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.

Category: Campaign (Page 1 of 2)

International nurses day
Induction Lecture

International Nurses Day 2026

12/05/2026 / / 0 Comments

International Nurses Day 2026

 

What would we do without nurses? Nurses serve a critical purpose and role within the NHS and healthcare industries across the globe. Their roles are safety-critical and require a great degree of professionalism, initiative, emotional resilience, compassion and the ability to think on your feet. This year, the International Nursing Council has declared the theme and central focus of International Nurses Day to be ‘Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives.’ This message essentially promotes fair pay, improved working conditions, and robust career pathways for nurses to enhance and build a more robust and resilient healthcare system.

 

A little bit of history…

 

International Nurses Day falls on the 12th of May every year – the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who is recognised as the founder of modern nursing practices. Florence Nightingale, often referred to as ‘Lady of the Lamp,’ served as a nurse in Turkey during the Crimean War, caring for sick and wounded allied and British soldiers. She also led, trained and managed teams of fellow nurses and worked to improve nursing and sanitation standards within the Scutari hospital wards.

With funding from the London Times, Nightingale purchased equipment and cleaning supplies and worked to establish higher standards and a higher quality of care by making bathing, laundry, sanitary dressings, and adequate meals an essential part of nursing practice and sanitation within the wards. She would support and help patients in the wards all through the night as well – her efforts and advocacy eventually led to a decrease in the mortality rates within the wards that she supervised and worked in. She also worked to formalise nursing education by organising training for nursing and midwifery trainees in workhouse infirmary buildings.

 

Eventually, her work laid the foundations for the first scientifically based nursing institute and academy to open at St Thomas’s Hospital in London in 1860, named The Nightingale School of Nursing in honour of her contributions and efforts in this field, as well as the positive change she advocated for in general nursing practice. In 1883, she was awarded the Royal Red Cross (RRC) by Queen Victoria for her exceptional service during the war, before going on to earn the Order of Merit in 1907, Britain’s most prestigious civilian award, presented to her by King Edward VII. The annual observance of International Nurses Day on the 12th of May commemorates her contributions to nursing and the fundamental role this profession plays within the healthcare industry.

 

How to celebrate International Nurses Day…

 

Nurses carry out a variety of different tasks and duties daily within hospital wards as well as in other various settings, often under challenging and time-pressured circumstances. They will carry out regular duties such as assessing and monitoring patients, administering medication, treating wounds, communicating with patients and their families, checking vital signs, keeping accurate patient records, and much, much more. International Nurses Day promotes recognition and appreciation of the hard work that our nurses do. Here is some of the ways in which you can show your appreciation for and raise awareness of the valuable contributions nurses make within the healthcare industry and society as a whole:

  • Advocacy and Support: Advocate for and promote improved working conditions, fair pay, and strong policies that support our nurses and their career progression.
  • Make a Donation: There are many charities that help provide essentials and vital resources for nursing education and professional development, to which you can donate.
  • Educate and Raise Awareness: Share inspiring stories and perspectives from nurses and healthcare professionals about the significant and vast contributions nurses make to the healthcare sector. Social media is a great platform for sharing this information widely.

 

Want to learn and read more about nurses and nursing as a profession?…

 And we have more posts

Here are some recommendations from ENU libraries:

  • Dear NHS: 100 stories to say thank you, Kay, Adam, 1980- editor. 2020. Available in Sighthill Campus Library Main Stock.
  • The Nightingale model of nursing, Peet, Rob van der.; Nightingale, Florence, 1820-1910.1995. Available in Sighthill Campus Library Main Stock.
  • Nursing models for nursing students, Wilson, Sally, editor. 2026. Great one for our nursing students! Available in Sighthill Campus Library Main Stock.

 

By Rachel Downie

University mental health Day

University Mental Health Day

13/03/2026 / / 0 Comments

University Mental Health Day

University Mental Health DayThe twelfth of March 2026 marked the 18th annual University Mental Health Day, a day dedicated to raising visibility of mental health issues among student communities, and to combat stigma associated with discussions of mental health.

Originally started by members of the University Mental Health Advisers Network (UMHAN). University Mental Health Day has been held every March since 2008 and has grown to cover campuses across the UK, with mental health activist group Student Minds officially becoming involved since 2012.

So, to mark this year’s University Mental Health Day, we’re going to talk a little about this year’s UMHD theme and tell you about all the ways that Edinburgh Napier can support your mental health during your time studying with us.

This Year’s Theme

Every year, a new theme is selected to focus that year’s University Mental Health Day events. For example, 2024 was centred around the theme of anxiety, with an emphasis on the scenarios students encounter that can cause them to feel anxious, and discussing the techniques students can learn to manage their anxiety.

This year’s theme is human connection, focusing on the issue of university students reporting increased feelings of isolation, and the role of student communities in combatting these feelings of isolation. Despite how large the student population is, government reporting indicates that many students have experienced increased feelings of loneliness over the past few years, along with a fear that they would be judged by others if they express these feelings. This is despite the same government studies indicating that the vast majority of students wouldn’t want to judge others for feeling lonely, highlighting how important it is to reassure students of the support they can get in their own community.

University Mental Health Day at Edinburgh Napier

SMHA

Here at Napier, we have our Student Mental Health Agreement (SMHA) created in collaboration between our Counselling and Wellbeing staff and the members of the Edinburgh Napier Student Association (ENSA) to lay out the goals and activities for both teams and to guarantee the mental health services the university provides to the student population.

You can learn about the SMHA (and read it for yourself!) on the NapierStudents website.

The current edition of the SMHA has been in place since 2024, ensuring that the university offers a range of services through our Counselling & Wellbeing team to support students during their studies. These include counselling services, single session therapy services where students can discuss a specific issue they are having, as well as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy aimed at helping you tackle unhelpful thought patterns.

You can learn all about these services on the MyNapier Wellbeing, Support & Inclusion page, where you’ll also find contact details for our Wellbeing support teams and links to pages that will explain our wellbeing resources in greater depth.

Togetherall

Also, as part of the SMHA, the university provides all our students with access to Togetherall. A 24/7 online community where you’ll have access to free online support, allowing you to talk with others and receive advice in a safe and anonymous environment.

Fittingly for this year’s theme, one of the main goals of the 2024-2026 SMHA is to help nurture a sense of community and belonging in the student population through increasing participation in student-run events and student clubs/societies.

Clubs & Societies

Speaking from experience, becoming involved in a university club or society can be a great way to connect with students who have similar hobbies and interests to you. Some of the greatest friendships I have come from my own participation in different university clubs during my undergraduate studies. I’ve no doubt that many of you who aren’t currently involved in any clubs would benefit from doing so.

You can see what clubs and societies are on offer at Napier at the ENSA website. I’d also recommend the ENSA Events Calendar to see if there are any upcoming student events that might catch your interest.

The Library

Additionally, we have our Wellbeing Collection at each of our campus libraries, with books advising you on how to look after your mental, emotional, and physical health. Furthermore, several members of our library team are trained mental health first aiders, prepared to offer you support whenever you need it.

So please, if you’re ever feeling lonely during your time at Napier, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

By Matthew Ferrie

Read more about wellbeing on the blog with our article: Wellbeing in the library

LGBT+ History Month 2026 banner image rainbows and science people doing sciency things

🏳️‍🌈LGBT+ History Month 2026🏳️‍🌈

01/02/2026 / / 0 Comments

🏳️‍🌈LGBT+ History Month 2026🏳️‍🌈

Every February, the United Kingdom marks LGBT+ History Month. It’s a time to learn, reflect and celebrate the lives and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and + communities. The month began in 2005, just after the repeal of Section 28 in England and Wales. It was founded by activists Sue Sanders and Paul Patrick of Schools OUT UK to make LGBT+ people and their histories visible.

This year’s focus is on science and medicine. Honouring LGBT+ contributions to research, healthcare delivery, public health, and patient care. It also challenges the historical harm that LGBT+ people have faced in healthcare systems.

Even today, many LGBT+ people experience barriers in healthcare. Some face discrimination, lack of culturally‑aware services, or mental health challenges tied to stigma. Celebrations like LGBT+ History Month encourage health services to become more inclusive.

Why is LGBT+ History Month important?

  • Understand LGBTQ+ Contributions: Gain insight into the rich history and achievements of LGBTQ+ people, recognising their significant impact on society.
  • Combat Bullying: Address and prevent bullying and discrimination against LGBTQ+ students by fostering empathy and respect.
  • Have Inclusive Education: Teach about LGBTQ+ people and the contributions they have made to make education more inclusive.
  • Celebrate Diversity: Acknowledge and celebrate the diverse identities and accomplishments of LGBTQ+ individuals, promoting a culture of acceptance.
  • Have Role Models: Show positive LGBTQ+ role models so students can see that being LGBTQ+ is something to be proud of.       (Source: The Proud Trust)

Pioneers in Medicine and Health

History often erases LGBT+ contributions. But many LGBT+ scientists, doctors, and health advocates changed the world. Here are a few key figures to celebrate:

Alan Turing (1912‑1954)

Alan Turing was one of the leading mathematicians of the 20th Century. He was a British mathematician and logician who made major contributions to mathematics, cryptanalysis, logic, philosophy, and mathematical biology. He is responsible for breaking the Nazi Enigma code, helping win WW2. Furthermore, his work would help lead to the creation of the modern computer. His most famous work is the paper published in 1950, asking “Can machines think?”

In 1952, Turing was convicted of gross indecency under Section11 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1885. Subsequently, he sadly took his own life not long after in1954. It wasn’t until 2009 that the British Government apologised for, and he was pardoned in 2013.

Sophia Jex‑Blake (1840‑1912)

Sophia was a trailblazing physician. She fought to open medical training to women in Britain. In 1869, she was one of the first women to study medicine at the University of Edinburgh. Her success helped open doors for others. She lived much of her life in a close relationship with Dr Margaret Todd, and many historians consider her part of LGBT+ history.

Cecil Belfield Clarke (1894‑1970)

Cecil was a doctor and innovator in the NHS. Born in Barbados, he studied medicine at Cambridge and then practised in London for decades. He made a lasting contribution with a method for calculating children’s medicine doses that is still in use. Clarke’s life also reflects the reality that many queer people had to keep their relationships private in earlier eras.

Magnus Hirschfeld (1868‑1935)

Hirschfeld was a German physician and sexologist. He challenged medical norms about sexuality and gender long before others. He founded the Institute for Sexual Science and spoke out for LGBTQ+ rights. His work laid the foundation for modern research and queer health advocacy.

Dr Sara Josephine Baker (1873‑1945)

Dr Baker was a public health hero. Working in New York slums, she reduced infant deaths by teaching mothers hygiene and infant care. She lived with her partner Ida Wylie and is now recognised as a lesbian pioneer in health. Her work shows how public health research impacts entire communities.

Alan L. Hart (1890‑1962)

Hart was a transgender physician who helped transform tuberculosis detection. He used x‑ray technology to find and treat lung disease, saving many lives. Hart’s dual identity as a scientist and trans man challenges stereotypes of who can be a leader in medicine.

The Library

Here at the Library, we think it is incredibly important to support and promote equality and diversity. Furthermore, we are working hard to create more inclusive collections and to support our LGBT+ users and staff. For example, we are currently creating a permanent LGBT+ virtual bookshelf here on our blog, and we are training our staff to be inclusive in their actions and the language they use.

Resources

If you are an LGBT+ student, you can join Edinburgh Napier’s LGBT+ Society.   You can also find out more about the student LGBT+ community on the Queer Napier site. Visit our web pages to learn more about becoming an ally. Here on the blog you can check out our virtual bookshelf

In addition, The Library has a wealth of books and articles on the subject. From the history of LGBT+ rights to current Legal information to keep you informed. Use LibrarySearch to find what you are looking for, or contact us for help with any of your research needs. 

Here are some items available through the Library to get you started: 

Same-sex, different politics: success and failure in the struggles over gay rights

Lgbt Activism and the Making of Europe A Rainbow Europe  

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people (LGBT) and the criminal justice system

Equality

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more on our blog with articles on : Alan Turing and Women in Science

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

03/12/2025 / / 0 Comments

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

 

Within the UK alone, approximately 16.8 million individuals were recorded as having a disability in a research briefing published on the House of Commons Library webpages. This makes up a quarter of the UK population. This is also a 41% increase from the number of persons reporting a disability within the last decade.  Anyone can, at any point in time, develop and be diagnosed with a disability. A disability is recognised under the Equality Act 2010 as being a physical or mental impairment which has a prolonged and substantially negative impact on their ability to carry out regular tasks and day-to-day activities.

 

Living with a disability can come with many challenges and hardships. And can have a profound effect on the physical and mental well-being. International Day of Persons with Disabilities takes place annually on the 3rd of December. And is a UN-led, global observance and advocacy of the rights of persons with disabilities in the workplace and society. As well as a promotion of their achievements and contributions worldwide.

 

The Equality Act 2010…

 

The International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992 by the UN.  Since served as an important reminder to government bodies, organisations and public institutions to regularly evaluate and enhance their policies and practices to promote inclusion and accessibility. As well as ensuring that their rights are respected and that they are not discriminated against. This is also something which the Equality Act 2010 adheres to, particularly in workplace practices and employment law. It ensures that everyone, regardless of disability and other protected characteristics, has legal protections in the workplace. This makes it unlawful for someone else or their overall employer to discriminate against them. It also ensures that employers put accommodations in place to meet the needs of employees regarded as having a disability or disabling condition.

 

Not every disability is visible, and not every disability presents the same way. The Sunflower Lanyard scheme was launched in the UK in 2016 to help those with hidden disabilities voluntarily indicate that they may require assistance at work, on transport, in public places, and in shops. It also encourages others to be mindful.

The sunflower lanyard scheme has achieved great success, to the point that it has been implemented across many airlines globally and in the UK, as well as in the NHS and other public services. Many private organisations have implemented the scheme as well. Overall, it has allowed for patrons with hidden disabilities and conditions to easily access support and help from the outset of the journey, trip or experience.

 

How can our libraries support

 

Accessibility and inclusion are very important to us at our Edinburgh Napier campus libraries. We aim to support patrons with disabilities or disabling conditions as much as we can and create a welcoming, inclusive and accessible environment and service for all. In terms of e-resource accessibility, we have a variety of tools and digital features, including:

  • Our Read-Aloud Functionality. This allows patrons to listen to online resources being read aloud to them. They can also adjust the speed, tone and pitch of the voiceover to suit their own individual preferences and needs. The Edge browser feature allows for PDFs to be read aloud as well.
  • The HelperBird Extension. This browser extension allows patrons to choose between a range of text colours, sizes and spacings, as well as the option to add overlays and innovative ruler overlay technology. Colour contrasts can also be edited.
  • Reader View Browser Extension. This helps to enhance intelligibility in different webpages as well as clearing sidebars, adverts and menus – anything which can be deemed to be distracting.

 

You can find more information about our accessibility tools in our Eresource Accessibility Tools My Napier webpage.

 

By Rachel Downie

Photo by Julius Carmine

Black History Month 2025 image of arty peoples heads

Black History Month 2025

01/10/2025 / / 0 Comments

Black History Month 2025: Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future

Every October, the United Kingdom celebrates Black History Month. It is a time to reflect, to learn, and to honour. Black History Month 2025 arrives with renewed energy. People across the country are ready to spotlight Black contributions, stories, and achievements.

This year’s theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride”, shines a light on the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that define the Black community across the globe.

The theme focuses on two core values: power and pride.

“Power represents the influence, leadership, and capacity to effect positive change. It acknowledges the visionaries who have led political, civil rights, and social movements, as well as those who have broken barriers in business, education, and the arts. Their legacies remind us that true power is not about titles but about the collective strength, courage, and unity used to forge a more equitable future for all.

Pride reflects cultural identity, heritage, and the celebration of Black excellence. From the art and music to the stories passed through generations, pride is the heartbeat of Black communities worldwide. It’s about knowing where we come from, embracing our history, and walking boldly into the future without compromise or apology. Pride is a declaration of the beauty, the resilience, and the unmatched contributions of Black culture to the world.” Source

Why Black History Month Matters

Black history is British history. Yet for too long, the contributions of Black people were ignored. Schools often left their stories out. Media rarely shared their achievements.

However, Black History Month challenges that silence. It reminds us to look again. It also asks us to broaden our understanding of Britain’s past. Furthermore, it urges us to include everyone’s voices.

Because when we celebrate Black history, we celebrate resilience, creativity, and community. And when young people see themselves reflected in history, they feel empowered to shape the future. As a result, our whole society grows stronger.

A Look Back: Black Pioneers in Britain

Black communities have been part of Britain for centuries. From Roman times to today, their presence has shaped culture and society.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Black abolitionists like Olaudah Equiano and Mary Prince fought slavery with courage and determination. They wrote books. They spoke to crowds. They demanded justice.

In the 20th century, the Caribbean Windrush Generation helped rebuild post-war Britain. They worked in transport, health care, and industry. Despite facing racism, they laid strong foundations for future generations.

Artists like Claudia Jones created cultural spaces, founding the Notting Hill Carnival. Activists like Darcus Howe fought for civil rights and equality. Their work opened doors that many now walk through.

Scotland also played a part in these stories. For example, Black sailors, writers, and campaigners have lived in Glasgow and Edinburgh for centuries, contributing to the nation’s cultural fabric.

How Communities Across the UK and Scotland Will Celebrate

All across the UK, organisations are planning vibrant celebrations. Museums will host new exhibitions. Art galleries will display works by Black artists. Theatres will stage plays that explore Black heritage.

In Scotland, events will take place in major cities. For example, Glasgow will host the annual Black History Month Lecture Series at local universities. Edinburgh will also see storytelling nights, live music, and poetry slams by Black Scottish artists. Meanwhile, community groups in Aberdeen and Dundee will run family fun days, film screenings, and heritage walks.

Universities will invite guest speakers. Local councils will organise community festivals. Businesses will also run workshops on diversity and inclusion.

Schools will play a central role too. Pupils will learn about Black inventors, activists, and writers — including local Scottish figures. They will also discuss issues like racism and equality. As a result, these lessons will spark important conversations.

Online, social media will amplify Black voices. Campaigns will highlight role models. In addition, hashtags will unite people in celebration. Everyone will have opportunities to engage.

Why Everyone Should Get Involved

Black History Month is not just for Black communities. It belongs to everyone. It invites all of us to learn, reflect, and act.

By joining in, people are showing support. They help break down stereotypes, challenge racism, and build understanding.

And by celebrating Black history, we strengthen the whole of British society. Diversity is our strength. Inclusion fuels progress. Therefore, when we uplift marginalised voices, everyone benefits.

Looking Ahead: Beyond October

While October shines a bright spotlight, Black history should not end there. It must live in our classrooms, workplaces, and media all year.

We can continue reading books by Black authors. We can also support Black-owned businesses. We can include Black stories in school curriculums. Furthermore, we can speak up when we see injustice.

Change takes time, but every action counts. Black History Month offers inspiration. It gives us role models. It pushes us to do better. And it reminds us that progress is possible when we work together.

The Library and Black History Month

The library is committed to ensuring that we support people of colour, not just in October but throughout the year. We are working hard to decolonise our collections to ensure we represent all voices. If you would like to learn more, why not check out our LibGuides on building inclusive reading lists. You can also check out the Blog’s own Inclusive bookshelves for reading ideas.

Final Thoughts

Black History Month 2025 in the UK will be a powerful celebration. It will honour people of colour from the past and present. It will also educate, inspire, and unite communities.

In Scotland, it will shine a light on local Black voices and achievements. From classrooms to concert halls, stories will be shared and celebrated.

So, let’s take part. Let’s attend events, read new stories, and share what we learn. Let’s also listen and uplift.

Because when we celebrate Black history, we build a better future — one rooted in equality, understanding, and hope.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more about amazing women in Scotland in our post on Womens History Month

Secondhand september lamp

Second Hand September

13/09/2025 / / 0 Comments

Second Hand September

Whether you have just started at university or you are returning, being away from home means fending for yourself and budgeting, which is a great reason to embrace Second Hand September (SHS). Buying food and paying bills will be the priority, along with perhaps a bus pass to get you to your campus. By cutting out online and high street clothes shopping for the month, you will not only be saving money but reducing waste and environmental impacts. Started in 2019 by Oxfam, SHS attempts to promote sustainable fashion, reduce the environmental impact of clothing production and aims to change consumer behaviour to support second-hand markets as a key part of the solution to the fashion industry’s waste problem. It also supports circular fashion encouraging re-purposing and repairing clothes to extend their life and reduce waste, which in turn will reduce the environmental impact of the industry. To be involved, all you need to do is avoid buying brand new clothes during September, and if you do need to make a purchase, buy second hand instead.

How to get involved:

Shop second-hand: Visit charity shops and online marketplaces. Many charities now have online shops.

Repair and re-use: Learn how to repair damaged clothing rather than throwing items out.

Donate: If you have any unwanted items donate them to a charity shop.

Clothing swap: Organise or attend a clothing swap.

Raise awareness: Share tips and purchases on social media.

 

Although SHS is aimed at cutting waste and improving sustainability in the fashion industry, the principles can be applied to all items we purchase.

More ways to have an impact on sustainability and reduce environmental impacts:

Charity shops don’t just sell clothes. If you need items for your student accommodation, you may be able to find them in a charity shop. Merchiston campus is conveniently situated for several charity shops in Morningside, but there are many shops all over the city. As well as clothes you will be able to find crockery (mis-matched is very on trend), glassware, books to read and board games to play in your spare time and small furniture items all at reasonable prices.

Sites such as Gumtree offer all sorts of free items which may be just what you are looking for or are suitable for upcycling.

 

Learn how to:

Edinburgh Libraries have many books on sewing and upcycling which you can borrow to learn how to do repairs and repurpose items. Membership is free and borrowing books is both sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Repair Cafe Edinburgh offers advice and help from volunteers. Booking a slot is recommended and can be done through repaircafeedinburgh@gmail.com

Edinburgh Tool Library has thousands of tools which can be borrowed to carry out your upcycling and repairs.

You Tube has lots of videos on how to mend clothes and upcycle household items.

 

Other benefits of taking part:

You will learn new skills.

You may get to know like-minded people and make new friends.

Initiatives are mostly staffed by volunteers. Shopping in a charity shop or attending a repair class might make you try volunteering yourself and will make a valuable addition to your CV.

Making purchases in charity shops also benefits their fundraising efforts.

 

Edinburgh Napier Campus Libraries

Borrowing books from our libraries is of course sustainable and cuts environmental impacts. Throughout the summer we have been withdrawing stock which is no longer relevant or contains out of date information. Our withdrawn stock is packed up and sent to Better World Books who divert books from landfill and sell them on second hand at affordable prices or donate them to non-profit organisations. As part of their commitment to environmental sustainability they never throw away a book. They recycle any book for which they cannot find a proper home – that is why they have gained B corp certification which is awarded to companies which achieve high standards of social and environmental performance.

You may also find using ebooks convenient. These can be found using our catalogue Library Search and as they are in electronic format they have little environmental impact. Most of the articles we have access to are available electronically too, so using these resources reduces waste from our libraries.

Give Second Hand September a try and you may find you get the second hand bug!

 

By Vivienne Hamilton

 

Photo by Sabiha Kutucu Kaya

 

 

Get cosy with some Autumn posts

 

World Health Day image of earth shaped like a heart with a stethascope

World Health Day

07/04/2025 / / 0 Comments

World Health Day

About World Health Day

World Health Day is a global awareness campaign that is celebrated annually on the 7th of April. The primary focus is to draw attention to a range of pressing and detrimental health problems and issues that affect individuals from all across the globe. It also actively promotes and calls for individuals and communities worldwide to devote a significant degree of focus toward public health and health-related challenges, and for institutions and governments to tackle these as a priority. Every year, a specific health issue of concern or illness will be a primary focal point that World Health Day will address and aim to raise awareness of. The specific theme and focus of each year can be, for example, a highly transmittable disease, barriers to sufficient healthcare access, environmental health and mental health challenges in today’s world.

This year’s theme and focus…

This year’s campaign for World Health Day is titled ‘Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures’ and solely focuses on pushing governments and healthcare institutions to try to put a stop to preventable newborn and maternal fatalities, as well as prioritising and devoting a significant focus toward the reproductive health, long term general health and wellbeing of women overall. For women and families across the world, the importance of adequate and high-quality care being in a place that caters for their physical and emotional health during the early and late stages of pregnancy as well as the post-partum stage cannot be emphasised enough. Current published estimates by the World Health Organisation suggest that approximately 300,000 women lose their lives due to pregnancy-related complications or during childbirth every year. It is also reported that close to two million babies die during the first month of their lives each year with two million more being a stillbirth.

 

With these terrifying and stark statistics in mind, the World Health Organisation intends to put out a variety of helpful information to promote healthy pregnancies and reproductivity, as well as better postnatal health and healthcare as well. Our Napier libraries also have a range of resources available regarding women’s reproductive health and general wellbeing, as well as women’s health during pregnancy and pregnancy-related care before, during and after childbirth.

Our School of Health and Social Care, Nursing and Midwifery

Edinburgh Napier hosts one of the largest schools of Health and Social care in the country and is recognised as one of the biggest providers of nursing and midwifery education as well. It has an excellent reputation which is recognised throughout the UK and beyond, and it’s midwifery course allows it’s student community to gain first-hand clinical experience and practice in midwifery in a range of healthcare settings. They are also taught and supported by lecturers with a high level of expertise in both current research and first-hand clinical practice. This ultimately means that many of our midwifery graduates leave us having acquired a wide range of clinical skills and knowledge which equips them to effectively support, advise and advocate for women and their families throughout each stage of pregnancy and childbirth.

Our Napier libraries also have a wealth of resources and textbooks on Midwifery and healthcare which are primarily located in our Sighthill campus library. The literature available encompasses a range of unique experiences which each individual women can have throughout their pregnancy journey and ultimately helps to support the research and clinical skills development and progression of our midwifery student community with a wealth of high-quality information and sources.

How Our Libraries Can Support Midwifery Students

All of the print and electronic resources that we have can be found and requested through LibrarySearch. As well as a wealth of material on current research regarding midwifery and reproductive healthcare, we also have a variety of resources in our research collection about the art and skill of conducting healthcare and midwifery research including how to write a literature review, for example. We also have subscriptions to a vast number of healthcare databases which include healthcare and allied health journals with the most current and up-to-date research on various health topics, including midwifery and women’s reproductive and general health. MA Healthcare Complete is one of the databases mentioned in our LibGuide which includes some leading titles in midwifery research. Another database where coverage of midwifery research is mentioned is Ovid Emcare, which is ran by Elsevier and covers all areas of nursing specialities and healthcare. Furthermore, the likehood of the other healthcare databases listed in our Libguide having resources with current research on midwifery and women’s reproductive and general health is pretty high as well!

 Some Recommendations from the Library

As well as our ever-popular Mayes Midwifery textbooks and PROMPT Practical Obstetric Multi-Professional Training Course manual (3rd edition), we have a wide variety of other resources covering midwifery research as well as women’s reproductive and general health and wellbeing. These recommendations can be found below.

By Rachel Downie

Safer Internet Day

CyberScotland Week 2025

24/02/2025 / / 0 Comments

CyberScotland Week 2025

It’s CyberScotland week 2025.

Cyber Scotland Week 24th February – 2nd March 2025: “Keeping everyone cyber aware and resilient”.

Today is the start of CyberScotland Week, a week-long event to build “Cyber resilience throughout Scotland.” Hosted by CyberScotland, it is an invitation to “individuals, organisations and communities across Scotland to raise awareness of cyber security and strengthen our collective cyber resilience.” Cyber threats can affect anyone at any time, and as we become more digital, awareness is essential.

The theme of this year; Can’t Hack it!?

Events all across Scotland are listed on the CyberScotland homepage. The website also offers advice and career and skill opportunities.

Edinburgh Napier Security Society

Edinburgh Napier Security Society or ENUSEC is a student society started by students and staff in work with the cybersecurity courses at Edinburgh Napier in 2015. The objective was to foster a community while learning. The society now hosts 120 members. The society is open to everyone not just the Edinburgh Napier association. There are weekly meetings every Wednesday. As well as more fun and informative events monthly. If you are interested in cybersecurity, then this is the society to join.

ENUSEC is hosting their annual cybersecurity conference Le Tour Du Hack in May. This will mark the 10-year anniversary of ENUSEC. Tickets will be available soon but will mark your calendar for the 10th -11th of May. As it marks 10 years, the conference will be bigger than before.  “Le Tour Du Hack is an annual student-run cybersecurity conference bringing together experts, enthusiasts, and curious minds for two days of technical talks, challenges, and of course, networking” (ltdh.enusec.org/#speakers)

Speakers will be announced soon but there is a call for papers. Papers can cover cybersecurity, hacking techniques, hardware hacking and more. It is your chance to present. The deadline for submission is April 20th. More information on their website and tickets to register.

CyberSecurity at Edinburgh Napier

Thinking about learning more about Cybersecurity, Edinburgh Napier University ranks as one of the best in Scotland to study. “At the School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment, we’re building the future, creating an impact and making a difference”. Home to the Centre for Cybersecurity, IoT and Cyber-physical systems as well as cybersecurity courses.

Our Centre for Cybersecurity, IoT and Cyber-physical Systems (CIC) are the main research group linked to Cybersecurity at the School of Computing, Engineering & Built Environment. Research is related to Cybersecurity, digital forensics, robotics and much more. This applies to the application areas including but not limited to transportation, health care, Fintech, and 5G/6G wireless communications. This is led by leading professor Bill Buchanan (OBE) and six international research leads. The centre focuses on research excellence with leading academics that are rated in the top 2%. The centre runs a range of courses and is a perfect place for networking and projects (Centre for Cybersecurity, IoT and Cyber-physical systems.napier.ac.uk)

If you are interested in learning more about Cybersecurity, the School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment is leading in the field. The No.1 UK modern university for computer science to The Times University Guide. We have a Cybersecurity & Forensics, Beng (Hons) and a Postgraduate Cybersecurity MSc which is also available for distance learning. Both programs are available as a graduate apprenticeship. Our undergraduate was the first undergraduate in the UK who be “awarded certification from the National Cyber Security Centre”.

If you are interested, our applications for September 2025 are now open.

Have a look at our access to information day.

By Maya Green

LGBTq+ History month

LGBTQ+ History Month

04/02/2025 / / 0 Comments

LGBTQ+ History Month

February is the month we celebrate LGBT+ History here in the UK. It is a month-long celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and non-binary history, including the history of LGBT+ rights and related civil rights movements. In the United Kingdom, we celebrate it in February to coincide with the 2003 abolition of Section 28.

Events and celebrations are organised by the LGBTQ+  History Month organisation which was founded in 2004. The first LGBTQ+ History month was in February 2005 by was run by Sue Sanders and Paul Patrick. The organisation has three taglines ‘claiming our past, celebrating our present, creating our future’. The main aims are ‘increasing visibility, raising awareness and advancing education’. Whilst ‘working towards creating safe spaces and promoting welfare’. You can find all events that are taking place this month on the LGBTQ+ Plus History Month website here.

Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month at Napier

Resources at the Library

Here at the Library, we think supporting and promoting equality and diversity is incredibly important. Furthermore, we are working hard to create more inclusive collections and to support our LGBT+ users and staff. For example, we have a  LGBT+ virtual bookshelf here on our blog.  We have our  Libguide on sexuality and relationships, please remember if you have suggestions for books we can add to our stock, you can email library@napier.ac.uk

And we want to add that we strive for the library to be a safe and inclusive space for all. If you have any feedback on our spaces, please email library@napier.ac.uk

Resources at University

If you are an LGBT+ student you can join Edinburgh Napier’s LGBT+ Society.   You can also find out more about the student LGBT+ community on the Queer Napier site. Staff can join the University’s thriving LGBT+ Network or you can visit our web pages to learn more about becoming an ally.

Celebrating the life of Alan Turing

 

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