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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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Picture of scrabble squares saying love for blog post A History of Valentine's Day

A History of Valentine’s Day

14/02/2025 / / 0 Comments

A History of Valentine’s Day

‍Love, Legends, and Lupercalia: A Fascinating Journey through the History of Valentine’s Day ‍

Valentine’s Day, a day filled with love, romance, and heartfelt gestures. But have you ever wondered about the origins and true history of this beloved holiday?

Origins of Valentine’s Day: Lupercalia and Ancient Roman Traditions

To understand Valentine’s Day, we must look back to ancient Rome and the festival of Lupercalia. Held on the ides of February, this lively event honored Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture. It featured feasting, dancing, and a unique matchmaking ritual. Young men would draw women’s names from a jar, forming pairs for the festival. These matches often sparked lasting relationships and even marriages.

So, how does St. Valentine fit in? The connection likely began when the early Christian church sought to replace pagan traditions. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius I declared February 14th as St. Valentine’s Day, commemorating a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage by secretly performing weddings. Over time, St. Valentine’s story merged with the celebration of love, giving the holiday its romantic roots.

The Legend of St. Valentine: The Story Behind the Holiday

The true history of St. Valentine is clouded by mystery, with multiple legends surrounding his life. One popular tale describes him as a kind man who, while imprisoned, healed the blind daughter of his jailer. Before his execution, he wrote her a letter signed “Your Valentine,” inspiring the tradition of love notes.

Interestingly, St. Valentine is also the patron saint of epilepsy. Although the details of his life remain unclear, his legend has deeply influenced the Valentine’s Day we celebrate today. Read more on this through Librarysearch.

However, it is important to note that the true history of St. Valentine is still a subject of debate among historians, and the details of his life may forever remain elusive. Nevertheless, the legend of St. Valentine has played a significant role in shaping the holiday we know and cherish today.

Valentine’s Day Cards

Valentine’s cards, or “valentines,” have been a key part of the holiday since the 15th century. In Europe, people exchanged handwritten love notes adorned with lace, ribbons, and even locks of hair. These intricate cards symbolized love and admiration.

The printing press made valentines more accessible. By the 19th century, mass-produced cards with elaborate designs and sentimental verses became popular. These cards helped spread the romantic spirit of Valentine’s Day to people from all walks of life.

The Commercialization of Valentine’s Day

In the 20th century, Valentine’s Day shifted from a simple celebration to a commercial phenomenon. With advancements in technology and a growing consumer culture, retailers saw an opportunity. Soon, chocolates, flowers, jewelry, and extravagant gifts dominated the holiday.

Movies, songs, and advertisements amplified the idea of grand romantic gestures. Today, Valentine’s Day is a multi-billion dollar industry, celebrated with everything from romantic dinners to heartfelt gift exchanges.

Valentine’s Day Traditions Around the World

Although Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide, traditions vary by culture. In Japan, women give chocolates to men on February 14th, with men reciprocating a month later on “White Day.” In Finland, the holiday focuses on friendship, known as “Friendship Day.”

South Korea extends the celebration further. February 14th is for women to give chocolates, March 14th (White Day) is for men to return gifts, and April 14th (Black Day) is for singles to gather and celebrate. These customs show that love, in all forms, transcends cultural boundaries.

Share the Love

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. It’s a chance to celebrate anyone special—family, friends, or even yourself. Whether you embrace its commercial aspects or prefer a more personal touch, the day reminds us to show love and appreciation to those who matter most.

For me, celebrating Galentine’s Day with my friends is always a highlight! How will you celebrate this year?

Resources

Want to deep dive into all things romance? Why not check out an entire Journal dedicated to the subject: The Journal of Romance Studies. Alternatively, get comfy on the sofa with a wealth of romantic movies all freely available through Box of Broadcasts.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read about how wonderful your Library is here on the blog with our posts on “love your Library”

Image Source: Image by Ylanite Koppens from Pixabay

Music at Edinburgh Napier

Music and Edinburgh Napier

09/02/2025 / / 0 Comments

Music and Edinburgh Napier

Napier University has a rich musical heritage. The university has also helped to nurture a wide array of major Scottish talent.

The Music department is noted for its range of approaches to the study of Music. Professor Zach Moir a jazz musician and improvisor, researched cochlear implants for his PhD. He researches popular music education. Dr Paul Harkins has experience working for the PRS (responsible for licensing and collecting royalties for songwriters). And has written an acclaimed study of the history of Digital Sampling.  On top of this, the university also has a strong Jazz tradition.  Holds the Scottish Jazz Archive in its collections.

Music Alum at Edinburgh Napier

As with its teachers, so it is with its students. Some have also branched out into music promotion. Putting on their own concerts. And making an impact in the Scottish music scene. Here is a small selection of Napier alumni. Annie Booth is a Scottish indie rock singer-songwriter and Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) awards nominee. Making waves in the early aughts, Conquering Animal Sound (Jamie Scott and Anneke Kampman) produced complex electronic pop. She earned a SAY awards nomination for their second album On Floating Bodies, released on the legendary Scottish indie label Chemikal Underground. ½ of CAS, Jamie Scott has branched into alternative rap (e.g CARBS, with Johnnie Common), and is a core part of the SAVE AS collective. Another SAY award nominee and Napier graduate is Becky Sikasa, a singer-songwriter who produces sharp, intelligent contemporary pop music. More recently, Napier alumnus Josh Mannie – under his moniker Barry Can’t Swim – has been nominated for both the BRIT awards and Mercury Music Prize in 2024. His ebullient dance pop has earned plaudits far and wide.

Euan Lyons, drums in the DIY punk/metal band Dead Pony, whilst another Napier graduate – cellist Graham Coe – is a core member of Edinburgh’s Tinderbox

Orchestra, known for their wide range of performed material across generic boundaries (and also within libraries). They also regularly work in a community music context, committed to increasing access to music regardless of material barriers – one of their initiatives is facilitating instrument lending in our local library system.

Last, but certainly not least, is Anna Meredith. An electronic music artist as well as film music composer, Anna was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 2020 for her album Fibs. In recognition of her achievements in music, she was granted an honorary doctorate from Napier in 2022.

Napier Graduate Mix

By Kieran Curran

Grove Music is one of our biggest databases at the library, for more information, we have a blog post

Statue of Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens’ Birthday

07/02/2025 / / 0 Comments

Charles Dickens’ Birthday

Happy birthday, Charles John Huffam Dickens – born this day 212 years ago and still going strong!

Not many authors get their names turned into adjectives, but our Charles did. If I were to describe circumstances as “Dickensian”, you’d know exactly what I mean. It’s thanks to this forensic analysis of the seedier aspects of London life that he’s generally considered to be the greatest Victorian novelist.

Childhood

He didn’t have the best start in life, young Charles. His father had a decent job but was so financially reckless that he ended up in debtors’ prison, and his 12-year-old son was withdrawn from school and sent to work in a factory. It was all grist to the mill, though, for Dickens. This harsh start provided a rich source of material for him to draw on when he wrote his sprawling, serialized novels and created his many memorable characters – so much larger than life that they live on in our cultural imaginations more than two centuries on.

Characters

Who has not known an Ebenezer Scrooge? (I’ve known a few). How many of us have skelped an artful dodger around the lugs? (I’m not admitting to that one.) Who has not cheered on Philip (Pip) Pirrip as he rises up to become a gentleman and then remonstrated with him when he treats brother-in-law Joe so abominably? Who has not cried with Bob Cratchit as he strives to keep his young son alive?

You’ll have your favourite characters. Some are sweet and innocent, some are cruel and heartless; still, others are preposterous buffoons. My favourite is Betsey Trotwood, David Copperfield’s eccentric aunt. She’s stern and stubborn, to begin with but comes good in the end. If you’re looking for character transformation, look no further than BT.

Charles Dickens on LibrarySearch

We’ve got all Dickens’ books. If you haven’t read any, why not start today.  Log into the library catalogue LibrarySearch to see which are available:

In order of publication:

Pickwick Papers (1836-37)

A Christmas Carol (1843)

Oliver Twist (1837-9)

Nicholas Nickelby (1838-9)

The Old Curiosity Shop (1940-1)

Barnaby Rudge (1841)

Martin Chuzzlewit (1843-4)

Dombey and Son (1846-8)

David Copperfield (1849-50)

Bleak House (1852-3)

Hard Times (1854)

Little Dorritt (1855-7)

A Tale of Two Cities (1859)

Great Expectations (1860-1)

Our Mutual Friend (1864-5)

The Mystery of Edwin Drood (incomplete when Dickens died in 1870)

By Lesley McRobb

Read more on another Literary Master, Jane Austin in our post on her here.

Sources

photo by Taha (Unsplash)

LGBTq+ History month

LGBTQ+ History Month

04/02/2025 / / 0 Comments

LGBTQ+ History Month

February is the month we celebrate LGBT+ History here in the UK. It is a month-long celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and non-binary history, including the history of LGBT+ rights and related civil rights movements. In the United Kingdom, we celebrate it in February to coincide with the 2003 abolition of Section 28.

Events and celebrations are organised by the LGBTQ+  History Month organisation which was founded in 2004. The first LGBTQ+ History month was in February 2005 by was run by Sue Sanders and Paul Patrick. The organisation has three taglines ‘claiming our past, celebrating our present, creating our future’. The main aims are ‘increasing visibility, raising awareness and advancing education’. Whilst ‘working towards creating safe spaces and promoting welfare’. You can find all events that are taking place this month on the LGBTQ+ Plus History Month website here.

Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month at Napier

Resources at the Library

Here at the Library, we think supporting and promoting equality and diversity is incredibly important. Furthermore, we are working hard to create more inclusive collections and to support our LGBT+ users and staff. For example, we have a  LGBT+ virtual bookshelf here on our blog.  We have our  Libguide on sexuality and relationships, please remember if you have suggestions for books we can add to our stock, you can email library@napier.ac.uk

And we want to add that we strive for the library to be a safe and inclusive space for all. If you have any feedback on our spaces, please email library@napier.ac.uk

Resources at University

If you are an LGBT+ student you can join Edinburgh Napier’s LGBT+ Society.   You can also find out more about the student LGBT+ community on the Queer Napier site. Staff can join the University’s thriving LGBT+ Network or you can visit our web pages to learn more about becoming an ally.

Celebrating the life of Alan Turing

 

Image for post check-our-a-z-databases-list-unlock-specialised-resources

Check our A-Z databases list – unlock specialised resources

27/01/2025 / / 0 Comments

Check our A-Z databases list – unlock specialised resources

To prepare for your classes and assessments, having access to specialised resources is crucial. One of the best ways to find these resources is by exploring the library’s A-Z databases list. Here’s why this tool is invaluable and how it can benefit your studies.

 

Why check the A-Z databases list?

The A-Z databases list is a comprehensive directory of databases the library subscribes to, organised alphabetically. These databases cover a wide range of subjects and provide access to specialised academic resources, including journal articles, reports, and more. Accessing databases such as CINAHL, ACM or Lexis+ through our A-Z databases page, you will gain seamless access to these valuable tools.

 

Benefits of using databases:

  1. Access resources relevant to your research. The A-Z databases list includes databases that focus on specific disciplines, such as computing, nursing, business, and more. This means you can find high-quality, peer-reviewed resources that are directly relevant to your field of study.
  2. Enhance research quality. By using specialised databases, you can access a wealth of information that may not be available through general search engines. This can significantly enhance the quality and reliability of your research.
  3. Save time. Instead of sifting through countless irrelevant results, the A-Z databases list allows you to go straight to the sources that matter. This targeted approach saves you time and makes your research process more efficient.

 

How to use the A-Z databases list

You can access the A-Z databases list through the LibrarySearch. You will find the Databases tab at the top of the page. Browse the list alphabetically or use subject filters to find databases relevant to your research. Each database has a description and basic information about the resource which will help you choose the right ones for your needs.

By regularly using the A-Z databases list for your studies, you can unlock a world of specialised resources that will elevate your academic work.

By Patrycja Respondek

Read more about LibrarySearch on the blog with our article  Introduction to librarysearch

 

Study support

Study Support and Resources

26/01/2025 / / 0 Comments

Study Support and Resources

Classes have started, and trimester 2 is already on its way. While assignments may seem a bit far away. The university has many support and resources to help you through the trimester. Before those assignments appear closer, we thought we would list the support and resources available to help you get through the trimester.

Library Support

Our training and events calendar details useful library support sessions from Getting Started with the Library to Subject Librarian appointments. We have Getting Started with the library sessions upcoming; a quick introduction to navigate the library space both physical and online. There is Library help for computing, built environment and engineering students. Your subject librarian will detail the most useful resources to help you with upcoming assignments. And the upcoming, we will have training sessions on referencing and writing bibliographies.

With this, we have libguides that are catered to each subject. These guides are designed by subject librarians with study and research guides and the most useful resources for your studies.

Academic Skills Support

At the University, we have a dedicated Academic Skills team. They can help you with:

  • Note-taking and reading of academic literature
  • Academic writing style
  • Essay & report planning and structure
  • Dissertations & literature reviews
  • Presentation preparation
  • Academic integrity issues

The Academic Skills teams are available for any year of study and any program. 1.1 appointment or drop-in sessions are available. Both appointments and drop-in sessions can be arranged online. Email academicskills@napier.ac.uk to schedule.

Check out their web pages which have their blog containing study advice, and short presentation videos which include how to tackle dissertations. And study sheets to help with exams.

Maths Plus

Starting Monday, Maths Plus is back at Merchiston Library. Running between Monday and Thursday, 2pm till 4pm. This is arranged by the School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, you can contact them for more information, scebe@napier.ac.uk.

Maths Plus is for anyone who needs mathematical help from numbers to data analysis. Ideal study help for computing, built environment or engineering but anyone is welcome. And these sessions make sure you can get 1.1 help.

Additionally, there is Engineering Plus but you can contact the school office for more information.

 

English for Academic Purposes

For help for international students with English in Academic settings, please contact eap.enquiries@napier.ac.uk.

What do you wish you had known earlier?

Earlier this year, a team of librarians, learning technologists and academic skills adviser created a new study tool; What do you wish you had known earlier? You can hear from older and former students about what they wished they had known before and during their studies.

 

Wellbeing.

And last but not least, the most important. Remember to take time out for yourself during university and to take care of yourself. If things ever feel too much, you can contact the wellbeing team.

Good luck with your studies!

More study skills articles.

Garden bird

Big Garden Birdwatch 2025

25/01/2025 / / 0 Comments

Big Garden Birdwatch 2025

Once again this year we’re promoting the RSPB Garden Birdwatch in our relaxation spaces. The birdwatch has been running since 1979 and is very simple to participate. All you need to do is count the maximum number of each type of bird you see in an hour. This can done either in your garden, from a balcony or in a park. Your results can be entered online.

This year the birdwatch runs from 24-26 January. It’s a good way to take a break from your studies and you are contributing to a valuable citizen science project. The results are published later in the year and are useful for conservation projects, making it interesting to read about the state of our garden birds. Last year over 600,000 people took part in the survey and if you don’t have access to a garden you can count the birds in a part of your local park or do a count from a window in your home.

Interested in BirdWatch

All the information you need can be found at Big Garden Birdwatch.

You can use Library Search to find books and articles on birds, conservation, and citizen science in our collection.

By Vivienne Hamilton

Photo by Allan Cox

Looking to unwind, don’t forget we have our virtual relaxation space on the blog. 

Clear your browser cache & cookies – a simple step for seamless access

Clear your browser cache & cookies – a simple step for seamless access

24/01/2025 / / 0 Comments

Clear your browser cache & cookies – a simple step for seamless access

Clear your browser cache & cookies can be a simple step for seamless access. E-resources that are just one click away probably make up the majority of reading and reference lists. We all love seamless access to articles and ebooks: you find it in the Library Search and read it a second later. However, many students overlook a simple yet crucial step that can ensure you won’t stumble upon an “access denied” error when browsing online library resources: clearing the browser cache and cookies. Here’s what cache and cookies are and why you should remember to clear them.

Cache & cookies – what are they?

Your browser cache is a collection of temporary files that your web browser automatically saves as you visit websites. These files include images, sounds, code, and more, which help websites load faster on following visits. Cookies, on the other hand, are small pieces of data stored by websites to remember your preferences and login information.

Why clearing cache & cookies can help

Over time, the cache can accumulate outdated or corrupted files, leading to conflicts and bugs that interfere with website functionality. For instance, if a website has been updated but your browser is still using old cached files, you might encounter problems even after the website itself has been fixed. Clearing your cache forces your browser to download the latest versions of these files, often resolving problems with accessing online resources.

Similarly, cookies can store outdated login credentials, causing authentication errors when trying to access eresources through institutional logins. By clearing cookies, you remove these old credentials, allowing for a fresh login session.

The main takeaway is that when you next can’t access an article or an ebook you found in our Library Search, clear your browser cache and cookies for all times and then try again! Chances are that will solve the problem. If not, don’t hesitate to report an issue by clicking on the wrench icon next to the item in the Library Search.

How to clear your cache

Clearing your cache is an easy process that varies slightly depending on the browser you use. Generally, you can find this option in your browser’s settings under privacy or history. Make it a habit to clear your cache regularly, especially before starting a new research project or when you notice performance issues.

By taking this simple step, you can ensure you get seamless access to online journals and ebooks our library offers.

Instructions for clearing the cache can be found within the relevant browser’s help pages – see links below:

  • Google Chrome – instructions for clearing cache can be found on the Google web pages.
  • Microsoft Edge – instructions for clearing cache can be found on the Microsoft web pages.
  • Mozilla Firefox – instructions for clearing cache can be found on the Mozilla web pages.
  • Apple Safari on a Mac – instructions for clearing cache can be found on the Apple web pages.
  • Apple Safari on an iPhone or iPad – instructions for clearing cache can be found on the Apple web pages.

By Patrycja Respondek

Read more about our E-Resources on the blog with our article  Eresources and Accessibility

 

Use Library Search – your map to academic success

Use Library Search – your map to academic success

22/01/2025 / / 0 Comments

Use Library Search – your map to academic success

Navigating the vast array of resources available in an academic library can be daunting. Fortunately, the library catalogue is here to help. Think of our Library Search as your map to discovering a wealth of academic materials that will show you the quickest and most direct route to exactly what you need for your next assignment.

Why use the Library Search?

The Library Search is a central catalogue that lists all the books, and e-resources, including online journals, multimedia, and everything else available in the library across all three campuses. It allows you to search for specific titles, authors, and keywords, providing a quick and easy way to locate the materials you need. Most importantly, if you are searching for online resources, such as journal articles or ebooks, using the Library Search will give you seamless access to full text, usually with just one click.

Benefits of using Library Search

  1. Efficient resource discovery: The library catalogue saves you time by helping you quickly find the resources you need. Instead of wandering through shelves or browsing aimlessly online, you can use the catalogue to pinpoint exactly where to find the relevant materials.
  2. Access to a wide range of resources: The catalogue includes not only physical books and journals but also ebooks, online journals, digital archives, and multimedia resources. So much variety, all available in one place.
  3. Stay organised: Using the catalogue helps you keep track of the resources you’ve found and plan your research more effectively. You can save searches, create lists, and export citations, all to make your research process more organised and manageable.

Make the most of the Library Search

  • Remember to sign in: This will ensure that you get instant access to library e-resources.
  • Enter keywords related to your topic, a title, or an author’s name: And remember to use Advanced Search; it is a great way to get more relevant results, so give it a go!
  • Use filters on the right-hand side to narrow down the results: This way, you can find resources from specific time periods, select a type of material, subject, and much more. This will give you a list of the most relevant resources in seconds.

If you have any questions or come across any issues, don’t hesitate to ask us for assistance. You can also find more information on MyNapier Library pages.

By mastering the use of the Library Search, you can navigate your academic journey with confidence and efficiency. Stay tuned for more tips on making the most of your library’s e-resources!

By Patrycja Respondek

Read more about LibrarySearch on the blog with our article  Introduction to librarysearch

 

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