Category: Library Information (Page 17 of 21)

Clocks going forward 2023

24/03/2023 / julietkinsey / 0 Comments

Clocks going forward 2023

It’s now springtime. Days and nights are getting longer and it will soon be time to put the clocks forward as daylight saving time or British Summer Time (BST) begins. Don’t be late for work or that important meet-up with friends. Remember that the clocks go forward in the UK at 01:00 on Sunday, March 26 2023. If you would like to learn more about daylight saving time, click on the link below:

https://www.timeanddate.com/time/dst/

Make the most of the longer summer nights by getting out and about in the fresh air. Exercise is good for both physical and mental health. Read how extra daylight is good for our health by following the link below:

https://www.southwales.ac.uk/news/news-2022/daylight-savings-how-an-hour-of-extra-sunlight-can-benefit-your-mental-health/

By Vivienne Hamilton

Image by Photo by Abdul A on Unsplash

St. Patrick’s Day

17/03/2023 / julietkinsey / 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 17^th 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 17^th 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 7^th 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

Source

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

Pi Anyone? International Pi Day

14/03/2023 / julietkinsey / 0 Comments

Pi Anyone? International Pi Day

The 14^th of March is International Day of Mathematics and International Pi Day.

What is International Mathematics Day?

On the 26^th of November 2019 UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation) decided March the 14^th should be declared the International Day of Mathematics.

The main purpose of the day was to celebrate and highlight the importance of Mathematics. Making people aware mathematics is everywhere and used in everyday life, as well as in specialist industries.

Prior to the birth of International Mathematics Day, the 14^th of March was International Pi Day. Continue reading

Changes to the spaces at Craiglockhart library

27/02/2023 / mayagreen / 0 Comments

Changes to the spaces at Craiglockhart library

We have made some changes to the library spaces at Craiglockhart campus over the past few months. By removing unused bookshelves at the rear of the library the area is now much more open and the space is being used more effectively.

The relaxation space has been made larger and is brighter and less confined. There are lots of helpful books and posters promoting relaxation, taking time out from your studies and de-stressing. Look out for our different suggestions throughout the year from birdwatching to beachcombing. We have provided some new games, non-academic books and origami paper. We have increased the amount of seating and returned the cushions and throws to the area.

Shelf Help

Our shelf help books are now in a dedicated space making them easier to find.

The jigsaw tables have been moved away from study spaces and there are extra puzzles to help complete.

There are 4 new single study booths and 2 extra round tables for groups, along with some new social seating. All these spaces are available on a first come first served basis so if you think you would like to use any of them, arrive early as they are proving popular!

PCs

Along with the changes to the library spaces some of our PCs now have dual monitors.

We hope you like the changes and think the new spaces are useful, and please remember, your feedback is always welcome.

We have access to shelf help through our blog https://libguides.napier.ac.uk/shelfhelp

And more information on Craiglockhart library https://my.napier.ac.uk/library/about-the-library/craiglockhart

Pets of the Library Part 2

20/02/2023 / julietkinsey / 1 Comment

Pets of the Library Part 2

After the last few years of remote working and with staff working more from home now, meeting their feline companions during online meetings has been so much fun. Little furry faces and tails have often popped up mid-way through a very important discussion. Many of our staff have loved being able to spend more time with their creatures of choice; I know I love having a friendly work buddy to hang out with at home during the workday.

So to celebrate this year’s International Love your pet day we think it would be nice to introduce you all to some of our furry friends.

A Guide to Beating Exam Stress

09/12/2022 / raquelbyrne / 0 Comments

A Guide to Beating Exam Stress

It might be hard to believe, but exams are nearly here and 2022 is nearly over. I know, right!?

The exam period can be a highly stressful time, and it’s understandable you may be feeling overwhelmed, stressed or unsure about how to manage yourself and your time. If you’re looking for help, there are a number of places you can go to find it.

Our libraries are open to you for individual and group study. We’ve got a great variety of resources if you’re in need of some study tips, no matter where you are in your academic journey. Pop on over to our exam support reading list for resources on studying smart, mindfulness, taking successful exams, study skills, and beating stress.

Here are our top tips to help get you through.

Top Tips for Beating Exam Stress

1. Timetable and prepare a study plan.

2. Create a study space that is comfortable, quiet, well-lit, organized, and has no distractions nearby.

3. Put your information into a format that allows you to absorb it best.

4. Take regular study breaks. Alternating subjects you’re studying will also help.

5. Remember self-care!

6. Schedule fun activities to reduce your stress.

7. Eat nutritious foods and exercise regularly to keep your brain power and energy up!

8. Make sure you have all the items you need for any exams. Get them ready the day before to avoid rushing on the day.

9. Remove anything distracting to help you focus. Try putting your phone in a different room when revising.

10. Write down revision targets for the day, review your progress, and update your revision timetable and targets appropriately.

Most of all: Remember to rest – get a good night’s sleep – and also relax! Check out our Virtual Relaxation Space, Or one of our special exam chillout areas in all our Libraries. You can find them next to the relaxation zones.

Keep an eye out on our Digital screens for more exam tips. Here’s a taster:

Further Support

Please do remember that if you’re experiencing difficulties, get in touch with Napier’s Counselling & Mental Wellbeing service. Drop them an email at counselling@napier.ac.uk or call them on 0131 455 2459.

Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Winter and Christmas recommendations

05/12/2022 / jemmalidgard / 0 Comments

Winter and the Christmas holidays are just around the corner, so it’s time to get cosy, put your feet up and get your fluffy socks on, have a hot drink, and enjoy some winter-warming content!

Here are some of the library recommendations this season:

Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas

The Grinch is a solitary creature that lives on Mount Crumpit and tries to cancel Christmas by stealing decorations and presents in the town of Whoville on Christmas Eve.

Merchiston DVD Collection 791.4334 HOW

The Grinch with a coffee Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

This classic novel addresses social class and human values, about an orphan named Pip, who encounters Magwitch an escaped convict, and Miss Havisham a spinster rejected by her lover on her wedding day. Pip falls in love with Estella who has been raised by Miss Havisham taught to show unrequited love.

https://napier.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44NAP_INST/13v8mut/alma9920447910102111

Merchiston Main stock 823.8 DIC

The Winter’s Tale William Shakespeare

A play in five acts- a romance or tragic comedy, consumed with jealousy and the power of love. In the first half, Leontes imprisons his pregnant wife on suspicion of infidelity. In the second half his lost daughter is rescued by shepherds and has fallen in love with a young prince.

https://napier.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44NAP_INST/13v8mut/alma9920698270102111

Merchiston Main stock 822.33 SHA

The Nutcracker

This is the most popular ballet and takes place during a Christmas party, where a young child named Clara is gifted a nutcracker doll and at night the doll comes to life in a twist of magical adventures.

You can watch the Royal Ballet on Box of Broadcasts:

https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand/index.php/prog/001048B6?bcast=76072199

The Nutcracker Ballet Photo by Hudson Hintze on Unsplash

The Chronicles of Narnia. The lion, the witch, and the wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Fantasy novel set in World War Two, where four children are evacuated to live in the countryside. Upon which they discover a wardrobe that leads to a mysterious land named Narnia, inhabited by Mythical creatures, and ruled by the White Witch.

Merchiston DVD collection 791.4372 CHR

You can find more resources on our Christmas reading list here.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

03/12/2022 / jemmalidgard / 0 Comments

Held annually on 3 December International Day of Persons with Disabilities was established by the United Nations (UN) in 1992 with the aim of promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, and breaking down the social and physical barriers faced which prevent persons with disabilities from participating fully in many aspects of daily life.

Edinburgh Napier University welcomes people with disabilities, long-term health conditions and specific learning difficulties and is committed to providing students with support in all aspects of University life and aims to provide a positive and supportive environment for all students.

The Library aims to support people with disabilities and those with individual needs by providing services such as assistance when collecting items from shelves and understanding library layouts, providing texts in digital formats, and enabling a designated friend/family member (with permission) to act on your behalf. If you require them, there are height-adjustable desks and accessible toilets in each of the Libraries.

For eligible students with a print impairment, the Disability Inclusion Team can also set up accounts to Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Bookshare, a huge online digital library. RNIB Bookshare opens up the world of reading in education for learners with a print-disability, including those with dyslexia or who are blind or partially sighted.

Laptop on a desk Photo by Christopher Gower on Unsplash

There are many different assistive technology products, equipment, and systems available to enhance learning, working, and daily living for students with disabilities and learning difficulties. The products available to help you with your studies are listed on the Assistive Technology webpages in the Disability Inclusion section on My Napier. These include browser extensions you can install to help with reading, focusing, and viewing documents. Software available includes ClaroRead, a multi-sensory software solution for supporting reading and writing, with visual tools that colour, highlight, and focus on difficult-to-read text, and allows you to read any on-screen text out loud. Sonocent Audio Notetaker is an audio recording app which allows you to annotate your audio recording by adding text notes and coloured category highlighting, either live or when listening back to the recording. These are just a few of the products available to you. Why not have a look at the webpage and see if there might be something to help your studies.

If you are looking for support or would like to find out more about how the Disability Inclusion Team can help you, all the information you need is on the Disability Inclusion webpages on My Napier or you can email disabilityandinclusion@napier.ac.uk.

If you have any questions about how the Library can support you, please email us at library@napier.ac.uk, phone us on 0131 455 3500, or see our Library webpages.

By Sarah Jeffcott

St Andrew’s Day

30/11/2022 / jemmalidgard / 0 Comments

What is Saint Andrew’s Day?

Each year St Andrew’s day, or the feast day of Saint Andrew, is celebrated in Scotland on 30th November.

St Andrew has officially been the patron saint of Scotland since 1320 when Scotland became independent with the Declaration of Arbroath.

St Andrew is not only the patron saint of Scotland; we share our patron saint with Romania, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, and Poland, among others.

A patron saint is regarded as a protector or guide of a nation, place or person. https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/st-andrews-day-november-30-22264412

Saint Andrew Source

Who was Saint Andrew?

Although not a huge amount is known about Saint Andrew, according to the Christian faith Andrew the apostle was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. He was also the brother of Simon Peter, who would become Saint Peter.

He was born in what is now known as Israel, probably between 5 and 10AD. St Andrew was one of the first disciples of Jesus: according to the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, Andrew and Peter were fishermen, who were said to have followed Jesus immediately when he said to them “I will make you fishers of men”.

Saint Andrew is said to have travelled far and wide during his life to preach the teachings of Jesus. It is also alleged that St Andrew was crucified on an ‘X’ shaped cross, which is why the Scottish flag (the Saint Andrew’s Cross) has a white cross on it.

Source

How can I celebrate Saint Andrew’s Day?

St Andrew’s day can be celebrated by donning your kilt for a ceilidh (Scottish dancing) and listening to Scottish music, partaking of some Scottish food or a dram o’ whisky perhaps. There may be local events that you can join in with too – see the links below for some ideas:

What’s On Edinburgh

Visit Scotland

Edinburgh Guide

Read more about Scottish History 📚

If you want to learn more about Scottish History, check out the shelves at Sighthill Campus at Dewey number 941 or search LibrarySearch – here are some examples of articles and books held within our treasure trove of a library catalogue 😊:

Rowlands, E. W., & Masaccio. (2003). Masaccio Saint Andrew and the Pisa altarpiece. Getty Publications.

https://napier.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44NAP_INST/19n0mho/cdi_proquest_reports_199722299

Carver, M. (2009). Early Scottish Monasteries and Prehistory: A Preliminary Dialogue. Scottish Historical Review, 88(2), 332–351. https://doi.org/10.3366/E0036924109000894 https://napier.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44NAP_INST/19n0mho/cdi_jstor_primary_27867579

Fergusson, & Elliott, M. W. (2019). The history of Scottish theology. Volume II, From the early Enlightenment to the late Victorian era (Fergusson & M. W. (Mark W. . Elliott, Eds.; First edition.). Oxford University Press. https://napier.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44NAP_INST/n96pef/alma9923629314302111
Scotland under her Early Kings: A History of the Kingdom to the Close of the Thirteenth Century; Vol. 1. (1862). Edmonston and Douglas. https://napier.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44NAP_INST/n96pef/alma9923629314302111

Learn more about LibrarySearch here.

Sources:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/20556587

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Andrew

https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/st-andrews-day-november-30-22264412

By Judy Wheeler

Edinburgh Napier’s Repository – a home for the university’s research

28/11/2022 / jemmalidgard / 0 Comments

Edinburgh Napier’s repository – a home for the university’s research

A repository is a kind of digital archive for storing all the research outputs created by a university’s academics and researchers. Most importantly, it also makes much of this research publicly available for everyone to read and download. The Edinburgh Napier Research Repository is the home for Edinburgh Napier’s research. We moved to the current repository platform earlier this year, so it might look a little different now if you were familiar with the old one.

Open Access

Making research open access in the repository benefits researchers whose work can be more widely read and cited. It’s also great for students who can access research much more easily. Almost every university has a repository now. so you can use aggregator services like CORE to find research from around the world. CORE includes the 20,000+ outputs from Napier’s repository and millions more as well. Take a look at our open-access LibGuide with more tips for finding open-access research.

Screenshot of the University Research Repository

WorkTribe

For Edinburgh Napier academics and researchers who want to curate their own profile or add new research outputs to the repository, just log in to Worktribe using your usual university credentials. If you need any help, check out the support pages on the intranet or feel free to email repository@napier.ac.uk with any questions about open access – including publishing open-access journal articles using one of the library’s publisher deals.

The repository is not just for academic staff though. In fact, Research students can be set up with a profile if they have publications to share. Furthermore, all postgraduate theses awarded by Edinburgh Napier are made available in the repository and then included in the British Library’s national thesis collection for anyone to read.

And that’s what repositories are all about. Making it easier for everyone to find and share the knowledge our universities create.

By Stuart Lawson

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

Category: Library Information (Page 17 of 21)

Clocks going forward 2023

Clocks going forward 2023

Like this:

St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day