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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: Celebrations (Page 2 of 8)

World Theatre Day

World Theatre Day

27/03/2026 / / 0 Comments

World Theatre Day

Established by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) in 1962, World Theatre Day is a global celebration of the power of theatre in bringing people together.

Held in a different country every year, the ITI work with the major theatre association of the host country to stage a festival celebrating the traditional national theatre practices of the host country. This year’s celebrations will be held in Luxembourg from the 25th to the 27th of March, in collaboration with the Theatre Federatioun.

The ITI

As well as moving the celebrations between different countries, the ITI works with a different theatre professional every year to release a short recorded message wherein the professional gives their thoughts on the role theatre can play in society. Past spokespersons have included major figures from the theatre world such as actors Dame Judi Dench and Lawrence Olivier, and playwrights Arthur Miller and Jean Coctaeu.

This year’s message was delivered by renowned actor Willem Dafoe, who many of you might know from his work in the Spider-Man films, or his recent work in films such as Nosferatu and Poor Things.  In this year’s message, Dafoe spoke about his belief in the power of theatre to be more than just a vehicle for entertainment, but believes that it can allow us to interrogate ideas about modern society. As he puts it, he believes in :

“Theatre as a total art form can make us see what was, what is, and what our world could be.”

You can watch Dafoe’s short message for yourself on the official ITI YouTube page.

Edinburgh and Theatre

Edinburgh has a long relationship with the theatre, most famously with the Edinburgh Fringe, the world’s largest performing arts festival. Held across the city every August since the 1940s.
However, live theatre is a year-round activity in Edinburgh, so let’s have a quick look at some of the theatres here in Edinburgh.

The Royal Lyceum Theatre

Let’s start with the Royal Lyceum Theatre on Grindlay Street, the oldest active theatre house in the city. The Lyceum was opened in 1883 and has seen only light refurbishment in the 143 years since, meaning that going inside really does feel like stepping back in time. Indeed, the Lyceum is so old that it’s even rumoured to be haunted by the ghosts of past performers throughout its history.

The Lyceum is perhaps most known for hosting productions of various theatrical dramas, as well as staging some of the first Scottish productions of many renowned operas such as Madam Butterfly. To this day, you can see a huge variety of productions at the Lyceum, from Scottish classics such as The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, new productions such as an adaption of 1984 that will run this autumn, as well as stand-up comedy acts (I’m personally very excited to see Glasgow comedian Christopher Macarthur-Boyd perform his show Howling at the Moon at the Lyceum this November)
Along with this, the Lyceum also host a youth theatre for young people under the age of 25 who are interested in getting involved with the theatre.

Festival Theatre

Another grand old theatre of Edinburgh is the Festival Theatre, famous for hosting large-scale dance and musical theatre acts. Like the Lyceum, the Festival Theatre dates back to the Victorian era, although it’s seen much renovation over the years, especially following a catastrophic fire in 1911, which resulted in several deaths of cast and crew members.  Originally built as an opera and ballet house, the Festival Theatre has changed over time to meet the changing tastes of audiences and the emergence of new forms of popular entertainment. Today, in addition to ballet and opera, you can also see productions of musical theatre, one-person shows, and musical tribute acts.

However, if you’re interested in more off-beat theatre in Edinburgh, you can check out the Bedlam Theatre, a student run theatre based out of an old church in the Old Town. The Bedlam host a variety of shows throughout the year, performed by students at Edinburgh University, with many shows even being original productions put on by the students themselves. The Bedlam can be a great venue if you want to see something unexpected and support student-run art.

Get Involved

If you’re curious about getting involved in live theatre yourself, then student-led theatre companies like the one at the Bedlam can be a great way for you to take your first steps in the theatre world. If you’re a student at Napier, then you should see about joining one of the performing arts societies we have here at the university, such as the Edinburgh Napier Drama Society or the Musical Theatre Society.

As Willem Dafoe talked about in his message this year, theatre can be a great way for us to make sense of the world around us, and it’s never too late to get involved.

By Matthew Ferrie

Read more on The Edinburgh Festival here.

 

dog in st patricks day hat for blog post St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s Day

17/03/2026 / / 2 Comments

St. Patrick’s Day

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all our Irish students and staff.

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on 17th March. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, but there are parades and parties worldwide due to the large numbers of people with Irish heritage spread across the world.

Source

History of St.Patrick’s Day

Although there are no exact dates of his birth, it is believed that Patrick was born in the Roman-occupied north of England. and that he died on 17th March. His autobiographical work “Confessio” claims that when he was around 16, Patrick was taken from his home in Britain by Irish pirates who took him to Ireland as a slave. There he looked after animals for around six years and converted to Christianity. He fled captivity after hearing a voice telling him he would soon go home. He found passage on a ship and after several days walking he returned home. Following his return, Patrick studied Christianity in Europe-mostly in Auxerre, France and was ordained into the priesthood there. He later returned to Ireland as a missionary, and by the 7th century was already revered as the patron saint of Ireland.

The Irish Potato Famine

There are many people throughout the world with Irish ancestors due to the large numbers who emigrated because of the Irish Potato Famine. It started in 1845 when a fungus ruined around 75% of the annual potato crop, which most of the population relied on for food. Around one million Irish died before the end of the famine in 1852. Another million emigrated to countries such as Great Britain or the United States, and therefore you will find St. Patrick’s Day celebrated in many countries worldwide.

Celebrations

Today descendants of the immigrants celebrate their Irish heritage by dressing up in colourful clothing in green and gold (the colours of the Irish flag), joining parades of pipe bands, cheerleaders, and floats. One of the biggest parades outside Ireland is in New York which held its first parade in 1762. This was a time when the wearing of green was a sign of Irish pride but was banned in Ireland. The parade gave participants the freedom to speak Irish, wear green, sing Irish songs and play the pipes to Irish tunes that were meaningful to the Irish immigrants of that time.

Aside from parades, many pubs and restaurants host events with live music and singing, and you shouldn’t have to look too hard to find one in Edinburgh!

By Vivienne Hamilton

Read more on world festivals and traditions with our articles:

Chinese New Year

Scottish Traditions: Burn’s Night

The Ethiopia Timkat Festival,

New Year Traditions from Around the World

Also, don’t forget you can find out more about everything mentioned in this article at Librarysearch.napier.ac.uk

 

 

Scottish Women in Science image of woman scientist

Scottish Women in Science

11/02/2026 / / 0 Comments

Scottish Women in Science  

To celebrate International Women and Girls in Science Day, let’s celebrate some amazing Scottish female Scientists.

Scotland has a rich history of scientific achievements, and Scottish women have played a pivotal role in shaping these accomplishments. From groundbreaking discoveries to innovative research, these remarkable women have defied societal norms and overcome countless obstacles to leave an indelible mark on the field of science.

Historical Scottish Women Pioneers in Science

Even in times when opportunities for women were severely limited, Scottish women managed to push the boundaries and excel in various scientific disciplines. One such pioneer was Mary Somerville, who became a renowned mathematician and astronomer in the 19th century. Her work in celestial mechanics and her influential book “The Mechanism of the Heavens” significantly contributed to our understanding of the universe.

Another trailblazer was Elizabeth Blackwell, who became the first woman to graduate from medical school in the United States in 1849. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, Blackwell faced immense challenges and discrimination in her pursuit of a medical career. Her determination and resilience not only opened doors for women in medicine but also paved the way for future generations of female physicians.

In the field of medicine, Dr. Elsie Inglis revolutionised healthcare by establishing the Scottish Women’s Hospitals during World War I. Her tireless efforts saved countless lives and challenged the prevailing gender norms of the time.

Modern Scottish Women Making Strides in the Scientific World

Professor Linda Bauld is a public health expert, Bauld has been instrumental in shaping Scotland’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her research on public health behaviour and interventions has had a significant impact on policy both in Scotland and internationally.

In the realm of environmental science, Professor Sheila Rowan has made groundbreaking discoveries in gravitational wave detection. Her research has opened up new possibilities for studying the universe, earning her international acclaim and recognition.

The primatologist and neuroethologist Professor Dame Anne Glover is a world-leading expert on animal behaviour and cognition. She has served as Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government and has received many honours and awards.

Scientists of Edinburgh Napier University

Edinburgh Napier University is home to many talented women scientists who are making significant contributions in various fields.

  • Prof Yvonne Kuipers, Professor of Midwifery, has over 20 years of experience in women’s reproductive health. She has conducted research on a variety of topics, including home birth, traumatic childbirth experiences, and midwifery-led care.
  • Dr. Fiona Lees, Professor of Occupational Therapy, is an expert in disability studies. She has conducted research on a variety of topics, including wheelchair use, falls prevention, and social care.
  • Prof Emma Hart is a professor of computational intelligence here at Edinburgh Napier. She is known for her work in artificial immune systems (AIS), evolutionary computation and optimisation.
  • Dr. Clare Taylor is a Senior Lecturer in Medical Microbiology and is a passionate advocate of equality and inclusion

These are just a few examples of the many accomplished women scientists working at Edinburgh Napier University. Their research is making a real difference in the world, and they are inspiring the next generation of female scientists. In addition to these individual researchers, Edinburgh Napier University is committed to supporting women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) more broadly.

The university has several initiatives in place to encourage girls and young women to pursue careers in science. Such as the EQUATE Scotland program, which provides mentoring and support to women in the built environment, engineering, technology, and science sectors.

Celebrating the Achievements of Scottish Women in Science

Scottish women have played a vital role in shaping the scientific world. Defying societal expectations and making groundbreaking discoveries. From the pioneers of the past to the trailblazers of today, their contributions have paved the way for future generations of scientists. It is crucial to celebrate and recognise their achievements, while also working towards creating a more inclusive and equitable scientific community. By supporting and empowering Scottish women in science, we can ensure that their remarkable legacy continues to inspire and drive scientific progress for years to come.

Join us in celebrating the achievements of Scottish women in science by sharing their stories and advocating for gender equality in STEM fields. Together, we can break down barriers and create a more inclusive scientific community.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more on Women in Science here.

 

Picture of a pizza on top of some graphs for article World Pizza Day: A Business Lesson in Catering and Tourism

World Pizza Day: A Business Lesson in Catering and Tourism

09/02/2026 / / 0 Comments

World Pizza Day: A Business Lesson in Catering and Tourism

World Pizza Day might sound like a novelty, but from a business perspective, it is surprisingly useful. Pizza is one of the most successful food products in the world. It operates across cultures, price points, and service models. That makes it a perfect case study for students interested in business, catering, and tourism.

When I think about pizza, I don’t just think about food. I think about product design, customer experience, supply chains, branding, and demand. Few products demonstrate all these so clearly.

From Street Food to Business Model

Pizza began as cheap street food in Naples. It was designed to be filling, fast, and affordable. There was no luxury positioning and no tourism market in mind. Demand came from local workers who needed convenience.

Over time, pizza moved indoors. The pizzeria emerged as a formal business. This shift changed everything. Pizza became an experience rather than just a product. Customers sat down, socialised, and returned regularly. Food historians describe this as a turning point where pizza became part of the hospitality industry rather than informal street trade.

From a business perspective, this is the moment pizza became scalable.

Pizza and Tourism Demand

Tourism and food are closely linked. People travel to experience culture, and food is one of the most accessible ways to do that. Pizza plays a central role in this relationship.

Cities like Naples attract tourists specifically for pizza. Visitors queue for well-known pizzerias, follow food trails, and book pizza-making experiences. Pizza becomes a tourism product rather than a background meal. It adds value to the destination and supports local businesses.

For tourism operators, pizza offers something rare. It is familiar enough to feel safe, but authentic enough to feel meaningful. This balance is crucial in tourism markets, especially for first-time visitors.

Pizza as a Global Business Brand

Pizza is global, but it is not identical everywhere. That is one of the reasons it succeeds.

In the United States, pizza emphasises speed and size. Italy focuses on tradition and technique. In other countries, toppings and service styles reflect local taste. This is product localisation in action. Business students study this concept often, and pizza provides a clear real-world example.

Research into global pizza franchises shows how brands maintain core identity while adapting to local demand. This strategy is not limited to food. It applies across tourism, retail, and service industries.

What Catering Can Learn from Pizza

Catering businesses face constant pressure. They must serve large numbers efficiently while meeting diverse customer expectations. Pizza performs exceptionally well in this environment.

It is easy to portion, simple to customise, and suitable for shared dining. It works at corporate events, festivals, student functions, and tourism venues. From an operational point of view, pizza supports cost control and speed. From a customer point of view, it offers comfort and choice.

This combination explains why pizza remains dominant in catering menus. It reduces risk while increasing satisfaction.

Food, Experience, and Memory

Tourism research consistently shows that food shapes memory. Visitors often remember meals more vividly than attractions. Pizza plays this role frequently because it encourages social interaction and informal dining.

Street food studies highlight how relaxed food environments create emotional connection. Pizza supports conversation, sharing, and group experience. For catering linked to tourism, this is exactly the outcome businesses want.

Why World Pizza Day Matters to Business Students

World Pizza Day is more than a celebration. It is a reminder that simple products can support complex business systems. Pizza demonstrates how food products evolve, how tourism demand shapes services, and how catering balances efficiency with experience.

For undergraduate business students, pizza offers a practical case study. It shows how local ideas scale globally. It shows how customer expectations drive adaptation. Most importantly, it shows how food connects business, tourism, and culture in ways that are both profitable and meaningful.

Library Resources

The Library has a wealth of resources for you to use if you study Business. Use our Library catalogue to find resources and check out our Libguides for focused help.

Check out these for Inspiration:

Vesuvius, pizza, coffee and…Innovation: Is a new paradigm possible for the creative “Vesuvius Valley”, Naples, Italy?

A journal on all things pizza: Pizza Today

Plunkett Analytics Reports. Fast-Food, Pizza Delivery, Takeout and Family Restaurants Industry (US)

Social media competitive analysis and text mining: A case study in the pizza industry

Maestro Pizza: Disrupting the Pizza Business Model in Saudi Arabia

By Juliet Kinsey

Find out more about Library Resources with our post on Libguides

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

Robert Burns

Robert Burns – Scotland’s National Poet

25/01/2026 / / 0 Comments

.Robert Burns – Scotland’s National Poet

 

Robert Burns was born on 25th January 1759. He is well-known for writing many poems and songs. And is considered to be Scotland’s National Poet, also known as Scotland’s National Bard.

Burns was born in Alloway in Ayrshire, on the west coast of Scotland, to parents William and Agnes Brown Burns. And he was the eldest of seven children and lived in a cosy four-room cottage, built by his father. Robert and his family lived alongside their farm animals. The kitchen was the heart of the home where they ate their meals together, read by the fireside and received their earliest education. His parents insisted that he was educated, even though they were not a wealthy family, and he was given opportunities to read, study a variety of subjects and listen to music.

As he grew up, Robert Burns was known to enjoy female company, and he married Jean Armour in 1788 and had nine children. Robert Burns died at the age of 37 on July 21st, 1796, in Dumfries.

 

Songs and Poems.

Many of his poems and songs are written in the Scots language as well as some being written in English or a Scottish dialect, so that people who lived outside Scotland could also understand them.

His most famous song, “Auld Lang Syne”, is sung around the world to celebrate the New Year. It is a song about friendship and remembering good times, but it does not specifically refer to the New Year.

He has many other poems and songs, including Tam O’Shanter, To a Mouse, Ae fond kiss and A Red, Red Rose.

On 31 July 178,6 John Wilson published Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect, known as the Kilmarnock Volume. It sold for three shillings and contained many of Robert’s best works. The success of the work was immediate, and Robert became well-known for his writing. This made him change his plans from travelling to Jamaica to becoming a writer.

 

Burns Suppers

On 25 Jan 1859, on the centenary of the birth of Robert Burns, memorial events were held all over Scotland. And still continue today. The celebrations begin with a welcome and announcements, which are followed by the Selkirk Grace. Scotland’s national dish, the haggis, is then led into the room by a piper before being addressed with Burns’ own poem To a Haggis. Then it and is cut open. After the meal, a series of toasts takes place. This usually includes a “Toast to the Lassies” followed by replies. A summary of the life and work of Robert Burns is given in the toast to the “Immortal memory”, and the supper concludes with everyone singing “Auld Lang Syne”. These suppers honour the life of Robert Burns, where his poems are read, his songs are sung, and plenty of whisky is drunk!

 

The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway is cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. You can visit Burns Cottage, the home of Robert Burns, where he was born and grew up. Follow a trail through the village to see places and landmarks which were known to Robert Burns. And follow in the footsteps of Tam O’Shanter to Alloway Auld Kirk and over the Brig o’ Doon. Stroll along the Poet’s Path and see the creative sculptures related to Robert Burns’ work, celebrating scenes from Burns’s Tam o’ Shanter, the not-so ‘wee mouse’ and a larger-than-life granite haggis.

By Sharon McMichael

 

Find works by Robert Burns on Library Search and have a look at more Scottish posts

Photo by John Cardamone Unsplash 

 

 

 

Image for blog post The 12 Days of Festive Library Resources

The 12 Days of Festive Library Resources Part Two

16/12/2025 / / 0 Comments

The 12 Days of Festive Library Resources Part Two

Part Two

Here is part two of our Festive Library Resources List.

Day 7: Libguides

Libguides are subject guides created by our Librarians. They help you to find the right information for your area of study and provide you with links to appropriate resources. You can find them here: libguides.napier.ac.uk

You can read a more in-depth guide from our Library blog here.

Day 8: Books and Journals 

Have you wondered how many books are on our shelves? How many Ebooks on our digital shelves? Well wonder no more. We have 105,301 books in stock. And over 273,000 Ebooks. And they are all available on LibrarySearch for you to enjoy.

Day 9: Relaxation Zones

We have Relaxation Zones at all our campus Libraries, with games, comfy seating and relaxing activities for you to enjoy. Also, check out our Virtual Relaxation Zone on the Library Blog with links to meditation, videos and online relaxing activities. Read more about our relaxation zones here.

Day 10: Repository

An Open Access showcase for our research outputs. We have journal articles, conference papers and theses, data sets, programs, images, scores, music, and exhibition catalogues in digital format. The Repository helps us

  • Increase the impact of the University’s research by making it more visible thus improving the citation rate
  • Encourage collaboration and raise academic profiles
  • Meet with funder and REF requirements

You can all that the Repository has to offer here.

Day 11: Heritage collections

Edinburgh Napier University has a number of outstanding collections which explore, explain and engage with the cultural history of Edinburgh and beyond.

Our Heritage collections:

  • War Poets Collection

  • Mehew Robert Louis Stevenson

  • Jim Haynes

  • Edward Clark Collection

For information about any of our special collections and archives, please email heritage@napier.ac.uk

Day 12: The Librarians…we are here 

We have made it to the final day. And on the 12th day of festive resources gave to me: Librarians. The most valuable resource the Library offers is its Library Staff. Remember, we are here to help. You can contact us via the help desks, email library@napier.ac.uk or phone 0131 455 3500. We may be closed over the festive break but we have out-of-hours service if you need assistance.

Enjoy your holidays and we look forward to seeing everyone back in January.

By Maya Green and Juliet Kinsey

Christmas authors

Christmas Authors

06/12/2025 / / 0 Comments

Christmas Authors

 

The festive season is upon us! Christmas markets are bustling as the Christmas shopping rush begins. Christmas lights are filling the streets of Edinburgh City Centre, and many of us are getting ready. And also very excited for the festive season and holidays to commence. The lead-up to Christmas time and the festive holiday season evokes thoughts and excitement for many things and special moments. Moments of festive foods and treats, Christmas decorations put up throughout the city streets, Christmas movies, as well as Christmas shows at the theatre and pantomime, and of course, time with our loved ones.

Nevertheless, the commencing weeks of December also often consist of assignment deadlines and exams for much of our student and staff community. It can be easy to forget during this stressful and overwhelming time. In this blog post, to possibly encourage some of you to rekindle a love of reading again. We are going to list some famous and popular Christmas authors and their works. Some of which you may be tempted to read in front of the fireplace with a hot drink this year!

 

Charles Dickens (1812-1870) …

 

Charles Dickens is a 19th-century novelist and journalist who is also the author of many famous works. His works include Oliver Twist (1838) and Great Expectations (1861). One of his most famous and popular novels is also A Christmas Carol, which tells the story of Ebeneezer Scrooge. A penny-pinching and bitter businessman who believes Christmas to be like every other day of the year, even saying he “despises Christmas.” One evening, the spirit of an old business partner of his, named Jacob Marley, pays Scrooge a visit to warn him of the need to change his ways. And that he will be visited by three different spirits during the night: the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come.

Each spirit takes him on a journey through various scenes from Scrooge’s childhood, when he was a young, adolescent man, a present-day Christmas party hosted by his nephew Fred and then a Christmas dinner hosted at his employee Bob Cratchett’s house. Lastly, he is shown his future by the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come – all these journeys through the past, present and future end up having a significant influence on Scrooge and essentially encourage him to reflect and change his ways, as well as his perception of Christmas overall.

 

The first edition of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol was published in the year 1843 on the 19th of December by Chapman & Hall in London. It ended up being a sell-out story by Christmas Eve, and since then, thirteen other editions have been published. It can be viewed as a reflection and essentially a reminder of the most important and valuable aspects of Christmas: festive magnanimity, kindness, celebration and time with our loved ones.

 

Chris Van Allsburg…

 

Chris Van Allsburg is the author of the award-winning The Polar Express novel – another Christmas classic which won the reputable Caldecott Medal in the year 1986 not long after it was published on the 28th of October 1985. It has gone on to become a well-loved Christmas movie, as well as being adapted into various stage productions during the festive season.

It tells the story of a young boy who boards a train at night, which takes him to the North Pole, where he meets Santa, who then offers him any Christmas present of his choice. He chooses a bell from one of the reindeer harnesses, but on his journey back home, he loses the bell. Nevertheless, he finds it underneath the Christmas tree on Christmas morning – only he and his younger sister can hear it ring in their household, though. Their parents cannot, as they are deemed not to fully believe in the magic of Christmas.

 

Hidden messages in books can often be subject to interpretation. One of the most famous, well-known quotes from this book is “seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.” This can be interpreted as a hidden message regarding how the magic and essentially the joy of Christmas becomes ‘real’ to those who truly believe in it – and who actively try to make it magical for themselves and others around them.

 

Jenny Colgan…

 

Jenny Colgan is a Scottish author who has written books ranging from genres such as science fiction and romantic comedy. She is also the author of many Christmas-themed books and stories. These include An Island Christmas, The Christmas Surprise, The Secret Christmas Library and The Christmas Bookshop series.

All of these Christmassy reads are very light-hearted and equally heart-warming, with The Christmas Bookshop being one of her most popular festive novels. It tells the story of two estranged sisters who reunite to work together in running an old bookshop over the Christmas period. The Secret Christmas Library features two antiquarian book hunters on the search for a rare book held within a library inside a huge, archaic castle. With a hint of both romance and mystery as well as much festive spirit, this also makes an ideal Christmas read for the holiday season!

 

Recommendations…

 

At Edinburgh Napier University libraries, we have A Christmas Carol available to read as an eBook for our student community and staff. This eBook can be accessed via our LibrarySearch catalogue. Check out our other Christmas reads and also DVDs including Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! in our catalogue as well.

 

All other books mentioned in this blog article can be found in and borrowed.

 

By Rachel Downie

We love Christmas here at the library blog. Get in the festive spirit with us.

 

 

 

Image for blog post The 12 Days of Festive Library Resources

The 12 Days of Festive Library Resources Part One

01/12/2025 / / 0 Comments

The 12 Days of Festive Library Resources Part One

Part one

To celebrate the end of the year and the beginning of the Festive holiday break we thought we’d share some of our best resources.

Below is a list of some of our best:

Day One: Librarysearch

We have to start with our trusty Library Catalogue, LibrarySearch. Found at Librarysearch.napier.ac.uk.

This is a great place to start. Remember to sign in first before you start your search.

You will find information on everything the library has available and information on how to access it. Read our guide on how to get started with LibrarySearch.

Day Two: Box of Broadcasts

On the second day of Christmas, my library gave to me

BoB (Box of Broadcasts) is an innovative shared online off-air TV and radio recording service for UK higher and further education institutions. It contains over a million items including an archive of all BBC TV and radio content dating from 2007.
BoB enables all staff and students in subscribing institutions to choose and record any scheduled broadcast programme from 60+ TV and radio channels. You can also edit programs into clips, create playlists, embed clips into Moodle, share items via social media and generate reference citations.

Please note that our BoB licence is for educational purposes only, and only for use within the UK.

Box of Broadcasts is a truly fantastic database.

Visit learning on screen and use your university login to start watching.

Day Three: LibKey Nomad

This amazing tool will help you get full-text access to books and articles! You can add it as a browser extension or go to their website. It’s so good it even works on Amazon! It will tell you all the possible sources for the literature you are looking for and where to get them. Check out our Libkey guide here and watch the video below.

Day 4: Wellness

Here in the Library, we believe that looking after your physical and emotional health is just as important as your studies. So we created the Wellbeing Collection. University life can be challenging, even at the best of times. We’ve gathered together these resources in the hope that they help you feel happy, healthy and comfortable at Edinburgh Napier. Our collection covers a range of topics and includes guided self-help approaches to supporting mental health, personal development and achievement. You’ll find stories of resilience and recovery, discussions of family matters, and practical tools to help with the everyday realities of University life, such as finance and exam stress. If you have any suggestions, you can email library@napier.ac.uk

Day 5: DigiMap

Digimap is an online map and data delivery service. Digimap offers a number of data collections, including Ordnance Survey, historical, geological, LiDAR and marine maps and spatial data. You can create or interrogate a map online by selecting an appropriate base map, adding annotations and customising the content, use measurement and query tools to learn more about any study area. Download the raw spatial data in a wide range of formats for use in local GIS, CAD or image processing software.

Read more about Digimap in our blog post “Introducing DigiMap”

Check out their DigiMap help guides on YouTube

Day 6: Databases

We provide 190 databases covering every imaginable subject, from engineering to art. We have you covered. You can find them all on LibrarySearch . If you need a bit of help on how to navigate, we have subject-specific Libguides to help you get a more tailored research experience.

Check in with the Blog next week for Part Two!

By Juliet Kinsey and Maya Green

image of old tv for post World Television Day

World Television Day

21/11/2025 / / 0 Comments

World Television Day

World Television Day 2025 is a global observance which celebrates the impact and importance of television as a medium for communication, information, entertainment and shaping our global society.

Background

The day was established by the UN in 1996 and highlights how television has acted as a tool for fostering peace and cultural diversity. Without readily available access to the internet at that time, television was the main way for most people to access news, information and educational programmes. Since then, World Television Day has served as a reminder of the power of television to inform, educate, and entertain while promoting international understanding and cooperation. It can also unite people across the world through shared moments, experiences and events, and it remains a credible source of information even in our age of 24/7 information at our fingertips. With sources accessed through portable devices, it is possible to stay informed and educated no matter where you are and to profit from all the positive benefits television can provide.

How to take part

There are many ways to emphasise the positive aspects of television as a medium so if you would like to get involved here are some suggestions:

Watch quality news, investigative and informative programmes to broaden your knowledge of important global issues and cultural diversity. The recent furore regarding the BBC and accusations of bias and misinformation shows that even well-respected and globally important providers need to be accountable and it’s not wrong to question if the information you are receiving is correct.

Watch local and independent productions which support a wider range of ideas and give a local perspective to news, education and drama content.

Improve media literacy by educating yourself about critical thinking when watching television content.

Advocate for television programs that prioritise quality, ethics, and responsible journalism.

Watch programmes which address social, environmental and political issues to use as a means of establishing discussion on issues which affect both your community and the world.

Box of Broadcasts

You may not have access to a television but would like to get involved. That’s where the Box of Broadcasts (BOB) database comes in. As a student or staff member you will have access to BOB which offers quality television, film and radio content for teaching and research. It’s a useful way to access previously requested content and to request programmes for viewing which are due to be broadcast. It’s simple to use:

  1. Sign into Library Search
  2. Select the Databases tab
  3. Click on the letter B.
  4. Scroll down to Box of Broadcasts and click on the title.
  5. You can now use the Search function to look for programmes you would like to watch or for subjects you are interested in.
  6. Click on Guide to see the list of upcoming programmes which you can request simply by selecting the request programme function underneath each listed programme. When the programme is ready to watch you will receive an email in your student or staff email inbox.
  7. The My BOB section gives access to your requested programmes and allows the creation of playlists.

BOB will give you access to all sorts of programmes which will enrich your knowledge of current affairs, different cultures and issues and don’t forget it’s free to use.

You can find books and articles on television, culture, information, journalism and education using Library Search

By Vivienne Hamilton

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