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Edinburgh Napier University

Category: Library Information (Page 3 of 13)

Academic skills

Academic Skills

18/09/2024 / / 0 Comments

Academic Skills

Now that Freshers Week is finished classes have officially started for the year. And already we’ve had some new students asking us about what ways they can prepare for their coursework. And how to build up the confidence they need for their assignments later in the year. With this in mind, we think it would be a good idea to make everybody aware of the university’s Academic Skills team.

 

Academic Skills Team

The Academic Skills team are here to provide you with the advice and support you need to manage your university studies.  Helping you to develop the key skills and knowledge required to advance in your degree and achieve success in your coursework. The team are prepared to help students at every level of study. Any academic background, whether you’re a fresher just coming from school, a returning postgraduate, or a mature student. They even offer support to university staff members when we need it!
The support offered by the academic skills team covers practical aspects of the study. They cover advice for note-taking and planning out your workload, as well as more theoretical areas, such as critical thinking.

What do they do?

The Academic Skills team offer help in the form of one-on-one appointments with academic advisors. These can be arranged on the appointments page of myFuture.napier.ac.uk.  Or by contacting the team through their email address at academicskills@napier.ac.uk These sessions are informal and confidential. So don’t feel shy about getting in touch if you think you need some help with your studies.
You can also attend one of the team’s Academic Skills Workshops, which are live workshops hosted online to demonstrate and discuss fundamental skills needed for assessments and coursework. You can book a place for upcoming workshops on the Events & Workshops tab of MyFuture. There are also pre-recorded videos you can watch on Panopto, just in case you can’t attend any of the live sessions.

We’d also recommend you read the Academic Skills Blog. The blog is a great resource for keeping up to date with the Academic Skills team. As well as providing other quick support such as a page explaining some common academic words and phrases you might not be used to. There is a list of some useful guides explaining skills like referencing and essay structure. And a bank of helpful resources from a range of different places.

The Academic Skills team are happy to help you prepare for your studies and get you in the mindset to tackle the upcoming university year.

By Matthew Ferrie

Have a look at our previous study skills posts 

Or look at the mynapier study pages

Picture of the Library Bookshelves

Getting Started with the Library

10/09/2024 / / 0 Comments

Getting Started with the Library

Whether you are first-time student or coming back after a long Summer break. We understand that libraries can be daunting. Where to start is a big question. Starting today, we will run Getting Started with the Library to make it all easier.

The university library is a vital resource to support your studies.  So it is important to make the most of library services. This session will give you a quick introduction to using Edinburgh Napier University Library.

What will you find out from Getting Started with the Library

  • Find books, ebooks and journal articles using LibrarySearch.
  • Download the correct citation and permalink for items so that you can reference them in your University work.
  • Connect to Eduroam wifi and use the University App.
  • Use the library machines like our printer/scanners, self-service checkouts and laptop loan safes, and book our group study rooms.

If you have other questions, bring them along and we will answer them.

You must register for the sessions at our training and event calendar.

Here to Help

Can’t make a session but have a session. You can always get in touch by emailing library@napier.ac.uk, give us a call at 0131 455 3500 or pop along to the help desks.

Or check out our library webpages.

And you can keep with more information on the blog.

All the best with the upcoming academic year and don’t forget your library is here to support you.

welcome to our libraries

Welcome to ENU Libraries.

08/09/2024 / / 0 Comments

Welcome to ENU Libraries.

Welcome and welcome back to our libraries and to our library blog. Whether you are a new or returning student, you will find lots of useful information about the library, e.g., opening hours, services, and facilities, as well as information on special events so please keep an eye on the blog to keep up to date with what’s happening.

Here is some useful information to help you get started. Just click on the links for more details.

 

Our current library opening hours can be found here. The library help desks are staffed Monday – Friday from 08:45 – 16:45. Please be aware that our opening hours change during Trimester 3 and holiday periods. The NorMAN Out of Hours Service provides library support when the help desks are closed.

Welcome to Library Resources

LibrarySearch is the library catalogue which can be used to search for a wide range of books, articles, and ebooks. LibrarySearch provides details of all items on the library shelves as well as subscription databases including ebooks, ejournals, online multimedia and e-conference proceedings.

 

Library Loans. You can borrow and return books via the Self- Service Kiosks. They are really easy to use, just follow the on-screen instructions. When returning items, you can leave them in the return boxes beside the self-service kiosks after you have scanned them in.

 

Click and Collect services are available at each campus library. Items can be requested and will be held in our designated Click and Collect areas where you can pick them up at your convenience. The requested items will be held for seven days. Please remember to check your books out via the self-service kiosk.

 

Printing, scanning and copying is available using our Multi-Functional Devices (MFDs). MFDs are situated on all three campus libraries. You must ensure you have enough print credit to be able to print.

 

Laptops to Loan. Lapsafes are available at each campus library, JKCC and Bainfield where laptops can be borrowed for up to 14 days. The lapsafes are self-service and can be operated by scanning your student card.

 

Study Spaces.

We have a variety of study spaces available at each of our campus libraries. There are individual and collaborative study spaces as well as silent study areas.

Group Study Rooms are also available and can be booked up to 14 days in advance. You can check availability and book online via Resource Booker for a maximum of one two-hour slot per day.

 

Wellbeing Collections are available at each campus and have a range of books to support both your physical and mental health and well-being. There are also relaxation areas where you can take a break from studying and de-stress for a while by reading, playing games or doing some relaxing activities such as jigsaws and colouring.

 

Library Tours are available, either individually or as a group. We are more than happy to show you around our libraries whenever it is convenient for you.  This will highlight study areas, use facilities and how to search for and find books. Tours can be booked by completing a Personalised Library Tour Form.

 

LibCal is our training and events calendar. Be sure to look for any events which might help you to develop your academic skills and how to use the library. Check out our module Introduction to Computing and Library Services to find out about the services we offer.

Get Connected sessions are being run to help students set up access to Eduroam (our free University Wi-fi), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and the Edinburgh Napier App. The sessions will run across all three campuses from Monday 9th September until Friday 27th September 2024.

More information about our libraries is available on the My Napier Library Webpage so be sure to check it out.

Welcome to Edinburgh Napier University. We are looking forward to meeting you!

 

Contact Us

If you need help from the Library, please do not hesitate to contact us.

In Person at Library Help Desks (Mon -Fri: 08:45 – 16:45)

By Email: library@napier.ac.uk

By Phone: 0131 455 3500 (24/7)

You can also log and track your own issue and keep up to date with actions taken by using the Self-service desk.

By Sharon McMichael

Read about the changes over the Summer

Bright Red Triangle office

Bright Red Triangle

03/09/2024 / / 0 Comments

Bright Red Triangle

At Edinburgh Napier University, the spirit of entrepreneurship is alive and thriving, thanks to the Bright Red Triangle (BRT). Napier’s enterprise hub is not just a space; it’s a catalyst for innovation, offering a variety of resources and support to students, staff, and alumni with entrepreneurial ambitions.

Bright Red Triangle: A Supportive Network for All

Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey can be both exciting and daunting. Bright Red Triangle understands these challenges and has cultivated a supportive network that welcomes and values everyone. Whether you’re a student with a spark of an idea or an experienced professional looking to scale your business, BRT offers tailored support to help you succeed.

From Ideas to Impact

Transforming an idea into a successful business requires learning, growth, and collaboration. BRT facilitates this journey through initiatives like:

  • Free Business Advice from Enterprise Managers: The team provides mentorship, shares insights, and supports you throughout your entrepreneurial journey. For guidance, useful connections, or to bounce ideas, book an appointment here.
  • Offering free 24/7 Hotdesking: Our start-up studio provides a welcoming environment where entrepreneurs can connect, develop enterprise skills, and collaborate.
  • Freelance Academy: Tailored guidance for freelancers to thrive in their ventures.
  • Support for Women and Non-binary Leaders: Empowering underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship.

To further enrich this journey, BRT extends an international dimension through collaborations with global partners:

  • The Academic Programme for Entrepreneurship (APE): Connects students with global peers in Munich for an immersive enterprise bootcamp, enhancing their international business acumen and network.
  • Start for Future (SFF): An international consortium of entrepreneurial universities and business incubators working collaboratively to revolutionize university education. The SFF network provides a range of flexible programs tailored for students, graduates, researchers, and the wider community. Whether you wish to develop enterprise skills, connect with fellow researchers and academics, explore ways to embed entrepreneurship into your curriculum, or start and grow your startup, SFF offers the resources and connections to support every stage of your entrepreneurial journey.

Bright Red Triangle meeting

Lifelong Learning and Support
BRT’s commitment to its community extends beyond graduation. Alumni have access to a range of free support services, ensuring that the learning and growth continue long after leaving the university. Whether you’re looking to develop your business or simply stay connected with the entrepreneurial community, BRT is here to help.

Join the Bright Red Triangle Community

“I have been a member of BRT for a few years now, and they have had a massive impact on my journey! The whole team is absolutely brilliant, so supportive and friendly. I can see myself returning one day to give back and help support students and graduates. I would recommend BRT to any Napier student or graduate with an idea or plan.” – Adam Al-Khateb, AAL Property Solutions

Bright Red Triangle is more than just a hub; it’s a community of dreamers, doers, and innovators. It’s where ideas are nurtured, and success is celebrated.

Discover the opportunities and events at Bright Red Triangle – brightredtriangle.co.uk

Get started with BRT: brightredtriangle.co.uk/get-started-with-brt

bright red triangle

By Kendra Byers (Bright Red Triangle)

Comedy festival show

Edinburgh Napier at the Fringe

20/08/2024 / / 0 Comments

Edinburgh Napier at the Fringe

August has come around again and while we’re all hard at work trying to get the campus libraries ready for the upcoming academic year, its hard not to get distracted by all the shows on at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It’s especially difficult to not get distracted this year because it turns out that Napier will be getting some representation in the festival.

 

The Fringe Show

Ted Carlson Webster is one of our PhD students at the university’s School of Applied Sciences. He specialises in researching the phenomenon of false memories, with a particular focus on how these relate to fake news. Last year Ted appeared at the Fringe as part of The Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas. A series of shows at The Stand comedy club combines academic research and stand-up comedy. Granting academics a platform to discuss and present their findings on under-discussed and overlooked research subjects. While stand-up comedian Susan Morrison hosts and helps to give the discussion a comedic spin. Last year, Ted presented his show “Fact Checking Fact Checks”. He looked at the spread of fake news. He analysed the common ways in which people try to combat its circulation. As well as looking into research around fact-checking to discuss if simply fact checking was an effective preventative measure.

This year, Ted returns to the Fringe as part of the 2024 slate for The Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas with his new show, “Make More Fake News!”. Returning again to his topic of expertise. This time, Ted will be looking into Inoculation Theory.  A recent form of research which posits that people can be helped to better understand and resist fake news if they’ve seen firsthand how it is created. As part of the show, Ted will be teaching people how to create fake news articles.

Fringe Show Research

Ted’s research into fake news should of course be of interest to everyone. But we in the library are taking a particular interest in it. Especially because of how it overlaps with the growth in popularity of generative AI technology. A great deal of fake news material, particularly images, is created using AI tools. The university has taken an interest in wanting to educate our students about the role that AI has in their lives. We hope that Ted’s show will be a great opportunity for everyone. Learning how fake news operates, and how to spot it. As well as allowing them to better understand the potential dangers of AI images and content. Plus, it gives the public the chance to see some of the work that is being conducted by our research students!

If all this makes your show, “Make More Fake News!” will be performed at The Stand Comedy Club on the 24th of August at 12:00 as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Further information, as well as where to buy tickets, can be found on the page for the event on the Edinburgh Fringe website: Make More Fake News! | Spoken Word | Edinburgh Festival Fringe (edfringe.com)

By Matthew Ferrie

Don’t forget our previous article about the Edinburgh International Book Festival 

Photo by Chad Stembridge Unsplash 

Sighthill facilities. Imacs in the library. Eresources and accessibility

New Reading Lists Interface

05/08/2024 / / 0 Comments

New Reading Lists Interface

You have noticed something different if you have been looking at our reading lists lately. A new interface was launched on the 22nd of July. All the key features remain the same, but a new and improved workflow.  So what does this mean for creating a reading list.

Making reading lists using Leganto

Did you know that ENU has a tool that allows you to curate your own reading lists and share them with others? To have a go, log into Leganto and click on ‘create list’. For more information, go to our Reading List LibGuide.

If you are a lecturer, you can associate a reading list with your module code so that students can automatically view any course and further suggested readings. You can also add other resources such as videos, podcasts, and websites to the lists using the ‘Cite it’ feature.

If you’ve used Leganto before, you might have noticed that it looks a bit different. We upgraded to a new user interface in July. The new look of the reading lists makes things easier to navigate. Changes include making it easier to publish your reading lists and add resources to your favourites. If you’d like to learn more about the changes to Leganto or discover how to make your own reading list, sign up to one of our online training sessions.

Take a look at the updates and get inspired for summer reading by checking out this list of suggested summer readings. All the books are available from the library.

 

A look at the previous interface:

Old look at the reading list interface

 

And a look at the new interface:

New Reading list interface

 

 

 

If you are not familiar with libguides, read about them here.

 

 

Pictures of Library Books to represent tours

Postgraduates: How the Library can help you

09/07/2024 / / 0 Comments

Postgraduates: How the Library can help you

For many of our postgraduate students, the holiday season is not quite in full swing yet. Final projects, dissertations and exams continue to loom over the summer period. Not to worry, however. While these huge deadlines and final projects will feel very daunting, the library offers an extensive range of online resources. As well as subject guides as well as various in-person training and study sessions ran by our subject librarians, who can also offer tailored 1:1 support all year round if needed. We do, of course, also have our shelves stocked with a range of up-to-date literature and print resources.  And our research collection offers guides for enhancing research and academic writing skills such as referencing, literature reviews, quantitative and qualitative analysis, survey methods and report writing.

Our Online Resources

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, recommend websites and databases. And information about how to get in touch with your subject librarian for additional assistance with accessing any further recourses 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.

Other ways in which our libraries can support postgraduate and postgraduate study…

Whether you seek a silent study space to work with no distractions, or a group study space to collaborate with classmates. We even have somewhere to relax and unwind from your studies. Each campus library offers a range of study spaces tailored to your individual and research needs. We also have bookable rooms and study spaces which can be reserved through Resource Booker. A majority of them are also equipped with a PC, whiteboard, and plasma screen. And a family study roomsat Merchiston campus for students with young children. These study rooms feature small tables and chairs, child-sized bean bags and toys to keep them occupied while you study! You can read more about family study rooms and our regulations on our Family Study Room webpage on My Napier.

As well as our study spaces and bookable rooms, we also offer relaxation spaces in each campus library for when our students require a break and some time away from the textbooks. These cosy corners are usually equipped with comfortable seating such as sofas and armchairs, leaflets, and jigsaw puzzles. They are usually situated near our windows to let in the natural light. You can read more about our well-being collection and what kinds of books are featured within it in our  LibGuide.

 

We wish our postgraduate students the best of luck with their studies over the summer and their futures and careers going forward.

By Rachel Downie

 

A range of postgraduate posts

Picture of the Library Bookshelves

Feedback 2024

19/06/2024 / / 0 Comments

 Feedback 2024

Summer is here, well if you ignore the weather.

The libraries have got a bit quieter. So, we thought it is a perfect opportunity to ask for feedback.

At the Library, we are always trying to find new ways to improve. To make our resources both more accessible and more relevant to our users. The best way to do this is of course feedback!

We take feedback very seriously.

How you can give feedback in 2024:

You can give us feedback in various ways, from filling out feedback slip. You will find feedback stations at each library. Or you can email library@napier.ac.uk. You can also reach out via our social media accounts and here at the blog.

Importance of feedback:

We understand the idea of giving feedback, there might be a thought that it won’t matter and nothing will change. But we want to stress that this is not the case with the library. We act on feedback. We listen. For example, we launched our You Said, We Did campaign. The list below is a few examples from our campaign:

  • LapSafe laptops were made accessible
  • ID on mobile phones can now be used instead of a card to borrow laptops from LapSafe
  • Family room Craiglockhart initiated
  • Book stock hours for Merchiston moved to be the same as Craiglockhart & Sighthill
  • Increased number of loans – 30 for students and staff
  • Provided ergonomic equipment.

You can read more on You Said, We Did.

All of those things happened because of feedback.

So once again, we are asking for feedback *insert Bernie Sanders*

Let us know what you like at the library but more importantly, let us know what needs changing or improving.  Check our library webpages to leave feedback.

Ocean reef

World Oceans Day 2024

08/06/2024 / / 0 Comments

World Oceans Day 2024

It is World Oceans Day 2024. It’s not exactly a catchy title, but the theme of this year’s World Oceans Day is “catalyzing action for our ocean and climate”. Phew. The founders of the event, which is celebrated every year on the 8th of June, are hoping to build a worldwide movement, bringing together activists, politicians and business leaders, as well as ordinary citizens, to save our oceans from the ongoing climate crisis.

Protect our Oceans

They want to protect and restore natural coastal and ocean ecosystems, stop fossil fuel extraction, phase out production of single use plastics, and build a healthier, more abundant future for all.

Those are lofty ambitions to be sure. But here’s why: the oceans cover two-thirds of our planet. Life wouldn’t exist without them, but they face constant threats from plastics, overfishing, biodiversity loss, polluted runoff from land, ocean acidification, rising sea levels, and coastal overdevelopment.

Let’s take one of those threats. According to the Environmental Investigation Agency, every year 13 million tonnes of plastics enter the world’s oceans, and that staggering figure is set to quadruple by 2050.

Here’s another: illegal fishing in Mexico’s Gulf of California has led to the rapid decline of the vaquita, the world’s most endangered marine mammal.

It’s easy to despair in the face of such grim statistics. But we can all do our bit to start to reverse the damage done to the oceans. If you can’t campaign yourself, you can connect with other concerned citizens and organizations. At the very least, we can all be more mindful of the way we use and dispose of plastics. And next time you’re at the beach, rejoice in the life-giving power of the oceans.

By Lesley McRobb

Photo Naja Bertolt Jensen

Read about Tree Week 

Pride display

Pride Month 2024

03/06/2024 / / 0 Comments

Pride Month 2024

Happy Pride Month 2024 everyone!!

Pride and Library:

Our libraries are in celebration of Pride month and you will find a book display at each library.

we love to celebrate Pride month, but we acknowledge that working towards equality is something that needs to happen all year round. We are working hard to promote and diversify our collections to be inclusive of all people, and to redress the imbalances we find in our collections to become more representative of everyone. The Library has a wealth of books and articles on the subject. From the history of LGBTQ+ rights to current Legal information to keep you informed.

The Library has a wealth of books and articles on the subject. We have a dedicated reading list over on our LibGuides. Reading includes the history of LGBTQ+ rights and the 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.  Or you can check out our virtual bookshelf here at the blog.

Please get in touch if you have any feedback about our Library stock.

Pride and Napier:

Pride and Napier:

Edinburgh Napier LGBT+ Network:

  • Supports developing awareness of LGBT+ matters.
  • Offers a range of training and development opportunities.
  • Provides a forum for professional and social networking and a means of peer support for LGBT+ staff and researchers.
  • Communicates information and updates to colleagues interested in LGBT+ matters.
  • Liaises with other groups, e.g., Stonewall, Scottish Trans Alliance, staff and student societies.
  • Provide advocacy on behalf of LGBT+ community to the university​.

Pride and Edinburgh:

Edinburgh Pride March is Saturday 22nd June. You can find out more about the march, the festival and more at Pride Edinburgh. ‘Scotland longest running celebration of diversity’.  Running from 1994.

 

We want to stress that Pride Month might be in June. But Pride is year-round for Napier University.

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Email: library@napier.ac.uk

Telephone: 0131 455 3500

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Instagram: @ENU_Library​

 

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