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 21)

Publishing open access: why and how

Publishing open access: why and how

Open access (OA) publishing is more than making research freely available online. Most OA articles use Creative Commons licenses, which allow anyone to read, reuse, and share work, as long as proper attribution is given.

Read on to learn more about making the most of ENU deals with journal publishers and about our new open access policy. But first, why publishing open access is important?

Benefits of open access publishing

Open access publishing is a powerful way to increase the visibility of your research. By removing paywalls, it allows anyone—academics, practitioners, students, or community groups—to read, share, and apply findings. This can lead to real-world impact, influencing policy, improving education, and guiding funding decisions. It also enables faster collaboration across institutions and countries, especially within large, diverse research teams. Open access turns knowledge into a shared resource, helping to drive innovation and positive change beyond academia.

Publish open access for free with publishing agreements

Article Processing Charges (APCs) can be prohibitively expensive, but you can make your articles open access without paying a penny, thanks to our Read and Publish deals with journal publishers. These agreements cover both reading journal content and publishing your own work. You can find the full list of ENU OA agreements on our Open Access Blog. Most of these deals will allow you to publish open access free of charge in subscription-based (hybrid) journals.  Make sure that you’re the corresponding author and use your ENU email when submitting. If in doubt, contact us at repository@napier.ac.uk.

Updated Open Access Policy

The new Open Access Policy has been introduced recently, and it gives the university and academics more rights over their work (also known as ‘rights retention’). Because authors retain copyright to their research outputs, their manuscripts can be made publicly available in the Research Repository with a Creative Commons license. This allows all journal articles and conference papers written by ENU authors to be made open access, even in cases where OA agreements don’t apply. The only thing to remember is to upload your accepted manuscript to Worktribe!

Need help? Check out the Open Access LibGuide or get in touch with the Library’s Research Repository team. Register to an online session on 11th November where you will learn more about open access publishing at ENU.

By Patrycja Respondek

 

Open access in practice

Open access in practice

It is the Open Access Week, a perfect time to have a closer look at what open access is in practice, how we can benefit from it and what Edinburgh Napier does to support open research.

What is open access and why is it important?

Open access means research is published online under one of Creative Commons licenses.  This means it is free to read, share, and reuse legally. This removes paywalls and improves access to knowledge.
For the academic community, open access speeds up the exchange of ideas. As well as making research visible so it can have more impact. It also makes it easier to build on existing research which is essential for high-quality scholarship.
For students, open access offers clear benefits: free access to reliable, peer-reviewed sources for essays, projects, and dissertations. It also helps you explore the latest research without restrictions, and after graduation, you can continue to access scholarly work without relying on costly subscriptions.

How to find open-access articles

Finding open-access content is straightforward. Start with the LibrarySerach, where many open access articles and ebooks are indexed. You will see the open access symbol, represented by an orange open padlock, next to publications that are available through open access. When searching for literature on other platforms, look out for the same symbol. You might also use the ‘open access’ filter. Directory of Open Journals can be useful in finding scholarly journals that publish fully open-access articles.
Be sure to explore institutional repositories, which store research outputs such as journal articles, theses, and conference papers from our university and other institutions. You will find that often repositories have open access versions of articles that are published behind a paywall. These are usually ‘accepted manuscripts’ and are exactly same as published articles, but because they are plain documents, they can be shared openly in a repository. Use CORE to search thousands of repositories in one click.

The university’s new open access policy

It takes the entire academic community effort to support open research, and Edinburgh Napier does its part by introducing new open access policy, focusing on the role of our repository in sharing ENU publications. The new Research Publications and Open Access Policy allows staff to continue publishing in the journals of their choice while making their papers openly accessible in the repository.

Make the most of openly available knowledge and if you’d like to learn more, visit our Open Access blog.

By Patrycja Respondek

 

 

Digital Library Skills Programme

Digital Library Skills Programme

Digital Library Skills Programme 2025/26

October 2025 

Develop your Library skills with our Digital Library Skills Programme, running throughout the 2025/26 academic year. These sessions are open to all University staff and students. 

What’s on offer

The programme includes a range of standalone sessions, some tailored to specific Schools. Sessions are available online, with drop-ins available for students in physical libraries. Upcoming topics include: 

  • Open Access Publishing Tues 11 Nov, 11am
    This session will outline why Open Access is important for you and the university, and how the Library can support you. 

How to join 

See all upcoming session topics and dates, and book your place on the Training and Events Calendar. 

Learn Library skills to help you succeed 

Want to feel more confident using the Library? Our Digital Library Skills Programme is here to help! We run short, practical sessions all year round, both online and drop-ins in physical libraries and they’re open to all students. 

What you’ll learn 

Pick the sessions that suit you — each one is standalone, and some are tailored to specific subjects. Topics include: 

  • How to find academic sources for your essays and assignments 
  • Getting started with reference management tools like Mendeley and EndNote 
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) and literature searching 

How to join 

See all upcoming session topics and dates and book your place on the Training and Events Calendar. 

Emerald Information and Knowledge Management Collection

 

Emerald Information and Knowledge Management Collection –

 

Today in the library’s spotlight: Emerald Information and Knowledge Management Collection – A must-have resource for computing students.

 

Every now and again, we like to shine a light on one of our many, many amazing resources available through LibrarySearch and today, the spotlight belongs to Emerald Information and Knowledge Management.

 

Whether you are studying artificial intelligence, exploring blockchains and big data or diving into cyber security, the information and knowledge management collection a goldmine that any school of computing should know about.

 

What is the Emerald Information and Knowledge Management Collection

It’s a collection of e-journals that gives you access to good quality academic journals to  , and open access articles that cover a range of subjects.

 

Through LibrarySearch, you will find Emerald’s Information and Knowledge Management Collection. Students and staff get full access to cutting-edge journals focusing on the world of digital information.

 

 

So, whatever your assignment might be, Emerald has you covered

 

Journals of Emerald Information and Knowledge Management Collection –

 

  • Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance
  • Industrial Management & Data Systems
  • Information and Computer Security
  • Information technology & People
  • Internet Research
  • Journal of Enterprise Information Management
  • Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society
  • Journal of Intellectual Capital
  • Journal of Knowledge Management
  • Journal of Systems and Information Technology
  • Records Management Journal
  • VINE: Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems

 

… These journals are packed with peer-reviewed, reliable research articles written by experts in the field.

 

How to access Emerald

Sign in to LibrarySearch for quick access to full-text articles from this collection. Articles will appear in LibrarySearch results, and you can then use the full text link to quickly get to the full text. If you want to explore the articles from each journal, the easiest way is to use the Journals tab in LibrarySearch and add the name of the journal. You can then use the full text link to browse each journal issue and its articles.

 

All and all, Emerald isn’t just there for your assignments, which already makes it very essential.

It helps you stay up to date with the latest trends and innovations in academia.

You might get ideas for projects, a dissertation and a thesis.

Deepen your understanding on a broad term.

Head over to LibrarySearch, sign in, and start discovering a world of high-quality research tailored to your field.

Got questions or need help accessing articles? Just ask a librarian — we’re here to help!

For more computing posts

Migratory bird day

Migratory Bird Day

Autumn is well and truly here. The leaves are changing colour, days are getting shorter and  you may have noticed moving V shaped flocks or skeins of geese heading south for the winter. Having bred and raised chicks in Iceland and Canada and with food running out they will have started their migration in September or October and although many head further south to England some will stay in Scotland. Species such as the barnacle and pink-footed to the UK for the milder winters and more abundant food. Geese are primarily grazers and are typically found in wetlands, coastal areas and farmland, where they gather in groups to feed on seeds, grass, potatoes and small invertebrates. Montrose Basin sees thousands of geese winter there each year. As the population of wild geese has increased geese and farmers have come into conflict since geese cause damage to crops. Farmers have had to adopt management methods such as scaring, sacrificial grassland and culling, which is often seen as controversial. Come spring the geese will head north again ready for the breeding season.

Keep watching the skies and see if you can spot some geese on their migration. They arrive in their thousands, but geese are not the only birds to head to the UK to overwinter.

Redwings migrate here from Scandinavia and mostly eat berries and earthworms. They are the smallest species of thrush. You can find them on berry trees in gardens, woodlands and parks, but they can also be found on farmland.

Fieldfares arrive in the UK around early October and are a larger species of thrush. They are more likely to be found on farmland and enjoy earthworms and other invertebrates.

Snow buntings. Though we do now have around 60 pairs of breeding snow buntings in the UK, they’re confined to Scotland’s highest mountains where you’re more likely to see our winter visitors. Up to 15,000 snow buntings migrate south from the arctic regions each year.

Whooper swans are largely winter visitors, although a small number of pairs nest in Scotland. Most however nest in Iceland and winter in the north of the UK and East Anglia.

As our winter visitors head here so we say farewell to our summer ones:

Chiff Chaff

Come spring you will start to hear these little birds who are some of the first visitors to arrive. They migrate to the UK from Africa, but due to milder winters some are overwintering in the UK. Take a walk around our Craiglockhart campus on a sunny spring day and you will hear the chiff chaff’s distinctive call.

Osprey

The largest summer visitor to the UK, ospreys start to arrive around March returning to the same nest sites to breed with their regular partners. Hunted to extinction in Scotland in 1916, eventually some recolonised Scotland in 1954. Since 1959, Loch Garten in the Highlands has been home to a succession of nesting pairs, probably due to its ideal nesting sites and the plentiful fish in the rivers and lochs. Precautions were taken to protect the birds and their eggs, with no access allowed anywhere near the nest. There is an RSPB centre at Loch Garten which you can visit and rangers will give you information about the ospreys.

You can also view them through the centre’s telescopes. Years passed and the population in Scotland and throughout the UK steadily grew. Some other nest sites across the country have set up webcams so that you can follow the breeding and chick raising season remotely. One of the best is at Loch Arkaig. This year the resident pair named Louis and Dorcha by the watchers and fish counters successfully raised 2 male chicks who set off on their first migration in August. Both were ringed and one has been spotted in northern Spain on August 30th

Swifts and Swallows

Swifts spend most of their lives on the wing. Soaring high in the sky, they can be distinguished from swallows by their distinctive screeching call. They are very sociable and they often fly in groups. And they are easy to spot as they look like an arrow whirling through the sky. They used to prefer to nest in trees or cliffs but now prefer the roofs of old buildings like churches. Swifts spend the winter in Africa and return to Britain every year in April and May. They feed on small flying insects by catching them in flight.

Swallows also spend the winters in Africa arriving in the UK in April and leaving around October. Swallows are common and are often found on farmland and open pasture near water. They build mud and straw nests on ledges, often in farm buildings and outhouses, or under the eaves of houses.  They are agile fliers, feeding on flying insects while on the wing. Before they migrate back to their wintering grounds in Africa, they can be seen gathering to roost in wetlands, particularly reedbeds.

Whatever the season you can look out for the birds in your local area and in January you can participate in the Big Garden Birdwatch and be part of a valuable citizen science project which monitors the UK wild bird population and provides valuable data on the bird population.

Use Library Search to access books and journal articles on birds and migration.

Photo by Mathew Schwartz Unsplash 

World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day

 

World Mental Health Day was established by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, it is recognised every October 10th. And now championed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and mental health organisations and charities around the world.

It serves as a reminder that our mental health is just as important as our physical. But it must be emphasised that mental health is just as important as physical health every day of the year.

 

Mental health Matters

Mental Health is a fundamental part of our health and overall wellbeing. Conditions can affect anyone, but access to mental health services remains limited. And stigma and discrimination still remain. The purpose of today is to raise awareness about issues, fight stigma and advocate for better access and promote open conversations.

The theme of this year is “access to services – mental health in catastrophe and emergencies” which protects our mental health in these global times.

The mental health foundation offers free tipsheets on helping you navigate, and that you are not alone in feeling overwhelmed about the world. The tipsheet helps you set boundaries with the news, combat doomscrolling and use grounding exercises.

 

Mental Health Support at the Library

“Here in the Library, we believe that looking after your physical and emotional health is just as important as your studies. We are committed to supporting positive mental health and wellbeing and believe that the key to wellbeing is the care and balance of different aspects of our lives.” We have curated a collection of books and other resources to support the different areas of your well-being.  This is our wellbeing collection. “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.”

Each campus library has a physical wellbeing space as well; you are always welcome to take time out for yourself and browse our wellbeing collection books. All our books are loanable.

Additionally, if you just need a little break, there are relaxation spaces in the library with cosy sofas and puzzles to help you destress. And we have our digital version on the blog.

Mental Health Support at the University

At Edinburgh Napier University, we understand things might not be “plain sailing”.

“Being at University is about finding your own way – but that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone” especially when things get difficult.  The Wellbeing and Inclusion team at the university are incredible. A team of  “professional staff are here to listen, offer support and guidance, and aim to point you in the right direction at every turn so you feel safe, supported, healthy and able to fulfil your potential”. The Counselling and Mental Well-being team would like to highlight that “Our goal is to help you feel content, healthy, and well-supported. If you are facing challenges with your mental health, we are here to help.”

There is also free, online and anonymous support available through Togtherall and Silver Cloud.

The myNapier webpages provide information about all the services and support available to staff and students. And how to contact them.

More Information

Look at all the amazing work the Mental Health Foundation are doing.

We have a wide range of articles on the importance of wellbeing. 

 

 

World Post Day

World Post Day

 

World Post Day is celebrated every year on the 9th of October and has been since 1969, after its declaration in Tokyo. This is to celebrate the establishment of the Universal Postal Union in 1874 on Bern.

World Post Day is a United Nations Holiday. UN Secretary General writes, “Postal workers form a network that delivers more than mail. It delivers essential services, opportunity, and trust, reaching remote areas, connecting villages and cities, bridging the rural-urban divide, and creating a world that is within everyone’s reach.” (Un World Post Day)

 

Background of World Post Day

The purpose of this working holiday is to raise public awareness about the crucial role that the postal sector still plays in our everyday life and recognise its contributions to social and economic development.  In the digital world, postal services still play a vital role in connecting, supporting and providing access to connections and services around the world.

Currently, 150 countries celebrate this day; events are arranged all over. Many postal places from the post offices themselves to mailing rooms, have open days showing the general public the inner workings. Looking at the facilities, operations and systems used to run. Postal Museums might hold exhibitions and displays showing the history of mail. While some countries might release commemorative stamps and other themed merchandise. Often popular amongst the postal enthusiasts. These activities celebrate but also strengthen the role of the postal institution and communities.

Theme #PostForPeople: Local Service. Global Reach

World Post Day is an annual observation that is recognised by the United Nations, which strengthens its importance. Each year has a unique theme, and this year is ~PostForPeople, showcasing the role that the postal services still play in communities, trade and supporting individuals.

Although we are in a digital age where email, direct messaging, and other online communications dominate.  The postal sector still plays a crucial role around the world. The world faces a massive digital divide, which was highlighted even more during COVID. Despite more and more people living online, around a third of the world is estimated to be offline. Remote rural areas continue to struggle with connecting to the digital world. And half of the businesses around the world do not trade online. This can be a range of reasons, including connectivity issues, digital skills and limited access. With this, the postal sector still plays a critical role in making the world go round. Supporting economic activity, connecting people and helping people reach key correspondence, whether education, healthcare, financial or government.

While we are in a digital age, and many people might feel that email has taken over but the postal service is just as important. A third of the world is still offline, and half of businesses don’t trade online. This can be for many reasons, like remote rural areas, and this is where the post sector comes in.

So why not celebrate all the good work that they do.

Photo by Kutan Url

We have more posts celebrating the importance of United Nations Day. 

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.

 

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