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.

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ENU Alumni Network

ENU Alumni Network

Graduations are soon, and we want to say many congratulations to the class of 2025 but it doesn’t mean your time with Edinburgh Napier is over.

Join the ENU Alumni network today.

ENU Alumni Network

165,000 members

183 countries

1 ENU Alumni Network

What is ENU Alumni Network

The alumni community has members across the world. There is no sign-up required as alumni are automatically enrolled on graduation day. The Alumni Team is responsible for helping these graduates stay in touch with each other and the University and organising opportunities that will help them advance in their careers.

Benefits of Joining Alumni Network:

There are opportunities to get involved with the alumni community all over the world. This network can help you take your career to the next level, breathe new life into your business, help you reminisce about University life and more.

Events programme

The Alumni Team runs a robust international events programme. Activities include business networking events, programme celebration reunions and alumni receptions.

Career opportunities

Alumni retain access to Student Futures’ careers support for two years after graduation. Entrepreneurial graduates have lifelong access to Bright Red Triangle, the University’s enterprise hub. The Alumni Team also organises other initiatives that will support graduates throughout their careers, such as digital networking groups.

Study Opportunities:

Looking to do a postgraduate degree at Edinburgh Napier, as an alumni member, you can receive a 20% discount on tuition fees for the first of your full-time course (Terms and conditions apply). Library access is free when applying 12 months after graduation. After this, it is 50% off library membership meaning for £20, you can have full access to library books and spaces. Please note you won’t have access to e-resources.

Keeping in touch

The above are just a couple of examples of how the Alumni Team supports the Edinburgh Napier alumni community, however, there are many other opportunities and benefits available to graduates. It’s important that alumni to keep their contact information up to date and follow the alumni’s social media channels so the Alumni Team to share information with them.

Learn more about the ENU Alumni Network: https://www.napier.ac.uk/alumni

Or contact the Alumni Team on: alumni@napier.ac.uk

Alumni can join networking groups to meet fellow alumni, share ideas or ask for advice. By keeping in touch with the University after graduation, you will also receive invitations to networking events, reunion get-togethers, further study opportunities and hear about upcoming activities that will help you in your future career.

Keep in touch and stay connected.

And remember the library blog for all updates.

 

May the Fourth be with you! Star Wars Day

May the Fourth be with you! Star Wars Day

May the fourth is commonly known around the world by Star Wars fans as Star Wars Day. This is because May the 4th sounds a bit like “May the fourth”. Part of a very famous quote from the film “May the force be with you”.

The History of Star Wars

The Star Wars film franchise is probably one of the biggest, if not the biggest in the world. Created by the founder, former chairman and CEO of Lucasfilm, George Lucas. The first film came out way back in 1977. It was widely expected to be a flop and in fact, Lucas made a bet with Steven Spielberg that ended up costing him £40 Million! He traded a percentage of the takings that turned out to be the best bet Spielberg ever made. Here’s Spielberg talking about it

“[He  said] All right, I’ll tell you what. I’ll trade some points with you. You want to trade some points? I’ll give you 2.5% of Star Wars if you give me 2.5% of Close Encounters.’ So I said, ‘Sure, I’ll gamble with that. Great.’”

The film and its franchise have gone on to become one of the most beloved cult classics of our time. It still continues to grow and expand. The biggest spin-off so far is The Mandalorian and its scene-stealing star”Baby Yoda” aka Grougru.

Fun fact, did you know The Last Jedi was called “Space Bears” during its filming?

Why not have a quick Google search will have you lost for hours in all the amazing facts associated with this movieverse.

Star Wars Day

Events are held all over the world every year to celebrate this beloved Universe. From large get-togethers to home-based movie marathons. Why not host your own celebration this year? Get on some costumes and maybe try out some Star Wars recipes.

Library Resources

Want to watch the films right now? We can help! If you are an Edinburgh Napier University student or staff member then log into Box of Broadcasts (BoB) and you will be able to watch many of the films for free.

Also, check out librarysearch.napier.ac.uk for loads of fascinating items relating to Star Wars! We have a wealth of books, scores and articles.

All that’s left to say is “May the Force/fourth be with you!”

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/star-wars-movie-log-support-r2d2-2172948/

Read more form our blog on Geeky fun with our post on the History of Lego

International Jazz Day

International Jazz Day: A Celebration of Rhythm and Soul

Every April 30th, the world comes alive with the smooth, swinging sounds of jazz. International Jazz Day (IJD) celebrates the rich history, cultural influence, and improvisational brilliance of jazz music. From smoky clubs to grand concert halls, jazz has shaped global music for over a century. Let’s explore its origins and the vibrant celebrations, including the renowned Edinburgh Jazz Festival.

The Birth of International Jazz Day

In 2011, UNESCO declared April 30 as International Jazz Day. The goal? To highlight jazz’s role in uniting people and promoting peace. Legendary pianist Herbie Hancock led the charge as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, ensuring that jazz received the recognition it deserved. Since then, IJD has become a worldwide phenomenon, with concerts, jam sessions, and educational programs taking place in over 190 countries.

The Magic of Jazz

Jazz began in the early 20th century in New Orleans. It blended African rhythms, blues, and ragtime to create something entirely new. Improvisation became its defining feature, allowing musicians to express themselves freely. Legends like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Ella Fitzgerald paved the way for future generations. Today, jazz continues to evolve, fusing with hip-hop, funk, and electronic music.

Global Celebrations and Star-Studded Events

International Jazz Day isn’t just a day—it’s an experience. Every year, a host city organizes the main global concert, featuring top jazz artists. Past hosts include Paris, Havana, and Melbourne. But the celebration isn’t confined to one place. Schools, theatres, and street corners around the world are filled with live performances and workshops. Fans, musicians, and educators come together to honour jazz’s legacy and future.

Edinburgh Jazz Festival: A Must-Visit for Jazz Lovers

Scotland swings hard when it comes to jazz. The Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival is one of Europe’s top jazz events. Held every summer, it attracts international stars and emerging artists. From lively street parades to intimate club gigs, the festival captures jazz’s essence. It’s a melting pot of styles, featuring everything from traditional Dixieland to cutting-edge fusion.

Local venues host jam sessions, lectures, and concerts, bringing Scotland’s rich jazz culture to life. Whether you’re a hardcore jazz aficionado or a casual listener, the Edinburgh scene offers something special.

How to Join the Celebration

Want to be part of the fun? Find an International Jazz Day event near you. Support local musicians, visit a jazz club, or simply put on your favourite record and let the music transport you. If you’re in Scotland, don’t miss the Edinburgh Jazz Festival—it’s a jazz lover’s dream!

Resources

We had a wide variety of resources in the Library for you to access. We have books, sheet music and digital resources for listening online. Check out LibrarySearch to find out more.

So, tap your feet, snap your fingers, and let the music play. Happy International Jazz Day!

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more on Music here on the blog with: The Article: Music and Edinburgh Napier

 

SCEBE Exhibition 2025: Green Horizons towards Sustainable Futures

SCEBE Exhibition 2025: Green Horizons towards Sustainable Futures

Exciting upcoming event: SCEBE Exhibition 2025: Green Horizons towards Sustainable Futures

Our School of Computing, Engineering, and Built Environment is thrilled to invite everyone to its fourth exhibition, Green Horizons—Towards Sustainable Futures. Happening on May 14th from 10 am to 6pm, Merchiston campus. All are welcome.

This event promises to be an exciting opportunity to explore the exciting world of renewable energy and innovative technologies aimed at creating a net-zero future.  Something we all know is becoming more and more important.

Throughout the day, people will be able to attend engaging and interactive exhibits and see the remarkable research, learning and teaching taking place within our dynamic school.

Dr John McDougall quotes

You can expect to discover more about timber as a resource and as a construction material, to see da Vinci the unpinned self-built timber bridge.  Is this Jenga in reverse?  How the robot dogs are being redeployed to help ecologists monitor the natural environment.  Through our spinout company Mercel, the great strides we have made in the eco-friendly production of nano-cellulose as key to the reduction of plastic packaging.  Electric battery manufacture using cellulose from water hyacinth, the latter being Southeast Asia’s version of Japanese knotweed.  Material composites from fungi.  Or solar PV cells’ performance improved using dye from mushrooms…… and much more.

So join us as we showcase our commitment to a sustainable future and highlight our leading research.

Interested in attending, please fill out this form for email confirmation or email scebeevents@napier.ac.uk

If you would like to arrange a visit for your school on one of our Schools Outreach days (Tuesday 13 and Thursday 15 May), please contact outreach@napier.ac.uk

 

Look forward to seeing you there.

 

Read more about the School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, and learn about the research and teaching.

And take a look at the upcoming events at Edinburgh Napier.

By Maya Green

Read about our International Forst Day

 

Shakespeare’s Birthday

If all the world’s a stage, then today its centre is occupied by the world’s greatest ever playwright. Take a bow, William Shakespeare, on this, your 461st birthday.

We know very little about Shakespeare. We know he was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in the heart of England, that he was the son of a well-to-do glovemaker and that he attended school. We know that he married and had three children, one of whom died in childhood. We know that he moved to London, became an actor and writer and made a good amount of money.

But that’s about it. What remains a mystery is how this ordinary man from an ordinary background was able to write 38 plays, 2 narrative poems and 154 sonnets of such enduring scope, skill, depth and insight that they live on in our imaginations nearly half a millennium on.

Think of the many terms and phrases Shakespeare invented that are still current:

There’s “method in the madness,” “all of a sudden”, the “green-eyed monster”, “heart of gold”, a “wild goose chase”, “wear your heart on your sleeve”, and “the world’s my oyster”.

Think of the many cinematic re-interpretations of his works. 10 Things I hate about You was based on The Taming of the Shrew. Then there’s sci-fi classic Forbidden Planet (The Tempest), West Side Story and zombie romcom Warm Bodies (Romeo & Juliet), A Thousand Acres (King Lear), L.A. Story and Get Over It (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), And, of course, The Lion King (Hamlet).  OK, that last one’s a stretch.

His works are so ingrained in our consciousness that we refer to tragic-comic situations as Shakespearean. There’s a whole theatre company dedicated to his works. We have a British Shakespeare Association, local Shakespeare societies all over the world, and the world-renowned theatre where he first plied his trade is still going strong.

You may be lucky enough to visit Shakespeare’s birthplace. This year, the Trust celebrates the complexity of Shakespeare’s female characters.

We at Edinburgh Napier do Shakespeare in a big way. To read his plays, poetry, and the abundant commentary on his ever-intriguing work, log into LibrarySearch.

By Lesley McRobb

Photo by Mana5280 unsplash

 

Read another literature great, Charles Dickens

Study Skills 2025

Study Skills 2025

The Easter Holidays can’t last forever, and once they’re done, the university will be getting stuck into the assessment period. To give you an extra hand, we’ll be taking a quick look at how our university library can provide you with some support in developing the skills you need for your essays, exams, and other assignments.

Library and Study Skills

Firstly, the library provides you with LibGuides, which are specialised guides teaching you the skills you need to navigate the library and how to best use the resources the university provides to you. These include guides to referencing using APA 7th style, more general guides to universally useful skills such as Critical Thinking, and specialised guides for each of our schools. These guides for our schools are written by the Subject Librarian for that school, providing you with detailed help from an experienced professional who specialises in that field. For example, if you’re a student at our business school, you can check out the guide to the business school library written by Keith Walker, who has been with the university for years and knows exactly what a business student needs to know for their studies.

If you think it would help, you can also get in touch with your school’s subject librarian if you have any specific enquiries relating to research in your subject, or if you’ve had a read of your school’s libguide and still feel you need further instructions. You can find details on how to speak to your subject librarian on MyNapier.  Also, check out the Training and Events calendar to see if there are any upcoming workshops covering skills you may need help with, or if there are any academic skills drop-in sessions you could attend. You can also check out the academic skills page on MyNapier to learn more about these drop-in sessions and how to contact the academic skills team.

The other handy thing about the LibGuides is that they can provide you with a full list of the databases the university has access to. Through your student account, you can access 184 research databases that provide you access to research articles, e-books, and other publications covering a range of different subject areas. These databases are a great way to expand your research and find a wide range of sources to help you when studying specialised topics. Additionally, you can use our interlibrary loan service to request access to sources that we do not have here at the university, but which another university might have access to.

Of course, in addition to all these helpful services, you can also always come to one of our library helpdesks and ask one of our team members directly. We’ll be happy to help in any way we can!

by Matthew Ferrie

We have a catalogue of study skills posts

National Amateur Radio Day

National Amateur Radio Day

Radio perhaps does not have the ubiquity in people’s lives as it did before. It was once the premier mass medium for music as well as information, until the 1960s at least. Spotify playlists tend to rule the roost in cafes and pubs nowadays, with playlists often generated by algorithm. Now, television as well as micro news from social media is the predominant way we consume our news, fake or otherwise – whether we like it or not. Radio has been at the heart of musical innovation too, from the Radio Ballads made by the BBC (1958-1964), to the over-layered noise experiments of John Cage’s Radio Music (1956), using transistor radios as instruments. In a similar spirit, Radiophrenia, the Glasgow-based sound art and radio initiative of Timothea Armour, Mark Vernon and Stevie Jones, is currently broadcasting as part of its annual festival of left of the dial material.

Pirate Radio

Pirate (i.e unofficial or unlicensed) radio was also key to certain periods of genre innovation and expansion in music – for example, Radio Luxembourg and rock n roll in the late 60s; jungle, drum & bass etc were promoted by local London pirate stations at a key time for electronic music innovation in the late 80s/early 90s. Student Radio stations have also attained legendary cult status – e.g WFMU in New Jersey, and KEXP in Washington State. WFMU is known for it’s ‘freeform radio’ approach, which prioritizes eclectic and unusual, non-commercial music as well as talk radio. KEXP, another station that has its roots in university education, was a major promoter of grunge music as it broke through to the mainstream in the early 1990s. To this day, it regularly hosts up and coming as well as more established bands (these have attained a high level of popularity on YouTube). Some still broadcast on radio frequency, such as the college station in my home town of Galway (Flirt F.M).

Online Radio

However, there has been an explosion of online stations which do not broadcast on any radio frequency. Due to licensing costs as well as the limited bandwidth on radio frequency, many radio producers opt to stream on the internet. Close to home, our own Edinburgh Napier Radio Group (ENRG) is an incredibly active radio station that broadcasts online only. This year, it celebrates 10 years of operation, the product of the innovative, productive tendencies of the staff and students that brought it into being. Their work spans a range of topics, from news to music; fittingly, it is a professional operation, with an ‘all action’ website that has an eye on the cutting edge of mass media today.

By Kieran Curran

Read more fascinating articles on the Library Blog Like: International Forest Day

World Art Day 2025

World Art Day 2025

Art is all around us, and comes in many different shapes and forms. It consists of many forms and practices, including painting, geometric abstraction, conceptual, sculptural, baroque, photography, surrealism, and abstract expressionism. It is not always just visual as well: art can take the form of music, theatre, cinematography and architecture to give some examples. All in all, the world would be a very dull and miserable place without it. So every year on the 15th of April, World Art Day acknowledges the profound link between the contributions of artists worldwide and sustainable development within society. It also raises awareness of the diversity within the artistic community and artistic expression overall.

History of World Art Day

World Art Day was first proclaimed in the 40th session of UNESCO’s General Conference, which was held in Paris from the 12th until the 27th of November 2019. Its foundations were initially laid by the International Association of Art (IAA), which was formed in 1954 to collaborate with UNESCO in an official partnership and as an NGO (a non-governmental organisation) to ultimately represent the work and legacies of professional artists. World Art Day is thought to also pay tribute to the work and legacy of world-famous artist Leonardo Da Vinci, whose birthday falls on the same day as World Art Day – the 15th of April.

All in all, Word Art Day not only honour the world of Leonardo Da Vinci himself, but essentially all the contributions which artists across the globe make in moulding our cultural landscape. Their work and role in society is invaluable, as are the contributions that many of our SACI (School of Arts and Creative Industries) students and staff make both within the university and externally.

Our School of Arts and Creative Industries…

One of the fundamental objectives of the School of Arts and Creative Industries at Napier is to encourage innovation and progression within our SACI student community, as well as foster their talents by providing them with opportunities for collaboration and networking within creative industries and communities to eventually go on to develop sustainable careers. Some of our creative courses include Design, Photography and Advertising, Acting, Music, and English. Film, Television and Journalism is another course which we offer as well within SACI.

Employability, all in all, is at the heart of Napier’s core values and all of their programmes and schools, and we aim to ensure that all of our students feel ready and well-equipped for commencing placements and work experience to prepare them for pursuing successful careers once they spread their wings and leave the university. To facilitate these invaluable work experience opportunities, we have built a solid rapport with both UK-based and international employers and industries to allow access to these opportunities as well as networking events. We also allow students to showcase their work and final year projects at our Napier degree show, which will run this year from the 30th of May until the 6th of June at Merchiston campus. The event is open to all as well!

Some fun facts about Art…

  • Thirty-century year old cave paintings have been discovered in Chauvet, France.
  • Leonardo Da Vinci spent 14 years finishing his widely renowned ‘Mona Lisa’ painting despite it being a relatively small portrait. It also did not become well-known within art communities until after it was stolen in 1911, which led to it becoming more famous and widely recognised.
  • Art used to be held as an Olympic event but was stopped in 1954 after concerns were raised about the professional status of participants and competitors. Almost every competitor submitting their work was a professional artist – they were all required to be amateurs according to the rules of the event.
  • The Louvre Art Gallery in Paris is the most popular art gallery in the world, bringing in more visitors than any other art gallery across the globe.

Further Reading for World Art Day

Have we sparked your interest in the world of art and creativity? Here are some recommended titles in our library stock to consult if you would like to read more about this subject area.

 

  • ‘Art: the definitive visual guide’, Graham-Dixon, Andrew Bridgeman Art Library, 2008. Available at Merchiston Campus Library.
  • ‘Light years: conceptual art and the photograph, 1964-1977′, Witkovsky, Matthew S., 1967-; Godfrey, Mark (Mark Benjamin); Art Institute of Chicago. C2011. Available at Merchiston Campus Library.
  • ‘Before photography: painting and the invention of photography’, Galassi, Peter.; Museum of Modern Art (New York, N.Y.), c1981. Available at Merchiston Campus Library.

 

By Rachel Downie

 

Photo credit goes to Matheus at Pexels.

 

Keep the creativity going and read about World Theatre Day 

International Record Store Day

A Celebration of International Record Store Day

Vinyl lovers, rejoice! Every year, music fans around the world celebrate International Record Store Day (RSD). It’s a day dedicated to independent record stores, rare vinyl releases, and the joy of discovering music the old-school way. But how did this tradition start? Let’s take a spin through its history.

The Birth of Record Store Day

International Record Store Day (RSD) started in 2007 when a group of record store owners had an idea. Streaming was on the rise, and digital music threatened physical sales. They wanted to remind the world of the magic of vinyl. So, in 2008, the first Record Store Day was held. It featured exclusive vinyl releases, live performances, and packed indie shops. It was a hit! Music fans of all kinds flocked to local stores, eager to grab limited-edition records and experience the thrill of crate-digging.

The event wasn’t just about sales. It was about celebrating music culture, independent artists, and the unique charm of brick-and-mortar record shops. Stores that once faced the threat of closing saw a resurgence of interest. Record collectors, both young and old, came together to share their love of vinyl.

The Growth of a Global Phenomenon

What started in the U.S. quickly spread worldwide. Today, Record Store Day happens in countries across the globe. Every April, artists release special editions, fans queue outside their favourite shops, and live music fills the air. Big names like David Bowie, Taylor Swift, and Prince have all had exclusive RSD releases. But it’s not just about the stars. Independent and underground artists also use RSD as a platform to reach new audiences.

The event has helped drive the vinyl resurgence. Over the past decade, vinyl sales have soared, proving that physical music is far from dead. Collectors appreciate the superior sound quality, the detailed album art, and the joy of flipping through records in a store.

Why Vinyl Still Matters

There’s something special about vinyl. The crackle of the needle, the album artwork, the feeling of holding music in your hands—it’s an experience. Record Store Day keeps that alive. It supports small businesses and keeps music culture thriving. In a world of instant streaming, RSD reminds us to slow down and savour music in a more meaningful way.

Join the Celebration!

Want to be part of the fun? Find a participating store near you. Get there early, hunt for hidden gems, and maybe even catch a live show. Whether you’re a longtime collector or just curious, RSD welcomes everyone.

So, dust off that turntable and get ready to spin. Happy Record Store Day!

Resources

Local Edinburgh Record Stores:

Vinyl Villains: An Edinburgh Staple
Thorne Records: Just round the corner from our Merchiston Campus!

We have a wide variety of resources in the Library for you to access. We have books, sheet music and digital resources for listening online. Check out LibrarySearch to find out more.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more on Music here on the blog with: The Article: World Music Day

 

National Unicorn Day – 9th April

National Unicorn Day – 9th April

 

Today is National Unicorn Day, which is celebrated annually on the 9th of April. Unicorns appear as magical creatures in many movies, cartoons and fantasy novels, fascinating both children and adults alike.

Unicorns are beautiful horse-like creatures with a single spiralling horn growing from the centre of their forehead. They are steeped in history, going as far back as Ancient Greece, and have been part of many cultures, including the ancient Babylonians and the Indus civilisation. In Celtic mythology, unicorns are said to represent purity, innocence, and power. Their horns are alleged to have magical powers that can purify poisoned water and heal sickness.

Scotland and the Unicorn

Scotland has always loved legends, from ghosts and witches to giant water creatures, so maybe it’s not so surprising that Scotland has chosen the unicorn as its national animal. They are proud, wild, independent creatures with a strong spirit making them difficult to conquer or capture – ideals which represent the spirit of the Scottish people who would fight to remain unconquered. However, they are often also seen as symbols of love, purity, enchantment and magic.

Unicorns are featured widely in Scottish heraldry such as coats of arms or crests. The unicorn has featured in the royal coat of arms for Scotland from around the mid-1500s which displayed two unicorns supporting the Scottish coat of arms. In Scottish heraldry, unicorns are always depicted with gold chains around them. It is believed that this symbolised the power of Scottish kings, that only they were strong enough to tame such wild animals.

In 1603, King James VI of Scotland also became King James I of England, so he replaced one of the unicorns with a lion, the national animal of England, to represent unity between the two countries. However, it is well known in folklore that unicorns and lions are enemies, battling to be named the king of beasts.

So, where can you find unicorns? They can be found throughout Scotland, even right here in Edinburgh! They are featured on a heraldic shield by the gates to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, another in the Royal Apartments in Edinburgh Castle, and among the Victorian wood carvings at St. Gile’s Cathedral so why not go and see them for yourself?

Many towns across Scotland, including Edinburgh, Culross, Prestonpans, Dunfermline, Jedburgh, Melrose, Falkland, Crail, Aberdeen and Inverness feature mercat crosses, a Scottish market cross representing trade and prosperity. The crosses vary from being very simple to lavish designs which often feature a unicorn at the top.

Celebrate National Unicorn Day

National Unicorn Day began in 2015 to celebrate these magnificent mythological animals. So, how can we celebrate National Unicorn Day? Why not:

watch a movie that includes unicorns

bake or buy rainbow cupcakes

draw, paint or craft unicorn-themed art

research the history and symbolism of unicorns

Go for a unicorn-themed walk around a town or city and take photos of what you find.

However you spend National Unicorn Day, just remember how good things can be when you allow a little magic into your life!

By Sharon McMichael

Photo by Paul Bill

Read about the history of Edinburgh Napier

 

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