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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Dog Sleeping on world sleep Day

World Sleep Day

14/03/2025 / / 0 Comments

World Sleep Day

Wakey, wakey! It’s World Sleep Day.

I trust you had a good night’s sleep and are feeling bright and perky. No? Well, maybe you’re one of the 14 million UK adults who suffer from undiagnosed sleep disorders, or one of the 48% of the population who engage in high risk behaviour when you can’t sleep? These statistics from The Sleep Charity are concerning.

Sleep is the most effective, cheapest and portable therapeutic treatment. It repairs your immune system, helps you think clearly, regulates weight and blood pressure, and helps stave off a range of diseases from heart issues to diabetes. It’s vital for mental health too. It manages emotional well-being, keeps worry, anxiety and depression at bay. Sleep is one of the vital keys to keeping fit and healthy. The Dalai Lama puts it simply: “sleep is the best meditation”.

To sleep or not to sleep?

It’s had its critics, sleep. Novelist Virginia Woolf described it as “that deplorable curtailment of the joy of life.” Rapper Tupac Shakur declared that “the only time I have problems is when I sleep”.  And Shakespeare’s Scottish king lamented that “good things of the day begin to droop and drowse, whiles night’s black agent to their preys do rouse.” (Macbeth, III, II, 45). Well, no disrespect to big Mac, but maybe if he’d enjoyed a good kip, he’d have woken up in a better mood and not felt so, well, murderous.

I am a champion sleeper, and sleep is my refuge when life gets hard or I feel low. But too much sleep is just as bad as too little. As with all things in life, balance is needed.

cat sleeping on world sleep day

Photo source Kate Stone Matheson

World Sleep Day

World Sleep Day is held on the Friday before the spring vernal equinox of each year. This year it’s the 14th of March, and the theme is “Make Sleep Health a Priority.” If you’re struggling to make sleep a priority, help is available from Sleep Action

 

and The National Sleep Helpline

And the NHS Inform has compiled a self-help guide: Sleep problems and insomnia self-help guide | NHS inform

Here at Edinburgh Napier, we have a range of resources to support you. Sign in to LibrarySearch to find the Sleep Well Kit, Sleep, and Sleep: a very short introduction among many others.

Let’s leave the last word to peace activist Mahatma Gandhi: “Each night, when I go to sleep, I die. And the next morning, when I wake up, I am reborn.”

Read more on how to take care of yourself by reading our article on self-care books in 2025

Or why not check out our Virtual Relaxation Space!

By Lesley McRobb

Photo source Connor Home

Trimester Two

Merchiston Tower

11/03/2025 / / 0 Comments

Merchiston Tower

In the centre of Merchiston Tower, you will find Merchiston Tower.

It’s a bang in the middle.

Have you ever wondered what’s inside? What’s its history? Want to peek inside?

Let us take you on a brief digital walk through the Tower in the blog post. But before we go any further, we would like to add that you can tour the Tower in person and see its 500 years of history in person for free. Email us at heritage@napier.ac.uk or library@napier.ac.uk. Please bear in mind that we need at least 24 hours’ notice. Group tours are available, but no more than 15 people can attend.

*update*

Tours are available for Friday mornings. If you are interested in a tour but this is not a suitable date, please contact us, and we can rearrange.

History of Merchiston Tower

Merchiston Tower has stood firm for over 500 years. Built in the middle of the 1400s, either by Andrew Napier or his son, Sir Alexander Napier, both of whom served as Provost of Edinburgh and both of whom moved in royal circles.

John Napier (Alexander’s grandson) was born in the Tower in 1550. Specifically, the University is named after John Napier. His inventions and contributions to Mathematics are longstanding, with his most known invention being logarithms. There is a lot of “myth, mystery, and intrigue” (John Napier napier.ac.uk) about the man, and you can read about him in a previous blog post on Edinburgh Napier University’s webpages.

The Tower remained in the Napier family until the beginning of the 1800s. It was then owned by the Merchiston Castle School, followed by the Edinburgh Council. For a while, it was also a storage space for fire hoses during the Second World War. By the 1950s, the Tower was set for demolition. It was in ruins. However, in 1958, a new technical college was coming to Edinburgh. A college that needed a campus. Napier College was formed around the Tower, saved from demolition and beginning a work of restoration. These restorations would uncover ceilings and stairwells that had been hidden for a century.

The hallway ceiling of the Tower now proudly displays the University’s crest and showcases the Tower’s timeline, a nod to the Napier family, Merchiston Castle School, and the Edinburgh Council.

Napier Crest

Inside the Tower

Can’t wait to have a look? Let’s go on a digital walkthrough. And while we have lovely pictures, nothing compares to seeing it in person.

The original great hall stands to the left as you enter. In this hall, you will find a stunning, decorative ceiling that was commemorated during the reign of Charles II, the decorations showcasing the Napier family’s loyalty to the crown. The massive fireplace is thought to be original to the Tower. The north and south windows are original, while the east window dates from the 17th century. During the restoration in the 1950s, a staircase in the thick walls was found.

The once hidden staircase leads to the Boardroom that now stretches across the third and fourth floors. The fourth floor would have been a loft area, home to servants, but it has now been opened up to make the room fell bigger and to properly showcase.

The magnificent Prestongrange Ceiling it dates from 1581. A rare example of a Scottish Renaissance painted ceiling, it was moved from Prestongrange House to Merchiston Tower in 1964 for preservation purposes. The ceiling is filled with art, featuring many motifs from folk plays. Truly Unique!

 

 

 

Prestongrange ceiling

 

Merchiston Tower and John Napier

In 1550, John Napier was born in the tower house. Over 400 years later, the Tower was saved from demolition and restoration work began for a new college to be named after John Napier. Now, it stands proud in the middle of our biggest campus, home to two of our schools: School of Arts and Creative Industries and School of Computing, Engineering & Built Environment.

 

Doors Open Day

On the 28th of September, we opened up the Tower to the public to celebrate Doors Open Day. In our second year running, we were delighted to welcome over 180 visitors.

 

 

If you are interested in visiting Merchiston Tower in person, please get in touch by emailing heritage@napier.ac.uk or library@napier.ac.uk. Tours are available on Friday mornings, but date and time can be rearranged if requested. And are available for individuals or groups of up to 15.

Please note that, due to the steep and uneven medieval staircases, the Tower is not wheelchair accessible.

For more information about the University’s Heritage Collections, have a look at our website.

Read more about the Heritage Collections

 

References

 

Merchiston Tower Edinburgh

The Napier Estate Past and Present

behind the scenes

Healthcare Sciences Week: Healthcare Resources in the Library

10/03/2025 / / 0 Comments

Healthcare Sciences Week: Healthcare Resources in the Library

 

It is Healthcare Sciences Week, we thought it would be fitting to look at the healthcare resources available in the library. It comes not long after National Careers Week. This to annually commend the work of those in healthcare science professions. And also to promote and raise awareness of career opportunities that exist within the healthcare industry and within healthcare sciences. This annual week-long campaign occurs every year to remind us of the significance of science and modern technologies in healthcare today. And how it can help to vastly change patients’ lives for the better. This is primarily through the fundamental role healthcare science plays. A role means that disease and illness are accurately diagnosed, effectively treated and prevented within the overall population.

We have a fundamental and vast range of healthcare resources in our libraries. This includes a variety of nursing and healthcare books and textbooks, eBooks and E-resources, databases and websites with a wide range of healthcare science resources to choose from. These can all be found on our LibGuide and on LibrarySearch.

Books and eBooks Resources…

If you are a student at Edinburgh Napier University, you will have access to a wide variety of print books and textbooks tailored to your specific course and school. School of Health and Social Care students will most often find relevant resources in our Sighthill campus library as this is where your school is primarily based. All our available resources can be found through LibrarySearch, as mentioned above. Or do pop in to our Sighthill campus library and have a browse through our shelves – you might even find a book or two that you did not even realise you needed! Our library staff at the LRC 2 helpdesk are more than happy to help you with finding any resources you are looking for as well. There is more information about how to find and borrow books in our Finding and Borrowing Books webpage on My Napier.

Can’t find a physical copy of the book you are looking for? Or is every copy of that book on loan? Not to worry – some of the books and textbooks we have available in our campus libraries, there are print and electronic copies of certain texts available. Digitised versions of certain textbooks and books can be found and accessed through LibrarySearch, so do keep an eye out for any text under a book search result which reads ‘Available Online.’

Resource Recommendation

Some popular recommendations with print copies and online access can be found below.

Foundations of Nursing Practice: Fundamentals of Holistic Care, Brooker, Christine, editor.; Waugh, Anne, editor. 2nd edition.; 2013. Available at Sighthill Campus and Online.

 

The Royal Marsden Manual of Clinical Nursing Procedures, Lister, Sara E., editor.; Hofland, Justine, editor.; Grafton, Hayley, editor.; Wilson, Catherine, editor.; Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, associated with work. Tenth edition, Student edition. Available at Sighthill Campus.

 

An introduction to medicinal chemistry, Patrick, Graham L., author. Sixth edition.; 2017. Available at Sighthill Campus.

 

Nursing Research: Principles, Process and Issues. Parahoo, Kader, author. Third edition.; 2014. Available at Sighthill Campus and Online.

Healthcare Reading Lists…

For every Health and Social Care module, there is a set reading list.

All texts listed on reading lists will be relevant to the specific module you are taking. And often have a range of both print and electronic resources. Reading lists will be extremely helpful to you when you start to conduct research for your assignments and prepare for exams. Each module has its own page on Moodle. It is there where the set reading list can be found. As well as the code and name of the module so you can search for reading lists. Although reading lists will give you a variety of relevant resources to consult for your course, you will often still be expected to conduct some independent research.

If you have any questions relating to reading lists or are having any trouble accessing print and electronic resources, feel free to drop our library team an email by contacting library@napier.ac.uk.

 

Journals and Databases…

 

As with our books, we also have a range of print and electronic journals which have content relevant to aspects health and social care and applied sciences. The majority of these journals that we have subscriptions to, however, are now online and fully digitised. Journals are usually very plausible sources to consult when conducting research for a report or essay, as they are usually of a very high quality with lots of relevant, up-to-date and evidence-based information. There is a specific tab for searching for journal articles in LibrarySearch, but journals can also be found and accessed through other platforms and search engines such as Google Scholar, specific publisher websites and of course, a range of high-quality databases which Napier subscribes to, which are tailored towards those studying healthcare sciences.

 

Databases are search engines which are often brimming with a variety of digital and e-resources. They are extremely efficient when it comes to searching for journal articles. Because it allows you to do so in a less time-consuming way. Our Libguide provides an A-Z list of Databases</strong>. If you are a School of Health and Social Care student, please see below the top five databases to consult for your specific course and subject area.

  • CINAHL – This is actually noted as one of our most frequently used databases and has a vast range of full-text nursing and allied health j

ournals.

  • MEDLINE
  • PubMed
  • Web of Science
  • MA Healthcare Complete

 

Further Support and Assistance…

 

Still feeling stuck? Our library services at Napier offer online and in-person training sessions on literature and database searching as well as help with referencing and guidance on how to utilise reference management software. You can find recordings and upcoming tutorials in our LibGuide and Library Calendar.

By Rachel Downie

We have a wide range of databases at the Library, read about them here 

International Womens Day Street Art saying Girl Power

International Women’s Day

08/03/2025 / / 0 Comments

International Women’s Day

Today marks International Women’s Day.  March marks Women’s History Month.  Proclaimed by the United Nations in 1977 as an international day of awareness. Often linked to celebrate “labour movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe”(UN.org). Since then, it has been recognised worldwide.

History of International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on the 8th of March each year and has been celebrated on this day for over 100 years. Why this day?

Vladimir Lenin selected the 8th of March to celebrate women’s role in the Russian Revolution in 1917. With promotion from the United Nations in the 1970s, it became a globalised date.

There has been speculation that the date goes back further to a protest led by women garment workers in New York City in 1857. But historians speculate. March is also the month of Women’s history. This was to link to International Women’s Day.

Celebrations of International Women’s Day

The aim is to celebrate women’s achievements, promote gender equality, diversity and inclusion, and raise awareness about discrimination.

The date was recognised by the United Nations in 1977.        And since the late 1990s, there has been a theme for each year. This year, it is:

For all Women and Girls: Rights.Equality.Empowerment.

The UN writes, “This year’s theme calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind. Central to this vision is empowering the next generation—youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalysts for lasting change.” (UN.org)

Additionally, this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. It is considered to be one of the most progressive documents for women’s rights.

 

You can read our previous post on inspiring women from Scotland here.

Photo by Ariele Bonte

Best online resources for finding news: Times Digital Archive & NexisUni

World Book Day 2025

06/03/2025 / / 0 Comments

World Book Day 2025

Today marks World Book Day, and as a library blog, we couldn’t resist.

Introduction: Reading, the Joys and its Benefits…

When you are a student, nearly every day feels like World Book Day – with all the reading, you are set for tutorials and assignments. All the academic textbooks you find yourself skimming through relentlessly. And all the resource searching and navigating you will inevitably do as assignments start piling up and exams are looming.

Do you remember the last time you picked up a book to read for leisurely purposes? It has probably been a while!  And you likely feel very fatigued at the thought of even looking at another piece of text.

Regardless, World Book Day comes around every year on the first Thursday of March to promote the concept of reading for leisure.  We at Napier’s library services would like to promote this international day and love of reading as a universal concept for all. As reading truly brings so many benefits.

About World Book Day…

World Book Day falls on Thursday, the 6th of March this year – the first Thursday of the month. World Book Day itself is an annual charity event which was established by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) to actively promote and encourage a love of reading within communities across the globe. It is also known as World Book and Copyright Day or International Day of the Book. This is because this international day also acknowledges the significance of publishing. As well as copyright in the literary world and the roles that they both play in providing universal access to a variety of texts, but with protections in place for the original works of authorship regarding the rights of authors to decide how others use and utilise their work.

More about the Benefits of Books (and reading them) …

A wealth of evidence suggests that reading for leisurely purposes can aid with personal development and progression as well as academic success. Fun fact: Studies have found that individuals who read for at least thirty minutes a day live longer than those who do not. Considering the significant cognitive and emotional benefits that reading can have. Ranging from bringing comfort to helping stimulate one’s imagination.  It can essentially help to improve and enhance an individual’s health and well-being. Reading books can also expand one’s horizons and often help individuals to develop a more open-minded outlook on different matters. Thus helping those who read to develop interpersonal relationships and social connections with others with more ease. And if reading happens to be a shared hobby within one’s own social connections and community, all the better, especially if all of you enjoy similar genres and texts!

Book clubs are usually a great incentive for getting into or back into reading if you haven’t picked up a book for leisure in a while. It is also a great way to meet new people in your local community. There are also many wonderful bookshops located in the city of Edinburgh including Blackwells, Golden Hare Books and Topping & Company Booksellers in Edinburgh. The Edinburgh International Book Festival is also coming up in the summer. Running from the 9th to the 24th of August this year, the Edinburgh Festival is a distinctive event that takes place in the heart of Edinburgh every year.  Many famous authors, writers and thinkers come from across the world to host a varied programme of workshops and talks to audiences that have often also come from all across the globe.

Our Wellbeing Collection…

We at the library feel that World Book Day provides us with the perfect opportunity to promote our Wellbeing Collection. Not only do we have a range of resources providing advice and guidance on managing stress and finances. But also on adjusting to university life.  We also have some fictional and autobiographical texts available, which often tell inspiring stories of strength in periods of adversity and hardship, recovery and overcoming challenges in life. Our Wellbeing Collection stands and shelves are often located near our relaxation spaces. Spaces that are equipped with comfortable seating and couches. So, if you need to take a break from the textbooks and academic texts, why not pick up a book from our wellbeing collection stands or shelves and take a seat? We have a few recommendations from this collection, which can be found below.

· The Salt Path, Winn, Raynor, author, 2019, The salt path – Edinburgh Napier University – Available at Sighthill Campus Library. ·

The Perks of being a Wallflower, Chbosky. Stephen, 2012, The perks of being a wallflower – Edinburgh Napier University – Available at Merchiston Campus Library.

· Into the Forest: How Trees can help you find Health and Happiness, Li, Qing, 1970, Into the forest: how trees can help you find health and happiness – Edinburgh Napier University – Available at All Napier Campus Libraries.

 

You can also find general recommended reads from our library staff in our recent blog post: Books that Shaped you

By Rachel Downie

Pancakes

Pancake Day 2025

04/03/2025 / / 0 Comments

Pancake Day/Shrove Tuesday

For something that has developed into a light-hearted indulgence, Pancake Day (or Shrove Tuesday to give it its proper name) has very sombre origins. The word “shrive” means to confess one’s sins to a priest and receive absolution, and Shrove Tuesday marks the day before the start of Lent, a Christian (Catholic) period of prayer, self-denial (fasting) and almsgiving that leads up to Easter.

History of Pancake Day

The eating of pancakes on Shrove Tuesday can be traced back to the 1430s. A bell would be rung in the local church to call the faithful to confession. This became known as the Pancake Bell and is still rung today in some communities.

Why pancakes? Well, Lent lasts for 40 days, and so making pancakes was a way of using up eggs and fat before fasting. But there’s a symbolic reason as well as a practical one. To make pancakes you need four ingredients, and these represented four points of significance for Anglo-Saxon Christians. Eggs symbolise creation, flour the staff of life, salt wholesomeness and milk purity.

Across the UK, pancake races are a fun way to celebrate this ancient tradition. The object of the race is to get to the finishing line first while carrying a frying pan with a cooked pancake and flipping it as you run. Wearing fancy dress is optional. Legend has it that the tradition started in Olney in Buckinghamshire when one faithful woman heard the shriving bell as she was making pancakes and rushed to church still clutching her frying pan. They take pancake-tossing very seriously in Olney: The Olney Pancake Race 2025 | Tickets Dates & Venues – CarniFest.com

Shrove Tuesday is a moveable feast, always falling 47 days before Easter Sunday. This means the date varies from year to year, but this year it falls on the 4th of March.

I enjoy my pancakes plain with just a squeeze of lemon juice on top, but sugar, syrup and fruit are popular garnishes too. However you enjoy yours, just remember that tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, when the fun stops and the penance begins!

By Lesley McRobb

Photo by Mae Mu

Enjoy another tasty reading with our post on National Bakewell Tart Day

woman planning her meals for blog post Healthy Eating at Uni: A Student’s Guide to Feeling Great!

Healthy Eating at Uni: A Student’s Guide to Feeling Great!

01/03/2025 / / 0 Comments

Healthy Eating at Uni: A Student’s Guide to Feeling Great!

University life is all about independence, late nights, and, let’s be honest, some questionable eating habits. But before you reach for that fourth pot noodle this week, let’s talk about how you can eat well without breaking the bank (or spending hours in the kitchen!).

1. Plan Ahead – Your Wallet Will Thank You!

It’s easy to grab whatever’s closest when you’re starving, but a little planning goes a long way. Before you do your food shop, make a simple meal plan for the week. This helps you avoid impulse buys and ensures you’ve got nutritious meals lined up.

2. Budget-Friendly and Nutritious Staples

Stock up on healthy, affordable essentials like:

  • Oats – Perfect for breakfast and super cheap.
  • Rice and pasta – Easy to cook and versatile.
  • Beans and lentils – Packed with protein and fibre.
  • Frozen fruit and veg – Just as nutritious as fresh and lasts longer.

3. Cook in Batches

Save time and effort by batch-cooking meals. Meal planning is a great way to take the stress out of what to eat. Fill up some tuppawear (or leftover takeaway tubs) with healthy meals and snacks, and leave it in the fridge to grab when you’re hungry. Make a big pot of chilli, curry, or pasta sauce and portion it out for the week. Not only will future-you be grateful, but it also stops you from grabbing unhealthy takeaway when you’re too tired to cook.

4. Healthy Swaps That Don’t Feel Like Sacrifices

Small changes can make a big difference. Try swapping:

  • White bread for wholemeal.
  • Sugary cereals for porridge with fruit.
  • Fizzy drinks for water or squash.
  • Crisps for nuts or popcorn.

5. Don’t Skip Meals

With lectures, assignments, and socialising, it’s easy to forget to eat properly. Skipping meals leads to energy crashes and bad food choices later. Start your day with a filling breakfast and keep healthy snacks (like bananas or yoghurt) on hand.

6. Stay Hydrated

Caffeine might fuel your study sessions, but don’t forget water! Aim for at least 6-8 glasses a day to stay focused and energised. Smoothies are another great drink and an easy way to pack yourself full of healthy fruit whilst hydrating.

7. Enjoy Treats in Moderation

Being healthy doesn’t mean cutting out all the fun stuff. Love chocolate? Enjoy it! Just aim for balance – maybe swap out some late-night pizza for a homemade wrap now and then. Try some dark chocolate or dried fruit when you’re craving sweets.

8. Get Inspired by Health Influencers

Need some motivation? Follow fun and relatable health influencers who share easy recipes and tips for students:

  • @thefoodmedic (Instagram & TikTok) – A doctor sharing nutritious and practical meals.
  • @moribyan(Instagram & YouTube) – Yummy treats
  • @violet.cooks (Instagram & TikTok) – quick and easy lunch ideas

Final Thoughts

Eating well at uni doesn’t have to be boring or expensive. With a little planning and a few smart swaps, you’ll feel more energised, focused, and ready to take on your studies. Now, go forth and fuel your brain the right way!

By Juliet Kinsey

Want to improve yourself more? Read our post on How to achieve your New Year’s Resolution

Read more related articles from our blog, such as our post on meditation, or check out our Wellness Collection guides and online relaxation space.

writing

National Essay Day: Essay Writing Guide and Advice

28/02/2025 / / 0 Comments

National Essay Day: Essay Writing Guide and Advice

That time of the semester is creeping up once again. For many individuals within our student community, deadlines are looming. A flurry of assignments and exams will be upcoming. It will usually be the case for many of them that you will be asked to write an essay. Whether it is a small or big piece of written work, it can feel very overwhelming to even know where to start. So, we can imagine that a day like National Essay Day, which takes place on the 28th of February, is a day which you do not particularly feel like celebrating. Especially if you have written, been writing have been set to write a lot of them. Not to worry though!  If you are a student at Edinburgh Napier University, we have a wide variety of resources and services which are there to support you with upcoming assignments and exams as well as essay research, writing and structuring.

But first, a bit of history…

National Essay Day is promoted as an annual awareness campaign by One Freelance LTD. And celebrated on the birth date of Michel de Montaigne who authored the first ever written texts that were declared as ‘essays.’ Having been an influential philosopher during the French Renaissance, Montaigne managed to turn essays into a mainstream literature genre and way of communicating one’s own thoughts on a specific subject matter.

National Essay Day ultimately promotes the significance of timely writing assistance. As well as the challenges and complexities students can face when writing an academic paper or extended answer to a specific issue or topic of debate. As Napier’s library services, we pride ourselves in supporting our students with reaching their academic potential and goals. So would like to take the opportunity to promote the help and support we can offer regarding essay writing, essay research and essay structuring skills.

Essay Research

One of the first things that you may wonder when commencing your essay research is where to start looking. The good (and sometimes bad) news is there is not one single correct answer to this question. For most subject areas an essay, question could be covering. There are often many databases and webpages where one could find the relevant information and references they are seeking. While this usually gives you a wide variety of options to consult, you may become extremely overwhelmed with the number of search results. It can be a timely process skimming through article after article or book after book trying to find the best resources with the most relevant and up-to-date information.

This is where our subject librarians usually come in. They can offer subject-based guidance and advice, support with your research, and have put together some very detailed subject guides which can be found in our LibGuide. These guides can assist you with conducting effective literature searches and also include links to useful databases and online resources. They can help you to find the most current and relevant books, journal articles and other materials for your essay research. Our subject librarians offer one-to-one research support where they can provide further support with finding the resources you need. As well as online and in-person training sessions which you can find in our Library Calendar.

 

Essay Structuring and Writing…

 

The standard paradigm for an essay that students and researchers tend to use consists of the following:

  1. The Title and Question.
  2. An Introduction.
  3. Main Body of Paragraphs.
  4. Conclusion
  5. Reference List.

 

All in this order. The introduction is often a concise summary of the topic or issue you are addressing, an analysis of the essay question at hand and the questions and debates surrounding the question which you will be addressing. The main body of the essay will often consist of the key points of your argument. Then the evidence to back it up, the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence at hand alongside counterevidence and arguments challenging it, then an overall summary of whether the key points addressed reflect a strong (or weak) answer or argument in relation to the essay question at hand. There will also likely be some relevant references thrown into each main body paragraph as well.

 

Then there’s writing the essay, which is often the most daunting part. It can sometimes make the task at hand seem less overwhelming if you start writing some of it in plenty of time before the deadline. And break it down into small, manageable steps – for example, if you set yourself the objective of starting the introduction one morning and aiming to finish it by the end of the day. While this may not always be a guarantee, it can help to get the cogs turning. And you might find yourself writing more than you intended to in the first place. Maybe an extra paragraph or two should you really get into the swing of it. Sometimes, however, we do get completely stumped – which is where our academic skills team can be of great assistance. If you feel that you would benefit from a one-to-one drop-in session or appointment with one of our academic skills advisors, you can find more information on our My Napier webpage, or email academicskills@napier.ac.uk. Recorded tutorials are also available on Panopto which include workshops on how to write your introduction, main body paragraphs and conclusion as well as paraphrasing and grammar tips.

 

Recommendations…

 

All our campus libraries have an extensive range of resources, particularly within our Research Collection. This can help you to enhance your essay writing, structuring and research skills. It is definitely worth checking out, along with a couple of recommendations from us below.

 

‘Planning your Essay,’ Godwin, Janet, 2009, Planning your essay – Edinburgh Napier University. Available at Sighthill Campus Library.

 

‘Essay Writing: A Student’s Guide,’ Sheilds, MunLing, 2010, Essay writing : a student’s guide – Edinburgh Napier University. Available at Merchiston Campus Library and online.

 

Read more about guides

By Rachel Downie

Safer Internet Day

CyberScotland Week 2025

24/02/2025 / / 0 Comments

CyberScotland Week 2025

It’s CyberScotland week 2025.

Cyber Scotland Week 24th February – 2nd March 2025: “Keeping everyone cyber aware and resilient”.

Today is the start of CyberScotland Week, a week-long event to build “Cyber resilience throughout Scotland.” Hosted by CyberScotland, it is an invitation to “individuals, organisations and communities across Scotland to raise awareness of cyber security and strengthen our collective cyber resilience.” Cyber threats can affect anyone at any time, and as we become more digital, awareness is essential.

The theme of this year; Can’t Hack it!?

Events all across Scotland are listed on the CyberScotland homepage. The website also offers advice and career and skill opportunities.

Edinburgh Napier Security Society

Edinburgh Napier Security Society or ENUSEC is a student society started by students and staff in work with the cybersecurity courses at Edinburgh Napier in 2015. The objective was to foster a community while learning. The society now hosts 120 members. The society is open to everyone not just the Edinburgh Napier association. There are weekly meetings every Wednesday. As well as more fun and informative events monthly. If you are interested in cybersecurity, then this is the society to join.

ENUSEC is hosting their annual cybersecurity conference Le Tour Du Hack in May. This will mark the 10-year anniversary of ENUSEC. Tickets will be available soon but will mark your calendar for the 10th -11th of May. As it marks 10 years, the conference will be bigger than before.  “Le Tour Du Hack is an annual student-run cybersecurity conference bringing together experts, enthusiasts, and curious minds for two days of technical talks, challenges, and of course, networking” (ltdh.enusec.org/#speakers)

Speakers will be announced soon but there is a call for papers. Papers can cover cybersecurity, hacking techniques, hardware hacking and more. It is your chance to present. The deadline for submission is April 20th. More information on their website and tickets to register.

CyberSecurity at Edinburgh Napier

Thinking about learning more about Cybersecurity, Edinburgh Napier University ranks as one of the best in Scotland to study. “At the School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment, we’re building the future, creating an impact and making a difference”. Home to the Centre for Cybersecurity, IoT and Cyber-physical systems as well as cybersecurity courses.

Our Centre for Cybersecurity, IoT and Cyber-physical Systems (CIC) are the main research group linked to Cybersecurity at the School of Computing, Engineering & Built Environment. Research is related to Cybersecurity, digital forensics, robotics and much more. This applies to the application areas including but not limited to transportation, health care, Fintech, and 5G/6G wireless communications. This is led by leading professor Bill Buchanan (OBE) and six international research leads. The centre focuses on research excellence with leading academics that are rated in the top 2%. The centre runs a range of courses and is a perfect place for networking and projects (Centre for Cybersecurity, IoT and Cyber-physical systems.napier.ac.uk)

If you are interested in learning more about Cybersecurity, the School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment is leading in the field. The No.1 UK modern university for computer science to The Times University Guide. We have a Cybersecurity & Forensics, Beng (Hons) and a Postgraduate Cybersecurity MSc which is also available for distance learning. Both programs are available as a graduate apprenticeship. Our undergraduate was the first undergraduate in the UK who be “awarded certification from the National Cyber Security Centre”.

If you are interested, our applications for September 2025 are now open.

Have a look at our access to information day.

By Maya Green

Banner image for Books that Shaped you National Library of Scotland’s 100th birthday

Books that Shaped you

20/02/2025 / / 0 Comments

Books that Shaped you

The National Library of Scotland’s 100th birthday

To celebrate its 100th anniversary, the National Library also asked people to share the books and publications they love called Books That Shaped You. They will be exhibiting many of these next recommendations in the summer; celebrating books and the value of libraries around the country

The National Library of Scotland is hosting a special exhibition called Dear Library. Created in partnership with organizations across the country, this heartfelt tribute to libraries is designed to inspire, engage, and ignite your passion for these vital spaces. You’ll walk away with a fresh appreciation for what libraries offer and how you can support them.

Their exhibition space will be transformed into an open reading room, featuring bookshelves filled with recommendations from the public and well-known Scottish personalities. Explore the portrayal of libraries and librarians in popular culture, discover protest banners and badges from library advocacy movements, watch vintage film footage that brings historical libraries to life, and much more.

To celebrate the National Library of Scotland’s 100th birthday some of our Edinburgh Napier University Library staff have shared books that have inspired or shaped them.

Emi

The Maiden by Kate Foster

A book I enjoyed the most this year was “The Maiden” by the Scottish writer Kate Foster. The story happens in Edinburgh and Costorphine during the 17th century and it has been publicly described as a piece  “inspired by a real-life murder trial, with a feminist revisionist twist”.

Personally, her book has allowed me to enjoy a genre, Historical Fiction, that normally wouldn’t be my first choice. The highlight of the book is the diverse range of women that lead the story and how their particular personal/socio-economical background pushes them towards their own decisions and consequences (sometimes for survival reasons, others because of how much they want to thrive or because they can’t bear the hypocrisy around them anymore!). Let’s keep in mind that the story happens in a period when being and developing as a woman, in public and in private, was very challenging.

I enjoyed the book very much and I have discovered very recently that the book was Winner of the Bloody Scotland Pitch Perfect Award 2022 and the Bloody Scotland Crime Debut of the Year 2023.

You can purchase this book at Topping and Company independent bookshop

Kieran

The Third Policeman by Flann O’Brien

My choice of book would be The Third Policeman by Flann O’Brien. It’s Flann O’Brien’s second novel proper – it’s funny, intriguing, absurd and experimental all at the same time. O’Brien (the pen name of Brian O’Nolan, a civil servant by day) wrote for a variety of publications in his lifetime  – most notably as a satirist for The Irish Times – but this novel is, for me, his best work. Upon its belated publication in 1967, it became a cult hit, and was featured famously in an episode of 2000s survival drama Lost and influenced a host of Irish writers and musicians in the years since. O’Brien was largely underappreciated as a novelist in his own lifetime but was subsequently recognised as a pioneering postmodernist writer. His tone is what I love the most about his writing – deadpan and hilarious.

Rachel

Breaking Night by Liz Murray

‘Liz Murray, the protagonist of this inspiring memoir, overcame so many difficulties, hardships and challenges throughout her childhood and lifetime. Her courage and determination to change her life for the better is remarkable. Despite being faced with many adversities such as poverty and deprivation, homelessness, and the loss of her mother at a young age. This book was a very insightful, powerful, and inspiring read and moved me to tears throughout various chapters. I had originally borrowed it from our library but ended up purchasing a copy to keep on my bookshelf as a reminder of the power that courage, kindness and community can hold, particularly during difficult times and periods of adversity.

Borrow Breaking Night from the Library or grab your own from a bookshop.

Juliet

Eichmann in Jerusalem by Hannah Arendt

I know this is a dark choice, but it feels very of the moment and is a book that really reshaped how I thought about evil. I read this in my early twenties when it was easy to view everything as black and white. This book helped me to see the complexity of the subject and opened up so many questions about what it is to be complicit in harm without ever physically committing an act of violence. I also found the bravery of the author who was Jewish to be inspiring.

Eichmann in Jerusalem is a political and philosophical analysis of the trial of Adolf Eichmann, a key organizer of the Holocaust. Based on her coverage of the 1961 trial in Jerusalem, Arendt explores how Eichmann, rather than being a monstrous villain, appeared as an ordinary bureaucrat blindly following orders. She introduces the concept of the “banality of evil,” arguing that great atrocities can be committed not by fanatical individuals but by thoughtless, rule-abiding functionaries. The book examines moral responsibility, justice, and the nature of evil, sparking significant controversy and debate. You can borrow a copy from the Library, find it using Librarysearch.

Local Libraries and Independent Bookshops 

Local libraries are essential for fostering literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement. They provide free access to books, digital resources, and educational programs, making knowledge available to everyone, regardless of their background. Libraries also serve as community hubs, offering study spaces, events, support for students and low-income members of the community, children’s programs, and help for job seekers. By utilizing and supporting local libraries, we help ensure they remain a vital resource for future generations. So why not join today. Edinburgh Libraries are amazing and there are many to choose from. Join here!

Supporting independent bookshops helps sustain local businesses and strengthens communities. These shops offer curated selections, personalized recommendations, and a welcoming space for book lovers. Unlike large online retailers, independent bookshops champion diverse voices and authors, often hosting events that bring people together. Why not check out some of Edinburgh’s many bookshops. It’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

What books inspire you?

Tell us in the comments books that have inspired you, we would love to hear your recommendations.

Read more on the blog about book recommendations here

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