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 4 of 20)

National Badger Day

National Badger Day

Badgers are one of a kind, they deserve some special attention, this is why today is National Badger Day.

National Badger Day highlights the importance of wildlife conservation efforts in protecting an animal that is key in our ecosystem.

 

Badgers

Some of you may be wondering what is a badger. They can be found all other the world, the species we are referring to is mainly found in Europe and parts of Asia. They have black and white markings and live in burrows underground. And these aren’t just any borrows,  over complexed with different entrances and exits and thought to be passed down generations. And it doesn’t stop there, within these borrows, they create separate spaces for sleeping almost like their own bedrooms.

They are nocturnal creatures that like to socialise with each other. Often known for being tough, particularly the honey badger but that’s a story for another day.

In the UK, badgers are protected by law which brings us to the objective of our blog post. Badgers can be traced back to the United Kingdom, for at least 250 000 years.

National Badger Day

For a long time, badgers and their habitats have faced threats with loss of homes and persecution. So These days recognise and celebrate the badgers and the role they play in the British wildlife ecosystem.

How can you help promote Badger Day?

Learn more about Badgers. Badgers help support the British ecosystem which allows other animals and plants to thrive.  Their borrow making actually turns over soil which helps our woodland as well as dispersing seeds.

You can support conservation efforts either by volunteering or donating.

Help advocate for Badger spaces

Create Awareness through online forums or social media.

Help with Badgers survey to monitor.

Sources:

Badger Trust 

Awareness.Com 

Days of the Year.Com

Photo by Vincent Van Zalinge

We love Wildlife here at the blog, read more

Black History Month 2025

Black History Month 2025: Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future

Every October, the United Kingdom celebrates Black History Month. It is a time to reflect, to learn, and to honour. Black History Month 2025 arrives with renewed energy. People across the country are ready to spotlight Black contributions, stories, and achievements.

This year’s theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride”, shines a light on the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that define the Black community across the globe.

The theme focuses on two core values: power and pride.

“Power represents the influence, leadership, and capacity to effect positive change. It acknowledges the visionaries who have led political, civil rights, and social movements, as well as those who have broken barriers in business, education, and the arts. Their legacies remind us that true power is not about titles but about the collective strength, courage, and unity used to forge a more equitable future for all.

Pride reflects cultural identity, heritage, and the celebration of Black excellence. From the art and music to the stories passed through generations, pride is the heartbeat of Black communities worldwide. It’s about knowing where we come from, embracing our history, and walking boldly into the future without compromise or apology. Pride is a declaration of the beauty, the resilience, and the unmatched contributions of Black culture to the world.” Source

Why Black History Month Matters

Black history is British history. Yet for too long, the contributions of Black people were ignored. Schools often left their stories out. Media rarely shared their achievements.

However, Black History Month challenges that silence. It reminds us to look again. It also asks us to broaden our understanding of Britain’s past. Furthermore, it urges us to include everyone’s voices.

Because when we celebrate Black history, we celebrate resilience, creativity, and community. And when young people see themselves reflected in history, they feel empowered to shape the future. As a result, our whole society grows stronger.

A Look Back: Black Pioneers in Britain

Black communities have been part of Britain for centuries. From Roman times to today, their presence has shaped culture and society.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Black abolitionists like Olaudah Equiano and Mary Prince fought slavery with courage and determination. They wrote books. They spoke to crowds. They demanded justice.

In the 20th century, the Caribbean Windrush Generation helped rebuild post-war Britain. They worked in transport, health care, and industry. Despite facing racism, they laid strong foundations for future generations.

Artists like Claudia Jones created cultural spaces, founding the Notting Hill Carnival. Activists like Darcus Howe fought for civil rights and equality. Their work opened doors that many now walk through.

Scotland also played a part in these stories. For example, Black sailors, writers, and campaigners have lived in Glasgow and Edinburgh for centuries, contributing to the nation’s cultural fabric.

How Communities Across the UK and Scotland Will Celebrate

All across the UK, organisations are planning vibrant celebrations. Museums will host new exhibitions. Art galleries will display works by Black artists. Theatres will stage plays that explore Black heritage.

In Scotland, events will take place in major cities. For example, Glasgow will host the annual Black History Month Lecture Series at local universities. Edinburgh will also see storytelling nights, live music, and poetry slams by Black Scottish artists. Meanwhile, community groups in Aberdeen and Dundee will run family fun days, film screenings, and heritage walks.

Universities will invite guest speakers. Local councils will organise community festivals. Businesses will also run workshops on diversity and inclusion.

Schools will play a central role too. Pupils will learn about Black inventors, activists, and writers — including local Scottish figures. They will also discuss issues like racism and equality. As a result, these lessons will spark important conversations.

Online, social media will amplify Black voices. Campaigns will highlight role models. In addition, hashtags will unite people in celebration. Everyone will have opportunities to engage.

Why Everyone Should Get Involved

Black History Month is not just for Black communities. It belongs to everyone. It invites all of us to learn, reflect, and act.

By joining in, people are showing support. They help break down stereotypes, challenge racism, and build understanding.

And by celebrating Black history, we strengthen the whole of British society. Diversity is our strength. Inclusion fuels progress. Therefore, when we uplift marginalised voices, everyone benefits.

Looking Ahead: Beyond October

While October shines a bright spotlight, Black history should not end there. It must live in our classrooms, workplaces, and media all year.

We can continue reading books by Black authors. We can also support Black-owned businesses. We can include Black stories in school curriculums. Furthermore, we can speak up when we see injustice.

Change takes time, but every action counts. Black History Month offers inspiration. It gives us role models. It pushes us to do better. And it reminds us that progress is possible when we work together.

The Library and Black History Month

The library is committed to ensuring that we support people of colour, not just in October but throughout the year. We are working hard to decolonise our collections to ensure we represent all voices. If you would like to learn more, why not check out our LibGuides on building inclusive reading lists. You can also check out the Blog’s own Inclusive bookshelves for reading ideas.

Final Thoughts

Black History Month 2025 in the UK will be a powerful celebration. It will honour people of colour from the past and present. It will also educate, inspire, and unite communities.

In Scotland, it will shine a light on local Black voices and achievements. From classrooms to concert halls, stories will be shared and celebrated.

So, let’s take part. Let’s attend events, read new stories, and share what we learn. Let’s also listen and uplift.

Because when we celebrate Black history, we build a better future — one rooted in equality, understanding, and hope.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more about amazing women in Scotland in our post on Womens History Month

Edinburgh Napier International College and Library Services

Edinburgh Napier International College and Library Services

January is storming ahead. And soon University life will come back in swing. We want to welcome everyone and before classes start, we thought it would be useful to provide some library essentials.

Library Essential

Each campus has a library and the library reflects the schools based at that campus. This is especially true for what books are available at each library. For example, business books will be at Craiglockhart while computing, engineering and built environments are at Merchiston.

Library tours are available for each library. You can email library@napier.ac.uk to arrange.

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.  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.

For students studying business, Keith Walker is your subject librarian, while for students studying computing, engineering and built environment, your subject librarian is Joyce Templeton.

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.

Libraries 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.

 

We hope you enjoyed our article on Edinburgh Napier International College and Library Services. Have a look at previous articles on study skills to help start University.

 

Wellbeing in the Library

Wellbeing in the Library

Wellbeing Book Collection

Here in the library, we have our Wellbeing Collection, which aims to provide resources to support you. We have print books which you can borrow, and ebooks to guide you through any difficult or challenging times you may experience whilst at university. This specially selected collection of items is all about providing access to information which may help you settle into university life or help you navigate difficult times throughout your course. Our collection covers various topics such as mental health, personal development and achievement, anxiety and exam stress.

All information regarding the Wellbeing collection can be found on the LibGuide webpages. There is information about which books we have on a range of topics from neurodiversity to sexuality. There is also a list of contact details for support within the university and from outside organisations.

You may have been recommended a book by a member of the Counselling and Mental Health team or the Disability and Inclusion team, or you may have come across a book yourself which you would like to read. If the book you want is not available at your home campus, then use our Click and Collect service to have the book sent there for collection.

If you would like to suggest a title for the Wellbeing Collection you can contact us at library@napier.ac.uk and your suggestion will be considered.

Relaxation spaces

Libraries can boost wellbeing by providing physical spaces for relaxation. You’ll find a relaxation space where you can take time out from your studies at each of our campus libraries. We have supplied colouring sheets, non-academic books, origami paper and jigsaws to help you relax and de-stress.

Virtual Relaxation Space

Not on campus but feel you need to take some time out from studies? Check out our Virtual Relaxation Space for tips and resources which can help you. There’s music for relaxing and sleeping and tips on stress management and meditation to name just a few of the resources available for you to use away from university.

Study Spaces

In order to support specific needs all campus libraries offer quiet and silent study spaces and there are study rooms which can be booked through Resource Booker.

Box of Broadcasts

The Box of Broadcasts database gives you access to all sorts of programmes. Use it find programmes on the topic you want, whether it’s mental health, healthy eating or any other personal issue.

Slow tv programmes are great for unwinding to. They are uninterrupted broadcasts of real time events without narration – the perfect de-stress. We can suggest the following:

A Slow Odyssey: A Turtle’s Journey

All Aboard! The Sleigh Ride

All Aboard! The Canal Trip

We can also recommend the Mindful Escapes: Breathe, Release, Restore series.

Use Library Search to find Box of Broadcasts:

  1. Select the Databases tab:
  2. Select the letter B:
  3. Scroll down to Box of Broadcasts and click the title to get straight through to the website.

Search for programmes and create your own playlists. Click on the Guide icon and you can choose to record programmes which have not yet been broadcast. You will receive a notification when they are ready to view.

Any questions?

The library has lots of resources to help with your wellbeing and if you have any questions regarding any of them, please ask at the helpdesks and library staff will be happy to assist you.

By Vivienne Hamilton

We also have the virtual relaxation space available through the blog

LibGuides and Referencing

LibGuides and Referencing

What are LibGuides? Simply LibGuides are beloved by librarians. All 22 of them. A crucial tool in helping you through your studies. They are designed to “help you find out more about the resources and support available from the library”.

They can be divided into two features:

  1. Subject Guides
  2. Research Guides

LibGuides: Subject Guides

Subject Guides are designed by our team of specialist subject librarians who have handpicked key resources such as databases, readings and more. You will find a guide for each subject area available at Edinburgh Napier.  Subject librarians constantly update these guides to help you get the most relevant and useful information available for your topic.

Your subject librarian is available to go through these guides with you.

LibGuides: Research Guides

Our Research Guides are outlines that help you develop research and digital skills, including writing, referencing, data collection, and much more.

LibGuide: Referencing

One of our most popular guides is our reference guide. Referencing is a must-skill in academia. You will expect to be able to reference all your sources in academic work. Referencing helps us avoid plagiarism, shows that read sources, be able to back up arguments. We have two guides, one for reference management software which are tools to help you. And a guide on APA 7th Style.

Please remember if you are stuck, you can contact your subject librarian or programme leader.

Our Reference Management guide goes over Endnote and Mendeley. Both are software that collect references and PDFS of papers, organises references and automatically outputs a bibliography. Our guide breaks down which one might be better suited to you. And how you can install and use it.

Additionally, we have a deep dive into APA 7th referencing. This guide details how citations work. Always double-check which referencing style you are expected to use for your course and if you are unsure, please speak to your programme leader.

Wellbeing

We can’t end this post without mentioning our Wellbeing Collection. We also have our Wellbeing Collection featured on our LibGuides. University life can be stressful. The collection covers a range of topics and guided self-help approaches to make University life a little bit easier.

We will leave you to enjoy the world of LibGuides and Referencing

A bit stuck on assignments, have a look at Academic Skills. 

Opening Hours: Termtime

Opening Hours: Termtime

Standard Opening Hours

Craiglockhart Library & Sighthill LRC Library /LRC Open Helpdesk Staff Available
Monday – Friday 8am – 9pm 8.45am – 4.45pm*
Saturday – Sunday 9am – 5pm Unstaffed*
Merchiston Library Zones 1 – 4 Zone 5
(Books)
Helpdesk Staff Available
Monday – Friday 24 hours 8am – 9pm 8.45am – 4.45pm*
Saturday – Sunday 24 hours 9am – 5pm Unstaffed*

Merchiston Group Study Rooms: Please note that Rooms 3, 4, 9 and 10 will be closed from 9pm to 9am. Find availability and book using Resource Booker.

*Outwith these hours Library support will be provided by the NorMAN out of hours service, in this case you’ll receive a response from e59.servicedesk@normanmanagedservices.ac.uk.

Inter library loans

Interlibrary loans

As a student or staff member at Edinburgh Napier, you can use our catalogue, Library Search, which provides access to thousands of books and articles. You can also use Google Scholar to search for articles which are free to access. Occasionally, you will be able to find book chapters and theses there too. Sometimes, even with these resources, it’s still not possible to get access to the item you need. That’s where our inter library loan (ILL) service comes in – all you have to do is fill out the appropriate form and the ILL team will check it and process it.

The ILL form can be found on the Library Search main page simply by clicking on the Interlibrary Loans tab

Inter Library Loan

First choose the correct form from the selection:

Inter Library Loan fees

It’s essential to select the correct form for either a book/book chapter request or an article request, as the two forms require different information. In both cases please provide as much information as possible. Choose the pickup location that suits you best and then submit the request. The request will show in our library management system, and the ILL team will check and process it and let you know if the item

  • is available in Edinburgh Napier stock
  • Is available using Google Scholar
  • if we are requesting the item from one of our partners.

Inter Library Loan Process

The team will use the JISC Library Hub Discover tool to determine which partner institution to request the item from. In the case of articles, the tool lets us see which years our partners are holding a journal for. If they hold the required year we will send the request to them, and they will then let us know if they can supply the item or not. There may be embargoes and they will be unable to do so. Our main partner was the British Librar,y but following a cyber-attack in 2023, they have been unable to supply and we are now sourcing from other universities and institutions such as the Royal Society of Medicine. Requests are processed all year round apart from during the festive break around Christmas and New Year.

Article and book chapter requests are supplied electronically and can be supplied very quickly. Books take much longer to be supplied and it can take as long as 3 weeks for a book to arrive with us. Books will be sent to the campus selected on the request form and you will receive an email notification that the book is available for collection. Please note that inter-library loans must be collected from the Library Helpdesk during staffed hours Monday-Friday, 8.45-16.45 and please bring your student/staff card.

There is no charge for ILL requests; however, Edinburgh Napier University Library is charged for items that are lost or damaged by our borrowers. We pass on this charge, plus any administrative costs, to the borrower.

Books can also be recalled by the external lending library who can ask us to return an ILL before its due date. If this happens, the ILL team will send an email to your university email account asking you to return it as soon as possible. You can return books at any point before their due date to library helpdesks during staffed hours, and it may be possible to ask the partner to extend the loan. We allow a maximum of 3 renewals.

So far this year we have requested over 500 items from our partners, and we have found many others for our users which were freely available. It’s been quite a busy year for inter library loans and we hope to continue providing this service to assist with your studies. If you have any questions you can contact us at ill@napier.ac.uk and if you are sure of which items you would like to access, feel free to place your requests.

 

By Vivienne Hamilton

Cyber attack on the british library

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCONUL – Accessing other libraries in the UK and Ireland

SCONUL – Accessing other libraries in the UK and Ireland

Accessing other libraries in the UK and Ireland.

SCONUL (Society of College, National and University Libraries) is the professional association for academic and research libraries in the UK and Ireland, providing leadership and support to their partner institutions through advocacy, policy development, sharing knowledge and good practice and direct services to members.

Members include national libraries, research-intensive institutions, higher education providers and other libraries which hold important national collections.

SCONUL represents members on strategic issues within the sector, promoting the importance of libraries in teaching and learning and in the research process.

The SCONUL Access Scheme covers most of the university libraries in the UK and Ireland. It allows university library users to access study spaces, books and journals at other libraries which are part of the scheme. The scheme allows staff, full-time postgraduate, part-time, distance and placement students to borrow material from other university libraries. Undergraduate full-time students can have access to other institutions for reference purposes only.

Join Sconul

To join the SCONUL Access scheme, please visit the SCONUL Access website for information and follow the simple application process.

You will need your Library or ID Card Number from your home institution and your institutional email address to complete your application. You will also need to indicate what type of library user you are (e.g. staff, full-time post-graduate, distance learner, etc.). If you do not have a physical student ID card with a photo, other forms of ID (including virtual IDs) are acceptable as long as they include a photo. Please check this list of acceptable ID.

To qualify for SCONUL access, you must be a registered library user and be in good standing with no debts/fines at your home institution or any serious violation of the rules.

Your application will be processed by your home institution’s library. Waiting times can vary, so you should contact your home institution for more information about processing applications. Once your application is processed, you will receive a confirmation email with further details on how to take part in the scheme.

Visiting Other Libraries

When you wish to visit another library, check the website for opening hours and any other local conditions. Take a copy of your confirmation email with you when you go to the library you want to visit, along with your ID card or library card from your home institution. This will allow other libraries to identify you as a genuine member of the scheme. Admission to other libraries will be at the discretion of the host institution.

When you arrive, you may be issued with a library card for that institution. This allows you to use and possibly borrow from the host institution until your SCONUL membership expires.

Full-time undergraduates may be issued with a reference card, allowing the user reference access to member libraries but no borrowing rights.

Host libraries may restrict the number and range of items that can be borrowed. The number of books you can borrow may be limited,and you may not be permitted to borrow items from specific collections (e.g. short loans or DVDs).

Please note that SCONUL Access does not provide automatic rights to computer facilities, including access to electronic journals and databases to which the host library subscribes. Some member institutions may provide limited electronic access.

You only need to apply for SCONUL access once. When you have received your confirmation email, you can use this to access different libraries. You do not need to reapply for each individual institution.

You can find out more about using other libraries on our Library intranet pages..

By Sharon McMichael

Find out more about the library here

Library Search

Library Search

During your time at Napier, you’ll find that by far one of the most important tools to help in your studies is our university Library Search.

Library Search is the search engine you can use to browse the library catalogue here at Napier. This includes giving you information about the location of physical books on our library shelves, as well as links to read e-books or online journal articles available through the databases the university has access to. Please keep in mind that some of our more specialised databases, such as EBSCO are not included in library search results; those ones will have to be searched separately.
You can also use Library Search to request books or to check your library account if you want to see the return date for any of your books.

Accessing Library Search

You can get to Library Search through the tile on your student app, and each of our campus libraries has computers set up as designated catalogue machines that are set to only be able to access Library Search.

From the homepage of Library Search, you’ll also find helpful links for information about the library; you might have even found this blog through the link under the social media header.
Above the search bar, you’ll see there are some other library-related links, such as one for our interlibrary loan service, but you’ll learn more about these in other blog posts.

Firstly, before looking for something on Library Search its best to make sure you’re signed in, which you can do by pressing Sign In on the top right, then selecting University Member from the pop-up.

Library Search Sign In

This is important because many online resources, such as e-books or journal articles, require you to be signed in to access them, and you also have to be signed in if you see a physical book you’d like to request.

Once you’re signed in, you can also click your name from the top right and select Library Card to see your library account listing the books you have on loan.
You can also select the pin icon in the top right corner to look at your favourites.

Library Search Results

Through Library Search, you can browse through our library catalogue, searching by title or author, with options to filter results based on format (such as physical books or online articles), campus library, author, and subject matter. This can be useful as some searches can bring back an overwhelming number of results (you can see in my screenshot below that I got back over 2000 results!), and it can help to use filters to make your search more specific.

Library Search results

When you click on one of the search results, you’ll be taken to an information page about resource. Here is an example of what the information page looks like for a physical book:

library search results

 

This gives you the basic information you would need on where to find the book in the library, how many copies are available, and the option to request that the book be held in reserve for you.

Library Search Requests

As you can see under “Location Items” you’ll be told which of our campus libraries the book is being held at, if it is part of the main book stock or a different collection (such as the research collection) and the call number for the book which you can use to find the book on the shelf. Books are organised on the shelves in order of call number and within that call number are in alphabetical order based on the three letters at the end.

Selecting Request under Get It will give you the option to have the book be set aside for you to collect at one of our libraries.  You can also select for the book to be sent to whichever of our libraries is most convenient for you to get to. Please note that books will only be set aside for one week.

You can also use the links under Send To to make links that lead to this library record. This can be helpful if, for example, you’re helping another student with their work and you’re trying to direct them to a helpful source they can use. You’re even given options to make the link in different formats

You can also press the red pin icon next to the spanner to pin the record to your favourites bar, just in case there is a record you need to keep coming back to.

When looking at an online record instead of seeing the shelf information or an option to reserve the material, instead you’ll see the different links you can use to access the material. Your university account grants you permission to read this material, so make sure you are signed in to your account on Library Search.

You’ll also be able to search further in this journal to see if they’ll be other articles relevant to your research.

Library Search results ebook

Library Search Issues

If you’re having issues accessing a link through library search, such as if the link is broken, then you can report the issue by clicking on the red spanner icon at the top of the record. Fill out some quick information about the issue you are having.  And a member of the library team will investigate and get back to you.

This was intended to be a short introduction to Library Search, but as you can see, it went a bit long just because there’s so much to talk about!

Library Search might seem a bit daunting at first. But as you use it, you’ll find yourself getting familiar quickly.
Remember that if you have any questions at all, the library staff are more than happy to lend a hand.

By Matthew Ferrie

Laptops

Laptops

Laptops Laptops Laptops!

Library loans are not exclusive to books; we’ve got laptops too.

Laptops have become a crucial part of student life, from taking notes in class to writing up assignments. And there is nothing worse when yours goes kaput.

 

Lapsafe laptops

At each library campus, along with the Jack Kilbly Centre and Bainfield Student Accommodation, you can find a Lapsafe locker. They are like a self-service laptop vending machine. These laptops are available to all Edinburgh Napier Students, you do need your student card, in physical or digital format to borrow and return.

You can check laptop availability through the my Napier dashboard before you make the trek to campus.

Additionally, you can find out if laptops are available at the LAPSafe. If you see blue lights, then you are good to go.

Tap your card and follow the on-screen instructions.

 

Laptops are available to loan for 2 weeks. Unfortunately, we can’t extend the loan period; they need to be returned within two weeks. If you still need a laptop, you can borrow one as soon as you return the other. Please be aware that the laptop loans are subject to terms and conditions.

Please don’t save any work to the laptop; copies of work should also be backed up. If anything happens to the laptop, we can’t recover unsaved files.

 

Long-Term Laptops

We understand that two weeks isn’t enough. That is why there are long-term laptops that are available through the Digital Access Scheme. You can find out more on their webpages as well as any contact information for enquiries. These laptops are for each academic year and renewed for each year you return to study.

 

Still figuring things out at Napier, our geography of campuses post might do the trick

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