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: Library Information (Page 2 of 21)

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

Image for post check-our-a-z-databases-list-unlock-specialised-resources

Check our A-Z databases list – unlock specialised resources

07/02/2026 / / 0 Comments

Check our A-Z databases list – unlock specialised resources

To prepare for your classes and assessments, having access to specialised resources is crucial. One of the best ways to find these resources is by exploring the library’s A-Z databases list. Here’s why this tool is invaluable and how it can benefit your studies.

 

Why check the A-Z databases list?

The A-Z databases list is a comprehensive directory of databases the library subscribes to, organised alphabetically. These databases cover a wide range of subjects and provide access to specialised academic resources, including journal articles, reports, and more. Accessing databases such as CINAHL, ACM or Lexis+ through our A-Z databases page, you will gain seamless access to these valuable tools.

 

Benefits of using databases:

  1. Access resources relevant to your research. The A-Z databases list includes databases that focus on specific disciplines, such as computing, nursing, business, and more. This means you can find high-quality, peer-reviewed resources that are directly relevant to your field of study.
  2. Enhance research quality. By using specialised databases, you can access a wealth of information that may not be available through general search engines. This can significantly enhance the quality and reliability of your research.
  3. Save time. Instead of sifting through countless irrelevant results, the A-Z databases list allows you to go straight to the sources that matter. This targeted approach saves you time and makes your research process more efficient.

 

How to use the A-Z databases list

You can access the A-Z databases list through the LibrarySearch. You will find the Databases tab at the top of the page. Browse the list alphabetically or use subject filters to find databases relevant to your research. Each database has a description and basic information about the resource which will help you choose the right ones for your needs.

By regularly using the A-Z databases list for your studies, you can unlock a world of specialised resources that will elevate your academic work.

By Patrycja Respondek

Read more about LibrarySearch on the blog with our article  Introduction to librarysearch

 

World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day 2026 

04/02/2026 / / 0 Comments

World Cancer Day 2026

 

Cancer is medically recognised and defined as a disease in which abnormal cells begin to multiply and spread throughout the body uncontrollably, and generally arises from alterations (or mutations specifically) in cell DNA. There are over 200 different kinds of cancer – all of which can sometimes present corresponding signs and symptoms, and other times have symptoms which differ completely. Cancer is also known to have two stages: the primary stage, when it starts to emerge, and the secondary stage, when it then begins to spread throughout the body. This is also recognised as metastatic cancer. A cancer diagnosis can very often be very emotionally challenging and devastating for individuals who receive one and can cause a range of emotions such as shock, anxiety, anger, and sadness – both for the person diagnosed and their loved ones.  

 

Objectives of World Cancer Day… 

 

The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) established World Cancer Day as a global initiative at the beginning of the 21st century, and it has since been observed annually on the 4th of February. It emerged primarily with intentions of promoting awareness of cancer, early detection and screening, quick and effective treatment, and ultimately, better access to healthcare for patients diagnosed with cancer. 

In alignment with these objectives, it also aims to encourage individuals, communities, healthcare institutions, public services, private companies and government bodies worldwide to collaborate and contribute toward the fight against cancer. It also honours the resilience and bravery of individuals diagnosed globally every year. With more and more individuals each year experiencing the devastating effects and impact that cancer can have, and well over 420,000 people being diagnosed annually with cancer, this emphasises the significance of continually and collectively working to improve access to healthcare globally as well as actively promoting and raising awareness of cancer and accessible, effective and suitable treatment options.  

 

Every Story Matters… 

 

People’s experiences of being diagnosed with cancer often differ greatly – there is so much more that can come with being diagnosed with cancer than the diagnosis, biological factors and physical symptoms alone. It can affect several parts of an individual’s life: their employment, financial circumstances and stability, relationships, quality of life and ultimately their mental health and emotional being as well as their physical health. Often, the effects and impact overall can be life-changing. In some cases, for example, it can affect a person’s employment and potentially the feasibility of them continuing with their current job role. This can then impact their financial situation and coincide with a decline in their emotional well-being and mental health if they experience great financial trouble and turmoil.

Significant healthcare costs can also hurt financial circumstances and stability, or access to the appropriate and effective treatments and care needed, which in turn can make the physical and mental health of the diagnosed individual worse. The psychological and emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis from feelings such as stress, uncertainty, fear, sadness and grief can also severely impact individuals as well as their loved ones and families.

These effects, overall, which are separate from the biological and physical ones, can often influence the level and type of support that a patient needs when facing a cancer diagnosis or dealing with disease progression. This makes actively listening to the patient extremely significant when assessing, considering and fulfilling their needs to the greatest extent possible in the healthcare industry.  

 

How you can participate and contribute… 

 

  • You can show solidarity by wearing a unity band, which can come in the form of pins, ribbons or bracelets. These are sold by various companies, and the money you pay will often go toward cancer research and relevant charitable organisations.  
  • Advocacy and information-sharing online and through various communication channels,s such as social media, is another way you can get involved and contribute. Sharing information, tips regarding preventative measures and actions, stories of individuals diagnosed with cancer and signs and symptoms to look out for are great ways to raise awareness and dispel any misconceptions or inaccurate beliefs about cancer.  
  • Making a monthly or one-off donation to organisations and hospitals specialised in oncology, cancer treatment and care for diagnosed individuals. This can lead to enhanced treatments and procedures being discovered, as well as better outcomes for patients with cancer in the long term. Participation in fundraising events such as runs, community gatherings, coffee mornings and workshops can also be a great way to raise and contribute money toward cancer research and relevant charitable organisations.  

 

Recommendations… 

 

Here are some recommendations from the Edinburgh Napier University library team which may be useful to our students studying nursing, biological sciences and in other relevant fields. All of these recommendations can be found and requested via LibrarySearch. 

 

  • Cancer biology and treatment, Divan, Aysha, author.; Royds, Janice, author.; Royal Society of Biology, publisher. 2020. Available at Sighthill Campus Library. 
  • Experiencing Cancer: quality of life in treatment, Schou, Kirsten Costain.; Hewison, Jenny, 1950-1999. Available at Sighthill Campus Library. 
  • An introduction to cancer care: Tracey McCready, Julie M. MacDonald. McCready, Tracey.; MacDonald, Julie. 2006. Available at Sighthill Campus 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

library study skills

Library study skills

30/01/2026 / / 0 Comments

Library study skills

Now that the new trimester has started and we’ve all woken up from our winter hibernation, we’ve started to notice a lot of students coming into the library to ask us for advice about studying. Some of these are new students who are excited to get started here at Napier, and some are returning students who seem to have forgotten how to study over the winter break. So, we decided it would be a good idea to just quickly remind everyone about the different ways that the library at Edinburgh Napier can support you during your time studying here.

Study Guides

Firstly, the library provides you with LibGuides, which are specialised guides teaching you the skills you need to navigate the library and how to best use the resources the university provides to you. These include guides to referencing using APA 7th style, more general guides such as advice on Critical Thinking, as well as specialised guides for each of our schools.
The other handy thing about the LibGuides is that they can provide you with a full list of the databases the university has access to. Through your student account, you can access 184 research databases that provide you with access to research articles, e-books, and other publications covering a range of different subject areas. These databases are a great way to expand your research and find a wide range of sources to help you when studying specialised topics.

These guides for our schools are written by the Subject Librarian for that school, providing you with detailed help from an experienced professional who specialises in that field. For example, if you’re a student at our business school, you can check out the guide to the business school library written by Keith Walker, who has been with the university for years and knows exactly what a business student needs to know for their studies. You can also contact the Subject Librarians directly if you have any questions for them. Contact details can be found on the MyNapier Subject Librarians page.

You can also find some helpful study advice through the MyNapier pages on our libraries. Here, you can find guides on how to access the different study resources that the university provides to you, such as how to search for books in the library or how to use the different academic journals that the library provides you with access.

Library Collections

Each of our libraries also includes a Research Collection, where we have books that will give you advice on how to carry out research in your subject area. These collections are tailored to the campus that they are at, so you can expect to find advice on studying as a nurse at our Sighthill campus library, while at Craiglockhart you’ll find books on business research.
Our libraries also have a Wellbeing Collection, with books focused on providing advice on mental health and personal development issues. Although this might not immediately seem relevant, it is important to look after yourself during intensive research periods, and these books can help advise you on how to balance completing your university work with staying healthy and happy during your time at Napier.

In particular, I’d recommend some of the books we have on how to avoid procrastination, as this was definitely one of the biggest issues I faced as a student!
Like with most things, you can learn more about the collection through our Wellbeing Collection LibGuides page.

You can also check out the Training and Events calendar to see if there are any upcoming workshops covering skills you may need help with. These workshops can include sessions by our Subject Librarians on how to use referencing software (very useful for big assignments like your dissertation!) or drop-in sessions with the academic skills team to see if they can support you in any way.
You can learn more about the academic skills team at the Improve Your Academic Skills page on MyNapier.

And lastly, please remember that you’re always welcome to ask a member of the team at one of our Library Helpdesks if you have any questions during your time at Napier.

By Matthew Ferrie

Australia Day

Australia Day

26/01/2026 / / 0 Comments

Australia Day

 

Today is Australia Day, which is also a national holiday in Australia that commemorates the First Fleet’s arrival into Warrane (Sydney Cove) on the 26th of January 1788 with 11 British ships coming over from Portsmouth in the UK and led by Captain Arthur Phillip. On arrival, Captain Phillip raised the Union Jack flag and commenced the colonial invasion of occupied lands across the continent. From this began the Colonial Frontier Wars between British settlers and indigenous Australians (also including both Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders) and marked the birth date of the New South Wales colony.

 

Some History and Background…

 

Violence and conflict occurred throughout various areas of Australia from 1788 onwards after the arrival and settlement of the First Fleet, with much of Australia’s Aboriginal population being killed by British colonists over many years. The massacres that occurred within these years were so vast that it has been difficult to provide an accurate estimate of the number of Aboriginal and indigenous individuals that died during this period, as it is believed to have been extremely high. It has also rarely been addressed in history, but because of these wide-scale massacres of indigenous individuals by British colonists, this national holiday has generated controversy and criticism regarding what is seen by many to have been a ‘robbery’ and an invasion of Aboriginal Australian land.

 

Celebrations and Controversies…

 

Many Australians celebrate Australia Day as a national holiday on the 26th of January every year – the date on which the First Fleet and their commander Captain Arthur Philip arrived at Port Jackson (now known as Sydney Harbour). Much of Australia’s population of approximately 24 million people has gathered annually on this day to host barbecues, regattas and outdoor events and concerts on beaches and in parks in a unified celebration of Australian diversity, culture, democracy and liberation. Nevertheless, this national day is not supported nor celebrated by all. In 1988, a march took place consisting of around 40,000 indigenous and non-indigenous Australians throughout Sydney protesting against celebrations of this annual event and national holiday referring to it as “invasion day” and “survival day.” These protests are still ongoing to this day and have encouraged local councils in Melbourne to cancel and stop Australia Day events.

 

Conclusion…

 

Although a majority of Australian individuals still celebrate and participate in Australia Day events, a poll conducted in 2018 found that 49% of individuals surveyed believe that Australia should not host the 26th of January each year in respect to the impact that colonisation had on indigenous people, their culture and communities from 1788 onwards. Many also did not seem particularly fixated on what day the national holiday is held on, as long as there is an annual celebration of Australian culture, identity and democracy. Australia Day carries a different meaning to many is observed and understood differently by different individuals and communities. It is emphasised significantly that recognition and awareness of the effect colonialism had on Aboriginal and indigenous communities and populations.

By Rachel Downie

Photo by photoholgic unsplash

Read more about awareness day

welcome week

Welcome Week and an Introduction to our ENU Libraries

22/01/2026 / / 0 Comments

Welcome Week and an Introduction to our ENU Libraries

Hello and welcome to all of our new and returning students for the second trimester of the academic year. We have started to see many of you passing through all three of our campus libraries and often looking around with much curiosity and wonder at our library spaces, bookshelves and study areas. We may have even already met a few of you who have come to our campus library helpdesks to ask us about our libraries, services and other general queries about the university facilities and technology.

Don’t forget we are always happy to help and have prepared this blog post to give you a rough outline of what resources and services that ENU libraries have to offer, how to utilise and get the best out of them and how we can support you with your studies. You can of course, email us at library@napier.ac.uk or alternatively phone 0131 455 3500 if you have any specific or further questions you would like to ask us, as well as visit us at our library helpdesk,s should you wish to speak to us in person during our staffed hours. Also, follow our @ENU-Library Instagram page for regular updates and daily posts about the resources and services we have to offer.

 

Opening Hours and Locations…

 

Our general Opening Hours can be found on our My Napier webpages via the library tab.  Staffed hours in all of our campus libraries are 8:45am-16:45pm Monday to Friday. Our libraries are unstaffed at weekends but still free to use from 9am-5pm, albeit Merchiston library zones 1-4, which are free to use 24 hours every day of the week. Opening hours can be subject to change during holiday periods and seasons throughout the year – we will update them and inform you of any temporary changes to them accordingly.

 

Our three campus buildings are the Sighthill campus, the Merchiston campus and the Craiglockhart campus. Each campus library has resources tailored to the specific school hosted within each campus building.

  • Sighthill hosts the School of Health and Social Care (SHSC) and School of Applied Sciences (SAS), so in this campus library you will find a variety of resources and textbooks on nursing, pharmacology, physiology, psychology, chemistry, biology and biomedical sciences to give a few examples.
  • Our Merchiston campus hosts the School of Arts and Creative Industries (SACI) and School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment (SCEBE), so in this campus library you will find a variety of resources and textbooks on film, photography, literature, music and composition, surveying, engineering, construction, transportation and computing and computer science to give a few examples.
  • Our Craiglockhart campus hosts The Business School (TBS), so in this campus library you will find a variety of resources and textbooks on topics such as management, finance, accounting, marketing, recruitment, human resources and entrepreneurship, to give a few examples. Craiglockhart campus library also hosts our law hub with a range of up-to-date and varied material regarding current laws and legal matters in various areas.

 

This is not to say that each campus library only has books on these specific topics and subject areas, as you may well find a book on human resource management at our Sighthill campus, for example! We also have our Wellbeing Collection with a variety of resources covering topics such as mental health, wellbeing, neurodiversity and settling into university life. You can find out more about what our Wellbeing Collection has to offer in our LibGuide, which also has useful guidance and information about literature searching, critical thinking and evaluation, utilising reading lists and referencing – all of which will be extremely useful to you when assignments, exams and deadlines start to pop up throughout the year!

So how do I request and borrow a book?…

 

You can search for and request books and resources through our LibrarySearch catalogue, which is also where you have access to all of our physical and online resources, which we have in our library stock or through institutional access. To request a book to be kept on hold for you, you will need to sign into LibrarySearch with your student number and password. Once you have done this, you will need to search for the desired item in the search bar and click on the item record.

If you scroll down the item record, you will then find a link that says ‘Request’ which, once clicked, will prompt you to fill out a request form for the item, including a section where you can choose your preferred campus to collect your request item or resources from as well. We keep all requested items on our hold shelves for a maximum of seven days before we reshelve them – you will receive an email from us once your requests are ready to collect!

 

If there is a book or article you need which you cannot find in our LibrarySearch catalogue, we also have an Inter Library Loans service where you can submit a request form for a chosen title that we do not have in our library stock. Once we receive this form, we will then see if another library institution in the UK can lend us a copy they may have to lend to you through us.

 

Can I borrow a laptop from ENU libraries?…

 

Need to borrow laptop? Well you certainly can! You can borrow one of our Lapsafe laptops from any of our campus libraries, the JKCC or Bainfield student accommodation for a maximum of 14 days from one of our Lapsafe locker self-service machines. Find more information in our Laptops to loan My Napier webpages.

 

We hope this has given a decent overview of what our ENU campus libraries have to offer and how we can support you, although do feel free to contact us or come to one of our library helpdesks if you have any questions or queries!

 

By Rachel Downie

 

Have a look at our campus guides

Can music improve your wellbeing and health? Blog post Image of headphones

Can music improve your wellbeing and health?

22/01/2026 / / 0 Comments

Can music improve your wellbeing and health?

As we step into January and try to shake off the winter slump, music can be a surprisingly powerful tool for boosting both your mental and physical health. Research across psychology, neuroscience, and medicine consistently shows that music can support everything from stress management to dementia care.

Here are some ways in which music may contribute to improved health:

Mood Boosting

Music is one of the quickest ways to change how you feel, and it works almost instantly. A favourite upbeat track can give you a burst of motivation when you’re dragging your feet. A gentle piano piece can soothe nerves before a presentation or interview. This happens because music stimulates reward pathways in the brain, releasing dopamine. The same “feel-good” chemical behind small victories and satisfying moments. On days when everything feels heavy or overwhelming, even a short song can lift your spirits and help you feel more grounded. It’s a tiny intervention with a surprisingly big impact.

Stress Reduction

When life gets hectic, with deadlines, placements, exams, and part-time jobs, music can act as an accessible form of stress relief. Slow, soothing music slows the heart rate, reduces blood pressure, and helps regulate breathing, signalling to your body that it’s safe to relax.
This makes music an excellent tool for study breaks or pre-sleep wind-down routines. Even 5–10 minutes of calming music can help reset your nervous system, reduce tension, and give your mind a much-needed moment of peace amid a busy schedule.

Pain Management

In clinical settings, music therapy isn’t just soothing background noise. It’s a recognised method of supporting patients through painful or uncomfortable experiences. Music works by redirecting attention, reducing the brain’s focus on pain signals, and promoting emotional comfort. This might mean using music during injuries, physiotherapy, dental visits, or even during a tough day with headaches or muscle aches. While it’s not a cure, it can make discomfort more manageable and improve your overall experience.

Cognitive Support

Music doesn’t just affect mood. It also stimulates key cognitive processes. Certain types of music can help with concentration, memory formation, and sustained attention. This is why some people find they study better with instrumental or ambient playlists.
In therapeutic contexts, music is used to help individuals with Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions maintain connections with memories and emotions. While most of us aren’t dealing with those challenges, the same mechanisms can still help you remember information, stay focused, and structure your study sessions more effectively.

Better Sleep

If your sleep routine has taken a hit due to late-night study sessions, messy timetables, or stress, music can help you get back on track. Soft, slow-tempo music can reduce physiological arousal. The racing thoughts, restlessness, and tension make it hard to fall asleep, so building a short “pre-sleep playlist” can signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down. Over time, this becomes a cue your body recognises, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper, more restorative rest.

Improved Exercise Performance

Whether you’re a gym regular, an occasional jogger, or simply someone who likes a brisk walk between classes, music can make physical activity feel easier and more enjoyable. Research shows that rhythmic music synchronises with your movement, helping you maintain pace and reducing your perception of effort. Your favourite high-energy songs can push you through the last few minutes of a workout, elevate your mood, and turn exercise into something you look forward to rather than something you dread.

Social Connection

Music has the unique ability to bring people together. Singing in a choir, going to gigs, playing in a band, or even bonding over playlists with friends helps build a sense of belonging. For university students — especially those new to campus or juggling changing social circles — music can be a powerful way to create friendships and strengthen communities. Shared musical tastes can spark conversations, create memories, and make you feel more connected to those around you.

Emotional Expression

Sometimes emotions pile up in ways we can’t easily describe. Music gives you a language for all the things that feel too complicated or too personal to articulate. Whether you’re listening to lyrics that resonate, improvising on an instrument, or curating the perfect playlist for your mood, music becomes a safe way to process feelings. It helps you recognise, name, and release emotions, which is an essential part of maintaining emotional health.

Read The Science

The neuroscientist Indres Viskontas has done a lot of fantastic research on the subject, and you can access many of their articles through LibrarySearch. Here’s some inspiration to get you started:

Music on the Mind: an introduction to this special issue of Neurocase
Viskontas, Indre V. ; Margulis, Elizabeth Hellmuth

Music Therapy has long been recognised as a helpful treatment. We have many books and articles for you to read on the subject. Check out:

Music therapy
Rachel Darnley-Smith and Helen M. Patey.

The British Journal of Music Therapy is available online

It’s important to note that the effects of music on well-being can vary from person to person, and individual preferences play a significant role. What works for one person may not work for another. Additionally, music is often used as a complementary therapy and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or psychological treatment when needed.

Furthermore, why not check out our Spotify for some musical Inspiration?

So, to answer the question, can music improve your wellbeing and health? Yes it can!

Right, I’m off to dance around the Library and lift my January spirits!

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more January inspiration on the blog with our article on keeping New Year’s Resolutions

Image of Blue mug with sad face for post Blue Monday and Happiness Hacks

Blue Monday and Happiness Hacks

19/01/2026 / / 0 Comments

Blue Monday and Happiness Hacks

With the festive season having come to a swift end, many of us are now returning to school, work or university. We may also be looking back fondly on memories made with family, friends and partners over Christmas and the New Year. With cold and dark weather, financial worries, and reduced motivation and productivity often experienced in January, many people may face a post-holiday slump. This can sometimes lead to a noticeable dip in physical and emotional wellbeing.

Blue Monday

Blue Monday originated as a PR stunt by Sky Travel to promote and sell holidays. It is recognised as the third Monday in January and now serves as an annual observance of mental health and wellbeing awareness, as well as a reminder to practise self-care. It is often described as the most depressing day of the year. However, mental health struggles and life challenges are not limited to a single day.

How to boost your mood this New Year

We are here to offer some tips and happiness hacks to hopefully help you not only beat the January blues, but also face and cope with any challenges or physical, mental or emotional struggles year-round.

Connection is key

Having strong social bonds and keeping in touch with loved ones has a significant range of health benefits. Most of these benefits are usually associated with mental and emotional health. Other benefits include lower anxiety and stress levels, as well as a reduced risk of depression and feelings of isolation. Our mental and emotional health can also have a profound effect on our physical health. In this sense, since community and social connection reduce stress levels, individuals also experience more enhanced immunity, lower blood pressure, reduced risk of heart problems and increased longevity. So whether you are feeling uplifted or down this blue Monday. Take the time to call, message or meet up with a loved one. It may just help them feel more connected with others and less isolated as well! Looking to meet new friends and make new connections? The City of Edinburgh hosts a wide range of social meetups and events such as walking groups, running clubs, sports and gym classes, book clubs and various other activities and events, where you can meet lots of new people locally.

Treasure some time-out and time to yourself

As important as it is to connect with loved ones and keep in touch with them, it is equally important to make time for some well-deserved ‘me-time’ now and again to recharge. Whether this involves learning a new skill, taking up a new hobby or factoring in some time to read a book or watch TV, making time for yourself is essential at times for your own mental, emotional and even physical wellbeing. Even taking the opportunity to catch up on some much-needed rest, relaxation and sleep when you can do wonders for your wellbeing and allow you to recharge, particularly if you have had a long and stressful day or week.

Movement is medicine (and mental health boosting)

It’s not just a saying as well. It is Science supports that physical activity and movement significantly benefit not only your physical health but also your mental health as well. In fact, it is essential in helping to maintain and improve these aspects of your health and wellbeing. While it is the time of year when many will be making New Year’s resolutions regarding their own personal fitness, there are many ways to incorporate more movement into your daily routine that don’t involve investing a lot of money in a gym membership or signing up to run a marathon. Taking the stairs instead of the lift when you can, getting off the bus at a stop earlier than you normally would and even factoring in some time for a morning or evening stroll are great and time-efficient ways to get your steps in and incorporate more movement into your daily routine. These small habits and changes do wonders for your physical and even mental health long term and help to preserve mobility and physical function later in life.

Treat yourself!

January doesn’t have to be about foregoing all pleasures – after all, balance is key. Rewarding yourself here and there, particularly after achieving a goal, no matter how big or small, is a great way to boost your dopamine and self-motivation, especially if you have anticipated that reward ahead of time. It could be your favourite chocolate bar, time to watch an episode of your favourite television show or playing your favourite game.

Edinburgh Napier University Resources

Want to move more? Try the University Running Club. Join the running club here

Recharge with downtime by borrowing a novel from the Library or watching some movies on Box of Broadcasts for free.

For more inspiration on Life Hacks, why not read our article on: How to achieve your New Year’s resolution

By Rachel Downie

Trimester Two

Trimester Two

15/01/2026 / / 0 Comments

Trimester Two

It’s cold, dark, and the Christmas lights are down, which means one thing. January is here. And January means the start of the second trimester two and honestly, we can’t wait.  For some, it means returning from a break, while for others, it means embarking on their journey at Edinburgh Napier. You might be starting at an international college or a postgraduate program.  In this blog post, we’ll have you cover, having a look at the library essentials to help you start at Edinburgh Napier. Or have a refresher course.

Library Essential

Each campus has a library, so you don’t have to travel far from class. That library reflects the schools based at that campus, for example, what books are available at each library. For example, business books will be located at Craiglockhart, while computing, engineering, and built environments are housed at Merchiston. And of course, nursing at Sighthill.

Merchiston Library is perhaps more central and will be open 24/7 as a study space from the end of the month.

Finding information: reading lists, subject guides and subject librarians

Each course has a reading list. You will find these items through LibrarySearch. Please log in at the top right corner as this will allow you to access E-resources.  We also have subject guides and research guides that have been created by your subject librarian. These guides are designed to help you find information and develop research skills.

Each subject area has a subject librarian. You can contact your subject librarian for more information or arrange a 1: 1 appointment for extra guidance. Your subject librarian can help with finding resources and information about your course. And help build library skills. You can find your subject librarian on our web pages.

Library Services: Books, Databases and more

We have an extensive catalogue, and it is all available through library search. Here, you will have access to all our online resources and be able to locate where our physical resources are. You will also find access to journals and databases. You can borrow up to 30 physical items. Books are 7-day loans, but they renew automatically up to 4 months unless requested.  If you are looking for something we don’t have, we have an inter-library loan service where you can request books from other libraries. This is available through the LibrarySearch tab.

Library Services: Physical and Online

At the library, you will find plenty of study spaces: we have silent areas and areas for talking if you have group work. There are study rooms, PCs and Macs, with printers and scanners. Each library has a relaxation space with games, colouring sheets and comfy sofas to relax. We have a well-being collection that focuses on shelf help. If you can’t make it to campus, most of these resources are now available online.

Our trusty LibGuides are tailored to effectively assist you with finding relevant information in a specific subject area. They feature information and advice on searching for relevant print and e-resources such as books and journal articles, and recommend websites and databases. And information about how to get in touch with your subject librarian for additional assistance with accessing any further resources you may require. You can also find our A-Z list of databases we are subscribed to for all your research needs, with trial access included. Our detailed subject guides also cover every school within the university. We also have guides for conducting a literature review, critical thinking skills, reference management systems and referencing styles such as APA 7th.

 

Training and Events Calendar

Throughout the year, library staff run a variety of workshops and training sessions. These are to assist you in developing and enhancing your academic skillset. The sessions are easily bookable through Libcal for students and staff. Like our Libguide, the sessions and workshops cover research skills such as conducting literature reviews, utilising reference management systems such as Endnote and Mendeley. Library help for your specific subject area and database searching skills. These are only a few examples of the training sessions we offer. Do not worry if one of the sessions you wish to attend is fully booked as well – our library staff often run several of the same workshops throughout the year to provide students and staff with the most opportunity possible to attend!

Find out more about our training and events calendar in our Home – Edinburgh Napier University webpage. You can also access our full and up-to-date calendar through here as well.

Have a look at more study support 

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