Your Section: 005 — Computer Programming & Productivity

You appreciate systems that make sense. Colour-coded spreadsheets? Beautiful, why doesn’t everyone do this? The Dewey Decimal System itself is basically your comfort language (hello librarians). This month’s forecast: Remember: “good enough” is sometimes genuinely good enough.

♎ Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Your Section: 700s — Design & Decorative Arts

You have opinions about book covers and believe beauty matters, whether it’s architecture or typography. You’ve got style. This month’s forecast: Trust your aesthetic instincts—but don’t spend three hours choosing between two identical notebooks.

♏ Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Your Section: 130s — Paranormal & Mysteries

Ghosts? Ancient conspiracies? Unsolved disappearances? Your light reading is often shrouded in secrets and hidden motives, so maybe not so light??. This month’s forecast: Curiosity may uncover something surprising.

♐ Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Your Section: 910s — Travel & Geography

You’re always mentally packing a suitcase. Whether you’re exploring a new country or diving into a culture through literature, adventure is your natural habitat. This month’s forecast: Follow the road that looks interesting.

♑ Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Your Section: 650s — Business & Management

Goals and checklists? You have them. You secretly enjoy productivity books and aren’t ashamed of it. This month’s forecast: Success is coming—but so is your reminder to take a lunch break.

♒ Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Your Section: 001 — Ideas, Inventions & Future Thinking

You live three trends ahead of everyone else, get it. Your reading list follows a chaotic yet intriguing path from artificial intelligence to speculative architecture. This month’s forecast: Your weird idea might actually be brilliant.

♓ Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Your Section: 200s — Mythology, Spirituality & Religion

Reality is optional for you. You love stories that ask impossible questions and leave readers saying, “Wait… what just happened?” **This month’s forecast: Pay attention to your imagination. It’s trying to tell you something.

No matter your sign, your next great adventure is waiting somewhere between 000 and 999. The stars may influence your personality, but your library card is what determines your destiny. So go on, explore your shelf and see where your cosmic and literary paths converge!

Photo by New York Public Library Unsplash

Have a read over some fun posts

Share & Discover: The ENU Research Repository Explained

Share & Discover: The ENU Research Repository Explained

12/07/2026 / / 0 Comments

Share & Discover: The ENU Research Repository Explained

 

An institutional repository is an online platform where a university collects and shares its research. Think of it as a digital home for the work created by staff and students. It helps make research more visible, keeps it safe in the long term, and allows others to discover and use it. At Edinburgh Napier, the repository is a public-facing side of Worktribe, the system used to record research activity.

Whether you’re a student starting your first research project or an academic sharing your latest publication, the ENU research repository is a valuable service provided by the library to help you showcase your work.

Why Use the Repository?

 

There are plenty of benefits to using the repository, both for researchers and the wider community.

 

  • It increases visibility. When you upload your work, it can be found through search engines such as CORE, Google, or our LibrarySearch. This means your research can reach a much wider audience, not just those with access to academic journals.

 

  • It helps preserve your work. The repository provides a stable, long-term archive, so your research remains available even if journal access changes or websites disappear.

 

  • Your repository page acts as your academic staff profile. By keeping your outputs up to date in Worktribe, you can easily present your research and keep a complete record of your work.

 

  • Keeping an up-to-date record of your research is necessary for upcoming REF2029. All outputs to be submitted to REF must be recorded in the repository.

 

It’s worth noting that the repository isn’t just for journal articles or books. It supports a wide range of research output types, including datasets, reports, podcasts, exhibitions, teaching resources, and many others. This reflects the diversity of research at ENU and helps promote work from across all disciplines.

 

Supporting Open Access

One of the repository’s most important roles is helping researchers make their work openly accessible.

Under the university’s Open Access Policy and rights-retention approach, ENU academics retain the right to share copies of their accepted manuscripts in the repository. This is known as green open access. It allows journal articles and conference papers to be freely available, even if they are published in journals behind a paywall.

As an author, all you need to remember is to upload your accepted manuscript to Worktribe. Once it’s in the system, it can be shared in the repository with a Creative Commons licence, helping more people access and use your research.

 

Did you know?

 

The ENU repository is an ideal place to share research data. In this short video, we explain how to make your data available using Worktribe.

 

You can also easily request a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) for your outputs hosted in our repository, such as datasets or reports. A DOI gives your work a permanent, citable link, making it easier for others to find and reference it. When creating an output record, simply click ‘Request DOI’, and the repository team will assign it.

 

Getting Started

 

Using the repository is straightforward and brings real benefits to your research visibility. The library repository team manages the outputs section of Worktribe and is happy to help with any questions you might have. Please send your queries to repository@napier.ac.uk.

 

For more information about the repository and open access publishing, see the Publishing and Open Access LibGuide. You can find guidance on using Worktribe on the staff intranet.

And we have another bloghttps://blogs.napier.ac.uk/library/?s=open+access posts

By Patrycja Respondek

Green library

Stars and wishes for green libraries

10/07/2026 / / 0 Comments

Stars and wishes for green libraries

 

In the face of consumerism and the throwaway society, libraries have become community oases with the potential to embody all three principles of sustainability (as described in the Guiding principles for sustainable development document published by the UK government). Their role will certainly become pivotal in the green future of societies.

 

Libraries as environmental guardians

 

At Edinburgh Napier University, Craiglockhart Library quite literally evokes the idea of a green library. The campus is nestled in what we would describe in French as “un écrin de verdure” (essentially, a metaphorical green jewellery box), as the buildings sit atop a small hill, surrounded by trees and green spaces. From the library office, large bay windows face the slope of Craiglockhart Hill West, covered in a tangle of trees and ferns. Slowly coming out of winter this year, we have been eyewitnesses to the re-greening, budding and blossoming of trees, hedges, and shrubs, which have now left a palette of lovely green hues among plants and leaves.

It feels like a privilege to take your eyes off the computer for a few moments and spot and follow the wanderings of a rabbit, a squirrel, or even a fox. You can leave the library building at lunchtime and take a walk around campus while listening to the song of various birds in the trees and you may be rewarded with the sight of a robin performing its lovely song from a high-up branch, its tiny throat quivering as it warbles.

Therefore, Craiglockhart Library is an example of a library which can offer what could be described as “green wellbeing” to people. Library staff there have taken this idea even further by bringing the greenery indoors, with plants lining the office bay windows and dotted throughout the library. Of note from last year – a cherry tomato plant in our office kept producing tomatoes well into the beginning of winter, and this was a source of joy for many of us.

 

Libraries as inclusive spaces which foster social interactions

 

Few places offer a stronger sense of community than libraries do. Libraries strive to bring people together in inclusive spaces which can become a lifeline and offer relief from isolation and loneliness. Reading is an excellent way to learn new things, reflect, develop new skills, and broaden one’s horizons. Picking up a book can also open a door onto adventure and feelings of joy, suspense but also tears, and it comes at no additional cost for library users.

At Edinburgh Napier University, our three campus libraries located at Craiglockhart, Merchiston and Sighthill are welcoming and safe places for everybody and offer a wide range of spaces and services to meet the varying needs of our library users.

  • Need to focus on your studies or revise for exams? Feel free to use our quiet and silent study rooms.
  • Preparing for a group presentation? Why not book one of our group study rooms or use one of our open-space study booths?
  • Looking for resources for your assessment? Browse our shelves and use Library Search to access both print and digital items.
  • Looking for books to support your wellbeing? Our wellbeing collections of self-help books are available for you at our three campuses.
  • Want to take a break after a busy day? Make your way to our relaxation area. If you need quiet time to yourself, why not sit at one of our jigsaw tables and build a puzzle for a while, to take your mind off things? We also have colouring books and board games available.
  • Need help accessing our services or any questions? Our friendly staff are here to help at the library desk, Monday to Friday, 8.45am-4.45pm.

 

Libraries as advocates for a circular economy

 

The usual “green gestures” for the environment are of course as important as ever to reduce energy and resource waste in libraries, such as (but not limited to): switching lights off after hours, switching electronic devices (such as PCs and laptops) off after use, printing less and using the appropriate bins for the suitable type of waste.

However, libraries go further than just reducing waste and energy consumption – they promote the re-generation of resources, which underpins the circular economy model (as described by the UK Green Building Council). The lifecycle of library’s printed and digital resources and physical equipment (such as desks, chairs, PCs, laptops) shows that items and furniture are constantly being re-used and borrowed by many different users, and this demonstrates how efficient these spaces can be.

At Edinburgh Napier Libraries, physical books at the end of their lifecycle with us are withdrawn from our collections and enter a new life with Better World Books (further details can be found in our “Green and Sustainability Libraries” 2025 blog post).

Merchiston Library also offers a community library space which works as a book exchange corner where people can leave their own books and take new ones. These books are not part of the catalogue and can be taken freely. This supports the community in circulating and reusing books even further.

Libraries are also learning hubs for DIY skills, which are becoming critical in turning our society greener. At Merchiston Library, you can browse our collection of gardening books and learn how to grow your own food, even in reduced spaces in the middle of the city. At Craiglockhart Library, you will find origami guides and origami paper in our relaxation area – why not try and learn to make origami to embellish your flat or house, instead of buying (often industrially-made) decorations from shops?

 

Re-thinking and recycling library spaces

 

Libraries are already doing an incredible job as green spaces. Depending on their location, they may promote access to surrounding green spaces or bring plants to the library. They also provide solid support for the community’s wellbeing and inclusion, and they encourage the efficient use and cycling of resources.

Many library spaces are not limited to promoting reading and studying; they also bring people together through reading groups, various clubs, and workshops. This demonstrates how versatile library spaces already are and how reusing the premises themselves for various activities reinforces the circular-economy model of regeneration and recycling.

Why not keep diversifying and re-inventing the use of library spaces? In her book The Green Ages: Medieval Innovations in Sustainability, Annette Kehnel explains how we can learn from the past for our future sustainable endeavours. In particular, she describes how our economy can become more sustainable if we focus efforts on repairing things rather than replacing them with new objects produced from scratch, as was customary in the past.

To do so, we need to learn some repair and DIY skills, and libraries seem to be the perfect spaces to teach them. Providing books to learn these skills is a start, but the idea could be further developed and a whole range of workshops organised. For example, why not organise hands-on sewing, bike or furniture repair workshops so people can learn the basics of mending their clothes, bikes and household items? Gardening books were mentioned earlier – why not try to integrate mini greenhouse projects in sunny spaces of libraries or along windows, with users tending to plants and workshops getting people started on growing their own vegetables at home or in allotments?

Organising more events, activities and workshops in libraries will bring people together more, encourage knowledge exchange and help build trust. This is why libraries have the potential to strengthen and make communities more resilient, enabling people to rely on one another for support.

A wealth of different ways and projects can be imagined that put library spaces at the helm of a more sustainable and nurturing society.

 

Bibliography

“Guiding principles for sustainable development”, UK government: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7dcc1640f0b65d8863478d/Guiding_principles_for_SD.pdf

The Green Ages: Medieval Innovations in Sustainability, Annette Kehnel, Publisher: Profile Books, 2024, ISBN: 9781800816251.

“What is the Circular Economy?”, UK Green Building Council (UKGBC): https://ukgbc.org/our-work/topics/circular-economy/

By Adeline Tournier

 

Feeling a bit green, we have plenty of posts for you

Graduation

Class of 2026

07/07/2026 / / 0 Comments

 

 Class of 2026

Your Journey Begins! Congratulations, Class of 2026! Your years of dedication and hard work have finally culminated in this significant milestone, and we couldn’t be prouder of you. As we reflect on the countless study sessions, the frustrations of wrangling with printers, and the turning of pages filled with knowledge, we recognise just how much you deserve this moment. A heartfelt congratulations from the entire library team—we are cheering you on as you take your next steps! As you embark on this new chapter, we have a little reminder: Stay curious. Keep that thirst for knowledge alive, and never stop researching. You never know where your curiosity might lead you, and remember, our libraries will always be a welcoming space for you.

 Join the ENU Alumni Network

Exciting things await you beyond graduation! The Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) alumni community is a vibrant network that spans the globe. The best part? You don’t need to worry about signing up; you’ll be automatically enrolled on your graduation day. Our Alumni Team is dedicated to helping graduates stay connected with each other and with the University. They create a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional development, allowing you to forge valuable connections.

Benefits of Being Part of the Alumni Community:

As a member of the alumni community, you’ll have access to numerous opportunities worldwide. Whether you want to expand your professional network, advance your career, support your business endeavours, reconnect with old friends, or simply relive your university experience, the Alumni Network has your back.

Engaging Events Programme Throughout the year:

The Alumni Team organises a wide array of international events. From business networking gatherings to program reunion celebrations and alumni receptions, there’s something for everyone. These events offer a fantastic chance to make connections and continue fostering those important relationships.

Career Support at Your Fingertips.

Don’t forget, even after you toss your cap in the air, you still have access to Student Futures’ career support for up to two years post-graduation. If entrepreneurship has caught your interest, you’ll benefit from lifelong access to Bright Red Triangle, the University’s enterprise hub. Plus, the Alumni Team offers digital networking groups to support you throughout your career journey.

 Exploring Further Study Opportunities:

If you’re considering postgraduate study at Edinburgh Napier, we have good news! As an alumnus, you’re eligible for a 20% discount on tuition fees for the first year of a full-time course (terms and conditions apply). Additionally, alumni can apply for free library access during the 12 months following graduation. After that, you can maintain access to our library resources at a 50% discount, allowing you full use of library books and study spaces for just £20. Please keep in mind that electronic resources aren’t included in this offer.

Stay Connected Class of 2026

These perks are just a glimpse into the many ways the Alumni Team supports the Edinburgh Napier alumni community. To stay in the loop about opportunities and benefits, we encourage you to keep your contact information up to date and follow our alumni social media channels. This way, you’ll be the first to know about the latest news, events, and exciting opportunities. And remember, education doesn’t have to end here. If you are interested in furthering your studies, why not consider pursuing a postgraduate degree at Napier? The journey of learning never truly stops! Here’s to your bright future ahead. Congratulations again, Class of 2026!

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