The Library Blog

Edinburgh Napier University Library blog. Filled with useful and fun blog articles on using the Library, the University, Edinburgh and many other fun topics.

Author: mayagreen (Page 9 of 26)

World Environment Day

World Environment Day

05/06/2025 / / 0 Comments

World Environment Day

Ever since 1973, June 5th has marked World Environment Day. Each year it is hosted by a different country; this year is the Republic of Korea.

World Environment Day is the largest effort for environmental outreach, with millions taking part around the world.

Focusing on ending plastic pollution, according to the United Nation, “400 million tonnes of plastic is produced every year worldwide. Half of which is still only designed for single use. And less than 10% is recycled”. So this year World Environment is going #BeatPlasticPollution”, highlighting, promoting and teaching the science to “refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink plastics use to build a cleaner and more sustainable future”.

Taking action is becoming increasingly important to save the environment. You can explore events taking place around the world, access campaign resources, and learn how you can help prevent plastic pollution at World Environment Day.global.

 

Edinburgh Napier on World Environment Day

With today at World Environment Day, we are going to look at Environmental Sustainability at Edinburgh Napier University and the path to Net Zero Carbon 2023. Our sustainability is tied to our academic research and actions.

 

Edinburgh Napier’s Environmental Sustainability

At the university, we are committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) as well as Scotland’s National Performance Framework. Much of our research and curriculum is dedicated to the SDG14, and embedded toolkits and case studies are available for academics to frame their degree programmes to meet the SDG. For example, in the School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, our built environment is dedicated to teaching sustainable construction.

Our first score of Impact rankings, Napier achieved 76.1 out of 100.

On top of this, we have made strides from biodiversity to reducing waste.  We listed some of the stuff we do at Napier below.

Did you know that Craiglockhart campus contains around 50 different plant species, which include a rare fungus and a yellow barista. We also have the Lion Gates Garden that sits just outside Merchiston Library, or you can take part in a gardening club at Sighthill. And we are proud that all our campuses are hedgehog friendly.

All our campuses and accommodation’s energy usage is monitored, LED lighting is used throughout.

And 80% of our waste is all recycled, with 20% going to refuse-derived fuel. By 2030, we plan to be a net-zero university.

 

Read about our World Sustainable Transport 

Edinburgh Napier Degree Show 2025

Edinburgh Napier Degree Show 2025

26/05/2025 / / 0 Comments

Edinburgh Napier Degree Show 2025

Time of year again for our Edinburgh Napier Degree Show 2025.

Our annual Degree Show has arrived, back bigger and better! Starting on the 30th of May, wrapping up on the 6th of June at Merchiston Campus, open to the public. So come along and “discover our students’ unique and innovative approaches as our school of Arts and Creative Industries presents a week-long celebration of undergraduate and postgraduate work, in this colourful show of originality and technique”

Degree Show 2025 Exhibition

Eli Johnson of the degree show details, “As Above, So Below’ explores the mysterious and grotesque humour presented within the Prestongrange Ceiling mural, currently housed in Merchiston Tower. The exhibit features modernised interpretations of some of the characters depicted on the ceiling and employs them in a variety of contexts that reimagine how these characters could exist in a modern pop culture. Sections of the Ceiling that haven’t been available to the public before have been digitally archived and reassembled so that the mural can be viewed for the first time since its initial reconstruction. Visitors can look forward to interactive projections, animated displays, and merchandise and models inspired by the creatures on the ceiling.

The 2024/25 (MA) Heritage and Exhibition Design & Design for Interactive Experience cohort invite you to visit our exhibition at the 2025 Napier Degree Show from May 30th – June 6th at the Merchiston Campus. A companion exhibition will be held in the GlassBox on the first floor of the West Wing for those requiring additional mobility access. We look forward to introducing you to our merry band of mischievous characters!”

The Merchiston Tower has stood for 500 years and is home to one of Scotland’s last Renaissance ceilings. Read more about the tower here 

If you want to read about previous degree shows, have a look at napierdegreeshow.co.uk

Summer Time in the Library

Summer Time in the Library

25/05/2025 / / 0 Comments

Summer Time in the Library

Reaching the end of your course, it’s time to bring back your library items. Books and Laptops should be returned before you head home for Summer or graduation.

Remember to clear your library record before you leave! Unsure whether your record is clear? Sign in to LibrarySearch and select Library Card. You’ll find any loans and fines detailed here.

It’s very easy to return items, just scan them through our self-service kiosks and pop them into the returns box.  Lapsafe Laptops can be returned to the Lapsafe, and if you have a long term-loan laptop please return it to a Library Help Desk during staffed opening hours.   If you’ve fines to clear, these can be paid through LibrarySearch or appealed if there have been extenuating circumstances.  You can also post books back to us if that’s easier for you.  Here are our contact details if you need to get in touch library@napier.ac.uk or 0131 455 3500.

Don’t forget we’re also open as normal over the Summer! So if you want to keep your items over the summer, then that’s fine too.

Remember, Alumni membership includes a free year of library access. You can find more on myNapier 

By Juliet Kinsey

Staying in Edinburgh this summer. Why not read more about the Edinburgh Festival on our blog and all the fun stuff to do.

turtle

World Turtle Day

23/05/2025 / / 0 Comments

World Turtle Day

World Turtle Day is celebrated annually on 23rd May each year. It aims to raise awareness of the threats faced by turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world as well as encouraging human action to help them survive and thrive.

Researching and protecting the turtle and tortoise populations is essential. By feeding on dead fish that has washed up on the shores, they help to keep our beaches clean and preserve the ecological balance of our oceans. As turtles travel between their coastal feeding grounds and nesting locations on beaches, they transport vital nutrients helping these ecosystems to thrive.

Turtles are known as amniotes because they breathe air and lay their eggs on land. Of the 300 species of turtles in the world,129 species are endangered. There are seven species of marine turtles: hawksbill, loggerhead, leatherback, olive ridley, green, flatback, and Kemp’s ridley. Six of these seven species are at risk of extinction. The largest breed of turtle is the leatherback, often as big as a double bed, competing with crocodiles and Komodo dragons for the largest reptiles in the world.

Many turtles are facing extinction due to the rise in human activity and increased plastic waste found in our oceans. Turtles must return to the surface to breathe as they cannot breathe underwater. They often get caught in fishing nets and plastic waste causing them to drown.

As part of one of the oldest reptile groups in the world, dating back to the time of the dinosaurs – over 200 million years ago – turtles are considerably older than snakes, crocodiles, and alligators. They are cold-blooded animals, meaning they can live much longer. Tu”i Malila  was the longest-living turtle and lived on Tonga Island, passing away at the ripe old age of 128!

A bony shell, made from cartilage, protects turtles from predators – some can even tuck themselves in their shells for extra protection. Turtle shells consist of 50 different bones which have fused together. Their shells are popular as jewellery and collectable items which has threatened their survival since the 18th century.

Turtles use the Earth’s magnetic field to navigate their way around the oceans. Using their built-in navigation system, they can cross 1000 miles of ocean and remember their way back to the beach where they laid their eggs. Turtles return to the beach where they hatched to nest their own young. This increases their chance of survival when moving around the ocean. The sex of a turtle is dependent on the temperature when it is born – if the egg is warmer than 28 degrees Celsius, it is born female.

Turtles travel extensively within the oceans in large groups and are highly sociable creatures. They are highly sought-after with a huge illegal trade for their meat, eggs and shells, as well as being kept as exotic pets. They are also used for traditional medicines. These, along with fishing nets and plastic waste, are the most significant threats to turtles in current times.

Celebrating World Turtle Day

World Turtle Day is celebrated all over the world in different ways. A variety of events and activities are organised to help the preservation of turtles. People often rescue turtles from roads and highways, returning them to their natural habitats.

There are many fun and easy ways to celebrate World Turtle Day. Dress up as a turtle, wear something green, do a sponsored walk or host a bake sale to raise money for a charity that helps turtles.

 

Find out more about turtles in this video from Box of Broadcasts.

A Slow Odyssey: A Turle’s Journey

Experience an immersive journey into the world of turtles. Ride with a green sea turtle as it swims in the beautiful waters of its coral reef home in Sipidan, Malaysia.

By Sharon McMichael

Photo by David Courbit 

 

Lover of animals, we have the posts for you

Tea being brewed

International Tea Day

21/05/2025 / / 0 Comments

International Tea Day

 

Today is International Tea Day, which annually acknowledges the global popularity and widespread love for this versatile beverage as well as its origins, health benefits, and how it also promotes community worldwide. In the UK alone, a total of approximately 100 million cups of tea are consumed every day, which adds up to an estimated 36 billion cups annually. We’re sure to love our tea! Nevertheless, this agricultural commodity and humble beverage is loved by different countries and cultures globally and is widely exported, traded and exchanged between different nations. As well as having a huge variety of health benefits, this widely loved beverage also has a huge variety of health benefits and fascinating historical origins. So, feel free to put the kettle on and pour yourself a brew as we delve into the history, benefits and other wonderful things associated with tea.

 

History and Origin of International Tea Day

 

Camellia Sinensis, the tea plant, is thought to have first originated in the borderlands of China. The concept of making this a part of a well-loved beverage, however, is said to have occurred when one of the servants of Chinese emperor Shen Nung served him boiled drinking water where some leaves from this plant had blown into the water. Rather than turning down the beverage, Shen Nung decided to drink this accidental infusion anyway – and from this, it is said that tea was born. Nevertheless, there are uncertainties regarding whether this was the true origin story of tea, but evidence does suggest that China was where tea was both cultivated and first consumed as early as 6,000 years ago, with the earliest evidence of its consumption dating back to 2737 BC.

 

The cultivation and consumption of tea eventually emerged in Europe in the late sixteenth century, although this was mostly reported amongst Portuguese individuals living in the East as missionaries and traders. It soon also became a popular beverage among the Dutch after they started to ship back tea for commercial purposes and eventually through a trading post established in the island of Java at the start of the seventeenth century, where the first batch of tea was transported from China to Holland. Soon, it started to make its way through other countries within the western region of Europe. It eventually became a popular beverage in Britain amongst the wealthy after the marriage of Charles II to Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza, whose love of the beverage influenced a rise in its popularity and fashionable status across the wealthy classes in Britain. Eventually, the East India Company, which had had a monopoly on importing goods from outside Europe, began to capitalise on the growing popularity of tea and started to import this agricultural commodity as well, with the first order consisting of at least 100 lbs of tea to be transported to Britain from Java in 1664.

 

Modern-day tea drinking…

 

Today, the modern way of consuming tea involves the infamous tea bag, which became all the range in Britain during the 1970s. British enthusiasm for and love of tea has also played a crucial part into growing their empire as a tea trader, with many British companies leading in the world’s tea trade and dominating within this specific market. Some of the most famous British brands which you may recognise are PG Tips, Tetley, Twinings and Yorkshire Tea. One of these may even be a personal favourite of your own! Or you may even prefer a herbal brew, with popular types being peppermint, chamomile, hibiscus, ginger and lemon balm. As well as being caffeine-free, herbal teas can also generally have calming, soothing and healing properties as well as a range of health benefits.

 

Health Benefits of a Brew…

 

Black tea is known to be filled with antioxidant properties and have various health benefits. In terms of physical health, it is thought to decrease your chances of developing cardiovascular problems, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, all likely because of black tea containing flavonoids (a group of antioxidants thought to improve and maintain good health health). It may also improve gut health, lower the risk of certain cancers and can also help to enhance focus, alertness and mental clarity. It is also thought that tea can even improve bone health (particularly green tea, according to data extracted from animal studies). All in all, the range of cardiovascular, metabolic, physical and cognitive health benefits associated with the consumption of tea make it a very appealing choice of beverage for all. Herbal teas, as mentioned earlier, also carry a range of health benefits themselves, including anxiety and stress reduction, improved digestion and immunity, better sleep and various other benefits. Below, you will find a list of different herbal teas and the health benefits associated with them.

  • Peppermint: Digestive help, as well as headache and sinus relief due to menthol content.
  • Ginger: Can also aid with digestion, relieve nausea and motion sickness and soothe cold symptoms (particularly if combined with lemon)!
  • Hibiscus: Can lower blood pressure and enhance cardiovascular health and function.
  • Rosehip: Rich in antioxidant and Vitamin C and can help to lower inflammation.
  • Lavendar: Has soothing properties which aid with relaxation as well as relieving stress and anxiety. Can also help with sleep and enhance sleep quality.
  • Chamomile: Has similar calming properties as Lavendar tea and can also help with sleep improvement and stress relief.
  • Lemon Balm: Mental health benefits including a reduction in stress and anxiety as well as enhanced mood.

 

 

Recommendations…

 

We may have tempted you to brew up another cup of tea, but have we also inspired a further interest in tea within you as well, including the many benefits it has to offer

By Rachel Downie

Photo by Matt Griss

Go on and have a biscuit with our biscuit day post

studio photo

Capturing History

09/05/2025 / / 0 Comments

Capturing History: A work placement photographing the Heritage Collections.

From February to May 2025, the Heritage Collections welcomed Yzella Landry, a third-year student from the BA (Hons) in Photography, for a trimester-long work placement. As part of the placement, Yzella photographed objects and books from the University’s collections and took images to help promote the department’s wider work. Here, Yzella talks about her experience of her placement.

From February to May, I had the opportunity to work with the Heritage Collections department developing my photography skills through hands-on experience during my third-year university placement. After reading the placement advert, I became curious about this side of photography and decided to use this opportunity to learn about the conservation and digitisation of heritage items.

Through the placement team, I applied for the role and arranged a MS Teams call to discuss the work and what I would be doing further. We started the placement with research days where I spent the day on my own going over materials on how to properly handle the objects. which was then followed by an in-person handling training the following week before going into the studio to begin photographing the heritage items. We had two studio days, which spanned over two normal working days and then the following weeks I spent editing and cataloguing the items photographed.

ECC E575).
[Caption: Printing block of playing cards from 1800 (ECC E575).]

The studio days were a lot of fun; I got to set up the studio space for the first time and got to see the heritage items for the first time too. I photographed a set of wooden printing blocks with fantasy cards carved into them along with various printing tools such as a locked-up forme featuring a graduation announcement. The metal type (i.e. individual letters) is held together to complete a full block of text, keeping it preserved in the state that it would have been used for printing.

 

 

A forme featuring a 1988 Industrial Design graduation announcement

[Caption: A forme featuring a 1988 Industrial Design graduation announcement.]

My favourite part of the placement was being given a tour of Merchiston Tower by Laura (Senior Curator). She shared the history of the medieval tower, and I got the opportunity to see the original ceiling boards up close. We even took a few loose boards to photograph and catalogue them as part of the archival process. It was curious to be able to see the hand-painted details that were both not just engaging pieces of artwork but also held a surprisingly playful aspect to them.

Tower board

[Caption: Example of a loose board from Merchiston Tower’s painting ceiling, dated to 1581.]

I also got to use the book scanner to scan single leaves that were taken from their original fifteenth and sixteenth-century books. Each page had been placed into large card mounts, with the leaves inside and a window cut through the card to showcase the page along with a label for the year and title of the books they came from, the card being used to prevent damage to the leaves and to minimise handling of each leaf directly.

It was interesting to take a closer look at the prints and the detailed illustrations they were often followed by. The illustrations of the landscapes, buildings and dragons were stunning, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to go through each page and seeing the variety of font styles and the vibrant use of colour in some of the drawings.

Through meetings and regular check-ins, I was given a realistic experience of what it would be like to work in this side of the industry, and it has made me want to further explore it. If I could continue this placement I would as I found myself enjoying the work and getting to learn the history behind the objects I was working with.

By Yzella Landry,

 

More from our Heritage Collection. and here.

ENUSEC’s Le Tour Du Hack 2025

08/05/2025 / / 0 Comments

ENUSEC’s Le Tour Du Hack 2025

This weekend, Edinburgh Napier University’s Craiglockhart Campus will be buzzing with energy as ENUSEC (Edinburgh Napier University Security Society) hosts Le Tour Du Hack 2025 – the flagship cybersecurity conference that’s become a cornerstone of Scotland’s student-led tech scene. But this year, it’s not just any conference…2025 marks 10 years of ENUSEC, and we’re celebrating with a special edition of Le Tour that brings together students, alumni, industry professionals, and hackers (the good kind!) from across the UK and beyond.

If you’ve never heard of Le Tour Du Hack before, at its heart, it’s a weekend-long event dedicated to cybersecurity, technology, and learning by doing. It’s a mix of technical talks, hands-on challenges, and panel discussions, all designed to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of cyber professionals. Whether you’re deeply embedded in the world of tech or just curious about what it’s all about, this event is designed to be welcoming, accessible, and good fun.

This year’s event features:

  • A three-track technical conference with sessions from top professionals, researchers, and students,
  • A jam-packed Capture the Flag (CTF) competition designed for all skill levels,
  • Some classic lockpicking, and some nostalgic surprises, reflecting back on ENUSEC’s journey so far.

Thanks to the incredible support from our sponsors, speakers, and volunteers, this year’s event is shaping up to be the biggest and most community-focused Le Tour yet. Alumni will be returning to share their stories, advice, and (in true ENUSEC fashion) maybe even a few cybersecurity war stories. Plus, we’ve got plenty of swag, food, and interactive side quests planned to make sure the fun doesn’t stop between sessions.

More than anything, Le Tour Du Hack is a celebration of community and collaboration. Over the last decade, ENUSEC has grown from a small student group in 2015 into a vibrant network of technologists and learners now. This event is a thank you to everyone who’s been part of that journey – and an invitation to those who might want to join in, because the next ten years? They start now.

Want to know more about the event?

You can find all the details you need at https://ltdh.enusec.org/

By Joyee Bashir

 

Sponsors

 

Our School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment is hosting its Green Horizon Sustainability exhibition/

Graduation

ENU Alumni Network

06/05/2025 / / 0 Comments

ENU Alumni Network

Graduations are soon, and we want to say many congratulations to the class of 2025 but it doesn’t mean your time with Edinburgh Napier is over.

Join the ENU Alumni network today.

ENU Alumni Network

165,000 members

183 countries

1 ENU Alumni Network

What is ENU Alumni Network

The alumni community has members across the world. There is no sign-up required as alumni are automatically enrolled on graduation day. The Alumni Team is responsible for helping these graduates stay in touch with each other and the University and organising opportunities that will help them advance in their careers.

Benefits of Joining Alumni Network:

There are opportunities to get involved with the alumni community all over the world. This network can help you take your career to the next level, breathe new life into your business, help you reminisce about University life and more.

Events programme

The Alumni Team runs a robust international events programme. Activities include business networking events, programme celebration reunions and alumni receptions.

Career opportunities

Alumni retain access to Student Futures’ careers support for two years after graduation. Entrepreneurial graduates have lifelong access to Bright Red Triangle, the University’s enterprise hub. The Alumni Team also organises other initiatives that will support graduates throughout their careers, such as digital networking groups.

Study Opportunities:

Looking to do a postgraduate degree at Edinburgh Napier, as an alumni member, you can receive a 20% discount on tuition fees for the first of your full-time course (Terms and conditions apply). Library access is free when applying 12 months after graduation. After this, it is 50% off library membership meaning for £20, you can have full access to library books and spaces. Please note you won’t have access to e-resources.

Keeping in touch

The above are just a couple of examples of how the Alumni Team supports the Edinburgh Napier alumni community, however, there are many other opportunities and benefits available to graduates. It’s important that alumni to keep their contact information up to date and follow the alumni’s social media channels so the Alumni Team to share information with them.

Learn more about the ENU Alumni Network: https://www.napier.ac.uk/alumni

Or contact the Alumni Team on: alumni@napier.ac.uk

Alumni can join networking groups to meet fellow alumni, share ideas or ask for advice. By keeping in touch with the University after graduation, you will also receive invitations to networking events, reunion get-togethers, further study opportunities and hear about upcoming activities that will help you in your future career.

Keep in touch and stay connected.

And remember the library blog for all updates.

 

SCEBE exhibition 2025

SCEBE Exhibition 2025: Green Horizons towards Sustainable Futures

29/04/2025 / / 0 Comments

SCEBE Exhibition 2025: Green Horizons towards Sustainable Futures

Exciting upcoming event: SCEBE Exhibition 2025: Green Horizons towards Sustainable Futures

Our School of Computing, Engineering, and Built Environment is thrilled to invite everyone to its fourth exhibition, Green Horizons—Towards Sustainable Futures. Happening on May 14th from 10 am to 6pm, Merchiston campus. All are welcome.

This event promises to be an exciting opportunity to explore the exciting world of renewable energy and innovative technologies aimed at creating a net-zero future.  Something we all know is becoming more and more important.

Throughout the day, people will be able to attend engaging and interactive exhibits and see the remarkable research, learning and teaching taking place within our dynamic school.

Dr John McDougall quotes

You can expect to discover more about timber as a resource and as a construction material, to see da Vinci the unpinned self-built timber bridge.  Is this Jenga in reverse?  How the robot dogs are being redeployed to help ecologists monitor the natural environment.  Through our spinout company Mercel, the great strides we have made in the eco-friendly production of nano-cellulose as key to the reduction of plastic packaging.  Electric battery manufacture using cellulose from water hyacinth, the latter being Southeast Asia’s version of Japanese knotweed.  Material composites from fungi.  Or solar PV cells’ performance improved using dye from mushrooms…… and much more.

So join us as we showcase our commitment to a sustainable future and highlight our leading research.

Interested in attending, please fill out this form for email confirmation or email scebeevents@napier.ac.uk

If you would like to arrange a visit for your school on one of our Schools Outreach days (Tuesday 13 and Thursday 15 May), please contact outreach@napier.ac.uk

 

Look forward to seeing you there.

 

Read more about the School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, and learn about the research and teaching.

And take a look at the upcoming events at Edinburgh Napier.

By Maya Green

Read about our International Forst Day

 

Shakespeare

Shakespeare’s Birthday

23/04/2025 / / 0 Comments

If all the world’s a stage, then today its centre is occupied by the world’s greatest ever playwright. Take a bow, William Shakespeare, on this, your 461st birthday.

We know very little about Shakespeare. We know he was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in the heart of England, that he was the son of a well-to-do glovemaker and that he attended school. We know that he married and had three children, one of whom died in childhood. We know that he moved to London, became an actor and writer and made a good amount of money.

But that’s about it. What remains a mystery is how this ordinary man from an ordinary background was able to write 38 plays, 2 narrative poems and 154 sonnets of such enduring scope, skill, depth and insight that they live on in our imaginations nearly half a millennium on.

Think of the many terms and phrases Shakespeare invented that are still current:

There’s “method in the madness,” “all of a sudden”, the “green-eyed monster”, “heart of gold”, a “wild goose chase”, “wear your heart on your sleeve”, and “the world’s my oyster”.

Think of the many cinematic re-interpretations of his works. 10 Things I hate about You was based on The Taming of the Shrew. Then there’s sci-fi classic Forbidden Planet (The Tempest), West Side Story and zombie romcom Warm Bodies (Romeo & Juliet), A Thousand Acres (King Lear), L.A. Story and Get Over It (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), And, of course, The Lion King (Hamlet).  OK, that last one’s a stretch.

His works are so ingrained in our consciousness that we refer to tragic-comic situations as Shakespearean. There’s a whole theatre company dedicated to his works. We have a British Shakespeare Association, local Shakespeare societies all over the world, and the world-renowned theatre where he first plied his trade is still going strong.

You may be lucky enough to visit Shakespeare’s birthplace. This year, the Trust celebrates the complexity of Shakespeare’s female characters.

We at Edinburgh Napier do Shakespeare in a big way. To read his plays, poetry, and the abundant commentary on his ever-intriguing work, log into LibrarySearch.

By Lesley McRobb

Photo by Mana5280 unsplash

 

Read another literature great, Charles Dickens

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