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 3 of 21)

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 

library review

Library Review 2025

12/01/2026 / / 0 Comments

Library Review 2025

Before we get completely swept up with all 2026 has to offer, we thought we should pause to reflect on 2025. It had been a particularly busy year for the library, from physical space redesign to stock management; a lot has been going on. A reminder of how much we love being part of the Napier and student community.

There is no doubt that 2026 will be as dynamic, with new ideas and opportunities to reveal themselves. And we are eager to build on everything that we’ve learned in the past few years.

But before we continue, we want to take a moment to remind you how important your voice is to us. The library thrives on feedback, whether it’s a suggestion, a comment or a critique. Every service is designed with you in mind, and your feedback allows us to tailor our support to better meet your needs. So, as we close the chapter on 2025 and begin in 2026, we encourage your thoughts. The library is here and listening.

2025 Stats Wrap Up

This year’s most popular books truly reflected our readers’ interests:

  • Leadership in Organisations
  • Human Resource Management
  • International Business: competing in the global marketplace

Our collection continues to grow, with 117,664 physical books and 317,433 ebooks at the end of the year.

2025 Review

This year, the library has been busier than ever behind the scenes and at the front service. A significant focus has been on stock management; new titles being added to the collection, and existing stock reviewed and moved to improve engagement. Refreshing sections, reorganising displays to make it easier to discover and use.

Alongside this work, our subject librarians have been delivering workshops all year long. Workshops to help develop research skills and navigate library resources, for users making the most of both physical and digital collections.

As well as we have dedicated time to redesigning and improving our spaces, ensuring they remain welcoming, accessible and fit for purpose. All of this is taking place with our regular day-to-day service, from answering enquiries to lending, continuing to develop and enhance what the library offers.

Have a look at our 2025 posts

Welcome to the Edinburgh Napier University Library Blog 👋

12/01/2026 / / 0 Comments

We share friendly, practical posts from the Library team to help you study smarter, research with confidence, and make the most of the resources available to you at Edinburgh Napier University. We also have lots of fun, interesting posts on Scotland and on pretty much anything the Library staff find interesting!

Here you’ll find tips on things like finding good sources, referencing without the stress, using library spaces and digital tools, and navigating your way through assignments and deadlines. We also post updates about library services, new resources, and the occasional behind-the-scenes look at what’s going on in the Library.

Our aim is to keep things clear, helpful, and occasionally fun. Whether you’re new to university, deep into your dissertation, or just looking for a quick answer, this blog is here to support you throughout your studies.

New posts appear regularly during the academic year, so check back often — or dip in whenever you need a bit of library help.

behind the scenes

Behind the scenes in the Library

06/01/2026 / / 0 Comments

Behind the scenes in the Library

Welcome back to the library. As we begin a new trimester, we thought to take behind the scence.

You may notice staff in the library performing some of our tasks and wonder what on earth we are doing. Here’s a summary of what we are up to.

Checking Lapsafe:

This is done once a day at each site. Using our library management system, we generate a list of the site’s laptops, on loan or available for loan, and check that this corresponds to each cabinet. We also check that all available laptops have a charger in the cabinet and replace any missing ones.

Stock scanning:

All sites check their book stock each semester. This is done using a tablet and a scanning wand. A list is generated from our library management system. This is then input into a software to command the wand what it must search for. We swipe the wand over our chosen area, and we can see any discrepancies, such as missing or misplaced books, on the tablet screen. Two scans are carried out – one to identify books missing from the stock and the other to find books which have been shelved in the wrong area. We will then mark missing items on our library management system and move misshelved books to the correct shelf area.

Environmental check:

In the mornings, you may see us walking around the library, looking around all areas. We’re doing an environment check to make sure that the library environment is up and running for the day and safe for users. We check that lights are switched on and working, library catalogues are running, and look out for any spills or breakages which we can then report to the property and facilities team. We will also check that all signage is relevant and remove any out-of-date signs.

Stock weeding:

If you see us with a book trolley and a printed list, the chances are we are weeding the book stock. Our subject librarians produce lists of stock which is no longer relevant (new editions available, course no longer taught, out-of-date information). These books must then be removed from the shelves and withdrawn from stock using our library management system. Withdrawn books are then packed up in boxes and sent to Better World Books. This company aims to keep books out of landfills, thus cutting waste. They sell books online to raise funds for non-profit literacy organisations.

Click and Collect shelf check:

This is done at all sites each day to make sure that all requested books are still on the shelf awaiting collection. For any missing books, we will assume that they have been collected but have not been issued at the self-service kiosk. We then contact users to let them know that the book has been added to their record and inform them of the date the book is due for return.

Displays:

Throughout the year you may notice us creating displays in the library to promote library and awareness events. At the beginning of the academic year, we focus on getting started at university.  With a display of relevant books and freebies such as book bags and pens. Sometimes we ask you to get involved, too. For exampl,e our Love Your Library event runs in February, and you can post notes telling us everything you love about the library. We have many displays throughout the year, such as Pride, Black History Month,and  Scottish Book Week. And we also promote bookable library online training sessions on our whiteboards.

There are many more tasks which we carry out in the library and in our offices. If you see us around and have any questions, please ask, and we will be happy to assist!

By Vivienne Hamilton

Curious for more library behind the scenes, we have some posts for you

Image for blog post The 12 Days of Festive Library Resources

The 12 Days of Festive Library Resources Part Two

16/12/2025 / / 0 Comments

The 12 Days of Festive Library Resources Part Two

Part Two

Here is part two of our Festive Library Resources List.

Day 7: Libguides

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

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

Day 8: Books and Journals 

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

Day 9: Relaxation Zones

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

Day 10: Repository

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

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

You can all that the Repository has to offer here.

Day 11: Heritage collections

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

Our Heritage collections:

  • War Poets Collection

  • Mehew Robert Louis Stevenson

  • Jim Haynes

  • Edward Clark Collection

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

Day 12: The Librarians…we are here 

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

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

By Maya Green and Juliet Kinsey

Christmastime Edinburgh

Christmastime in the City of Edinburgh

14/12/2025 / / 0 Comments

Christmastime in the City of Edinburgh

 

 

 

It’s that time of year again where Edinburgh City Centre becomes a bustling hive of activity as well as a glorious winter wonderland. With it’s yearly Christmas markets, festive food and drink stalls, live outdoor events and the dazzling light trails being showcased within the Castle of Light and Botanic Gardens, the City of Edinburgh an ideal place to spend to get into the festive spirits and make wonderful Christmas memories with family, friends and partners. Read on if we have sparked your curiosity regarding what EdWinterFest has to offer this year!

 

Edinburgh’s Famous Christmas Markets…

 

Edinburgh’s world-renowned Christmas Markets are back this year! Stalls ran by various independent retailers and artists will have now filled the east side of Princes Street Gardens, as well as many festive food and drink stalls, fairground rides and of course, the iconic big wheel will be lit up and running for the occasion! A wide range of items and gifts are sold yearly at Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets including woolly scarves, hats, gloves, bags as well as hand-crafted jewellery, ornaments, toys and various other miscellany. Hungry, or have a thirst that needs quenched? The food and drink stalls also serve a variety of hearty options including mac and cheese, haggis, Yorkshire pudding wraps, and loaded fries, as well as mulled wines and ciders, hot drinks including hot chocolates, and soft drinks. Room for dessert? Some of the stalls also giant stuffed cookies, waffles, pancakes and warm churros as well.

 

The west side of Princes Street Gardens also hosts the yearly Santas Stories event – a magical experience for both children and their parents to meet Santa and have the magic of Christmas brought to life with stories of the North Pole as well as other festive tales. This event takes place inside a small cabin, with warm blankets and hot chocolates also provided! All sessions last for up to 20 minutes in total. The Starflyer ride is also close by and located in the west side of Princes Street Gardens, making this end of the Christmas markets very family-focused and orientated.

 

Christmas Lights and Light Trails…

 

One of the most magical parts of Christmas is indeed when the Christmas lights come on all throughout different cities and local towns – including the City of Edinburgh! Victoria Street in particular is famous for it’s dazzling Christmas lights and the picturesque way they look against the charming, architecturally unique cobblestone buildings. It provides the perfect scenic background for festive photos and strolling through shops whilst doing your Christmas shopping. Edinburgh also hosts dazzling light trails in both the Royal Botanical Gardens and Edinburgh Castle with illuminated and colourful walkways which also provide scenic backgrounds for photos or simply walking through to take in the festive magic. Festive music is played and food is also provided at the Royal Botanical Gardens Christmas lights trail.

 

The Torchlight Procession…

 

The festivities do not end after Christmas Day! Hogmanay approaches not long after and as part of this, the City of Edinburgh hosts both a Torchlight Procession on the 29th of December and Street Party on the 31st just before the New Year kicks in! The Torchlight Procession is a family-friendly event which takes place annually on the 29th of December where at least 15,000 torches are lit and carried through the streets of Edinburgh. It is also a charitable event as the torches are carried in aid of national and local charities such as Social Bite and One City Trust. Street theatre and fire performers also fill the streets of Edinburgh as well, ultimately establishing a carnival-like atmosphere.

 

The City of Edinburgh certainly knows how to celebrate Christmas and get everyone in the festive spirit!

 

By Rachel Downie

It’s festive time at the library blog

 

Krampusnacht image of Krampus beside a xmas tree. ai generated

Krampusnacht

05/12/2025 / / 0 Comments

Krampusnacht

If you just can’t get enough of Halloween, then Krampusnacht may be for you! It’s celebrated on 5th December. Taking place the night before the Feast of St. Nicholas (the patron saint of children). Krampus is very different to Saint Nicholas – he’s a devil like creature compared with the saintly Nicholas. Krampusnacht is celebrated in Alpine regions of countries such as Germany and Austria, also throughout central European countries. Due to it taking place at night and the creepy costumes worn Krampusnacht mirrors the scary vibes of Halloween.

Background

Krampus is said to be the son of Hel, the Norse god of the underworld, and he may have originally been part of a pagan winter solstice ritual to drive out the spirits of winter. Farmers believed that he protected their cattle in winter as they thought that evil spirits made their animals sick. He is now depicted as a horned devil and derives his name from the German word Krampen, which means claw. Horned devils were often in medieval plays, and in the 12th century, the Catholic Church tried to ban Krampus celebrations due to his resemblance to the devil. The celebration survived and evolved into the modern era and is often an organised event in town squares or at festive markets.

How is Krampusnacht celebrated

While the Christmas season is a time of festivity and joy, Krampusnacht is a darker tradition that involves scary costumes, chasing children and prodding people with sticks during the Krampuslauf or Krampusrun. For this, adults dress up in fur costumes, masks and giant horns and wear cow bells as they chase people through streets. They run and jump menacingly, gently prodding spectators with bunches of twigs or sticks as they pass by, creating a lively but creepy atmosphere.

Krampus is the very opposite of Saint Nicholas. It is said he punishes children for being bad, whereas Saint Nicholas rewards children for being good. On the night, children leave a boot outside their bedroom, and they will get a reward for being good or a rod for being naughty.

Modern developments

Whether due to social media or an increased interest in their ancestral homelands, in recent years Krampusnacht has also become a popular celebration in parts of the United States. Some cities, such as Seattle, Philadelphia, and New Orleans, hold Krampus parades. These parades often signify the beginning of the Christmas season.

Box of Broadcasts

Krampus has now entered popular culture far beyond its European roots and you may want to participate yourself, so why not settle down to watch a Krampus movie such as Krampus, A Christmas Horror Story starring Adam Scott and Toni Collete, or Tv show episodes of Grimm, American Da,d and this episode of the UK series Inside No.9 called The Devil of Christmas.

These are available using  Box of Broadcasts. It is an online service that allows you to stream and access a treasure trove of audiovisual content for free if you are a member of Edinburgh Napier University. It includes broadcast TV shows and radio programs, plus you can make playlists and edit videos.

Here are instructions on how to access Box of Broadcasts:

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

We would like to wish all our German, Austrian and Central European staff and students a happy Krampusnacht!

Don’t forget: You can use Library Search to find books and articles on folklore, celebrations, heritage and events.

By Vivienne Hamilton

Read more on the blog with articles like: World Television Day

Image for blog post The 12 Days of Festive Library Resources

The 12 Days of Festive Library Resources Part One

01/12/2025 / / 0 Comments

The 12 Days of Festive Library Resources Part One

Part one

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

Below is a list of some of our best:

Day One: Librarysearch

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

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

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

Day Two: Box of Broadcasts

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

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

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

Box of Broadcasts is a truly fantastic database.

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

Day Three: LibKey Nomad

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

Day 4: Wellness

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

Day 5: DigiMap

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

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

Check out their DigiMap help guides on YouTube

Day 6: Databases

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

Check in with the Blog next week for Part Two!

By Juliet Kinsey and Maya Green

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