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The Library for New Staff

05/04/2025 / mayagreen / 0 Comments

The Library for New Staff

If you are a new staff member at Edinburgh Napier University, we would like to welcome you to our campus libraries. They are not just for students and academic staff so why not check them out?

In our libraries you will find novels, books on music, design, photography, health and much more. We also have access to thousands of e-books and articles. Sign into our catalogue, Library Search , to search for books and articles and to access databases.

If you would like to borrow a book from a different campus from the one you are working at, it’s not a problem. You can use our Click and Collect service to request books from other campus libraries and you will receive an email notification when it is available for you to collect. You can then issue the book to yourself at one of our self-service kiosks. This is useful if you would like to borrow an item after staff hours. Books can also be returned using the kiosks. Using the Box of Broadcasts database, you have access to thousands of programmes from a range of tv channels. Search for archived programmes or “record” upcoming ones.

Our Wellbeing Collection offers a range of materials which deal with topics such as anxiety and depression, to living well and sexuality. In each campus library we have a Relaxation Space where we have colouring sheets, jigsaws and coloured pencils for your use. You can of course, just come along to relax.

If the nearest printer to your workstation is out of order, you can release your printing from the library printers as the system is cloud-based.

We hope to see you sometime in the library and please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. You can follow us and keep up to date with library news on Instagram and X: Email: library@napier.ac.uk

Telephone 0131 455 3500 Tweet us: @EdNapLib Follow us on Instagram @ENU_Library

by Vivienne Hamilton

Read more about library information or check our webpages

Celebrating Tartan Day and the Declaration of Arbroath

04/04/2025 / julietkinsey / 0 Comments

Celebrating Tartan Day and the Declaration of Arbroath: Scotland’s Legacy of Freedom

Every year on April 6th, Scots and their descendants celebrate Tartan Day. It honours Scotland’s rich heritage and the lasting impact of its people worldwide. But the date is no accident. April 6th marks the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath, a historic document that shaped the fight for Scottish independence.

The Declaration of Arbroath: A Bold Statement of Freedom

On April 6, 1320, Scottish nobles sent a letter to Pope John XXII. It declared Scotland’s right to exist as an independent nation. The letter, now known as the Declaration of Arbroath, was addressed to the Pope because he had the power to influence King Edward II of England. Scotland had fought for decades to break free from English rule. This document was a plea for recognition and support.

Written in Latin, the declaration made a passionate case for self-rule. It stated that Scotland had always been free and would remain so. The most famous line reads:

“As long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom alone, which no honest man gives up but with his life.”

This was a radical statement for the time. Kings ruled by divine right, but here was a document saying a king’s authority depended on the will of the people. If he failed to protect their freedom, they could choose another leader.

The Lasting Impact of the Declaration of Arbroath

The Declaration of Arbroath didn’t immediately win Scotland’s independence. But it strengthened the country’s resolve. Eventually, in 1328, England recognized Scotland’s sovereignty through the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton.

Centuries later, the declaration’s words still inspire. Some historians see echoes of it in the American Declaration of Independence. The idea that government exists by the will of the people resonates strongly today.

A History of Tartan

Tartan has a deep history. The Celts wove early versions over 3,000 years ago. By the 16th century, Scots wore it widely. Each region had its own patterns. Families later claimed unique designs.

In 1746, the British banned tartan after the Jacobite uprising. The law aimed to weaken Highland identity. Scots defied the ban in secret. In 1782, the government lifted it. Tartan returned stronger than ever.

By the 19th century, Queen Victoria embraced tartan. It became a symbol of Scottish pride. Today, designers use it worldwide. From kilts to catwalks, tartan remains iconic.

Kinds of Tartan

1. Clan Tartan: Each Scottish clan has its own tartan. Families wear their specific patterns with pride.

2. District Tartan: These represent regions, not families. People from a certain area can wear them.

3. Hunting Tartan: Designed for outdoor wear, these use muted earth tones. They blend into nature.

4. Dress Tartan: Brighter and fancier, often with more white. Traditionally worn for formal events.

5. Mourning Tartan: Darker shades, usually black and grey. Worn to honour lost loved ones.

6. Royal Tartan: Reserved for the British royal family. The Balmoral tartan, for example, is exclusive to them.

7. Corporate Tartan: Businesses and organizations create custom tartans. They use them for branding and uniforms.

The Witches of Scotland Tartan

The Witches of Scotland tartan has recently been released. It honours those accused of witchcraft in Scotland. It features deep purples, blacks, and greys, symbolizing mourning and justice. Designed in 2022, it supports the campaign for a formal apology and pardon. The tartan raises awareness of past injustices and sparks conversations. Many wear it to show solidarity with victims of the witch trials.

Tartan Day: A Modern Celebration

Tartan Day originated in Canada in the 1980s. The idea was to recognize the contributions of Scottish immigrants and to celebrate Scotland around the world.

Parades, Highland games, and cultural events mark the day. People wear kilts and display their family tartans. Pipe bands march through cities, and Scottish heritage groups educate the public about their roots. The day is a reminder of Scotland’s influence around the world.

Why Tartan Day Matters

Tartan Day isn’t just about history. It’s about identity. Millions of people around the world have Scottish ancestry. They take pride in their heritage and in the values of perseverance, independence, and freedom.

Whether you have Scottish roots or simply admire the culture, Tartan Day is a chance to celeb

Resources

Read more on Librarysearch about Tartan and more on Scotland here on our Blog with articles like:

Bridges of Scotland or Scottish Women in Science

By Juliet Kinsey

Easter Egg Hunt: Napier Libraries

03/04/2025 / mayagreen / 0 Comments

Easter Egg Hunt: Napier Libraries

Easter Egg Hunt at Napier libraries

It’s that time of year again. When arrays of chocolate eggs start to disappear from the supermarket shelves and the Easter egg hunts start to commence in full swing. If you celebrated Easter as a child, you may have participated in a few or many Easter egg hunts, rushing about frantically and searching every corner to gather as many eggs as you possibly could. This traditional easter activity is thought by some to have first originated in the late 16th century when protestant reformer Martin Luther arranged various egg hunts as part of his congregation. Eggs would be hidden by men for women and children to later try to locate. Soon, this was to become a beloved childhood activity which takes place in April across many parts of the world, and one which comes around annually at our Napier campus libraries as well!

So yes – if you feel like being a kid again for the day and winning a chocolate bunny or creme egg, come along to one of our campus libraries and take part in our Spring challenge for a chance to win a little treat. Egg, nut, dairy and gluten free options are also available and offered at the library helpdesks.

Easter Egg Hunt: The Challenge…

If you come to any one of our campus library helpdesks and ask to participate in the Easter Challenge, you will be handed a bowl with some slips of paper to choose from, which will have either a question or a specific book to look for. There may be more than one correct answer for some of the questions. As for the books, each campus will have a range of specific titles within their shelves, one of which you will need to locate to win a prize. The majority of these selected titles are easter-themed, with a few being more general and randomised. Each book will also have a token inside which you will need to bring down to the helpdesk to claim your prize, whether that be a chocolate easter bunny or Creme Egg. The questions, on the other hand, are library-themed, and the same rule applies, where if you get the question right, you can claim one of the sweet treats mentioned above that we have on offer.

Once the chocolates are gone, they are gone! Our spring challenge will then come to an end for this year, so if you are on campus and fancy a sweet easter treat, hurry along to one of our campus library helpdesks and ask our friendly staff about the spring challenge.

The Rules…

Like most games and activities, our Spring Challenge does have some rules to be followed. One go is allowed per person; however, if you do get the wrong answer to a question or do not find the correct book token, you will be granted another attempt. One treat is allowed per slip of paper as well if the question is answered correctly or the right book token is brought down to the helpdesk. This applies even if the challenge is done in groups – you and your friend or group of friends can take a slip each; however, if you only take one slip, you would only get one treat to share between all of you – This applies even if you completed the challenge together! Edinburgh Napier staff as well as our students are also more than welcome to participate in the Spring Challenge (unless you are library staff, we’re afraid, it would be far too easy)!

With regards to the book hunt as well – if you do find the correct book that you are looking for based on the title noted on the slip you chose, you will only need to bring the token down to the helpdesk, not the book. As well as being a fun Easter activity for students and staff to participate in, we also believe that it will facilitate a wider and more enhanced understanding of the resources we have to offer at our Napier campus libraries and how to navigate them as well. You might even find a book title that is relevant to your course that you did not even realise you needed or were indeed looking for all along!

We look forward to seeing some of our students from the Napier community at the helpdesk who wish to participate in our Spring Challenge.

By Rachel Downie

Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels.

Our opening hours will change over the Easter period, find out here

Read about previous years

International Children’s Book Day

02/04/2025 / julietkinsey / 0 Comments

International Children’s Book Day

Unlocking Imagination and Knowledge in Children

April 2nd is a day filled with wonder and imagination. It’s International Children’s Book Day! This special day celebrates the joy of reading and honours the power of stories to shape young minds.

The Origins

International Children’s Book Day was first celebrated in 1967. It was established by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). The date was chosen to honour Hans Christian Andersen, the famous Danish author known for timeless tales like “The Little Mermaid” and “The Ugly Duckling.”

Why Reading Matters

Books open doors to new worlds. They spark creativity and teach valuable lessons. For children, reading is not just about words on a page. It’s about adventures, dreams, and learning about different cultures and experiences. Reading helps develop language skills, boosts imagination, and improves concentration. Plus, it’s a great way for families to bond.

The Role of Illustrations

Illustrations play a crucial role in children’s books. They enhance the storytelling experience, making it more engaging and easier to understand. Vibrant pictures help young readers visualize characters and scenes, aiding comprehension and memory. For early readers, illustrations provide context clues that support word recognition and vocabulary development. We have lots of great books on illustration including this one: When we were young : two centuries of children’s book illustration

Famous Children’s Books

“Harry Potter” by J.K. Rowling
“Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White
“Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak
“Matilda” by Roald Dahl

These classics have inspired generations and continue to captivate young readers. What are some of your favourite children’s stories? Comment below

The Power of Reading

Reading isn’t just fun. It helps build empathy and critical thinking. When children dive into stories, they step into different perspectives and learn about kindness, bravery, and friendship. With the help of beautiful illustrations, stories come alive and leave a lasting impact on young minds.

So have a Happy International Children’s Book Day. Perhaps you might want to write your own one day. If so check out lots of great resources at librarysearch.napier.ac.uk.

By Juliet Kinsey

read more fun posts on our blog such as: Books that shaped you

World Theatre Day 2025

01/04/2025 / mayagreen / 0 Comments

World Theatre Day 2025

As it is World Theatre Day today, it seems appropriate to write a little about Edinburgh’s illustrious history and continued tradition of dramatic performance.

Edinburgh And Theatre

Perhaps the first thing people think of is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Initially formed in 1947 as a more eclectic, grassroots ‘fringe’ to the more ‘high cultural’ Edinburgh International Festival, the Fringe now dwarfs its erstwhile rival and is an established, world-famous cultural behemoth. Probably more famous nowadays for its significance to stand-up comedy, it hosts large-scale, expensive drama; the spirit of dramatic endeavour, experiment and (productive) failure is still there, in the lesser-known acts in the Fringe itself as well as the Free Fringe.

Of course, the Fringe is not the only story. The Traverse Theatre was set up in 1962 by Richard Demarco, John Calder and Jim Haynes (amongst others) to encourage new playwrights at a time of high dramatic innovation in the 1960s. They had an international, cosmopolitan focus – the first play they produced was by Fernando Arrabal, an experimental Spanish playwright based in self-exile in Paris from Franco’s Spain. It was initially situated in a disused building on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, with seats salvaged from a nearby cinema. In 1992, it attained a permanent space beside the Usher Hall on Lothian Road, where it still operates today, and still promotes new writing, as well as working with schools and youth groups.

Universities on World Theatre Day

Aside from the excellent collection of 20th century dramatic texts by a range of international writers in our Merchiston Library, it also is the location of the archive of the aforementioned Jim Haynes, which he personally donated to the university. Haynes lived an intriguing, quixotic life – originally from the US, served in their air force, then settled in Scotland after being stationed in Kirknewton. He moved to Edinburgh, where he lived for over two decades, setting up the first paperback bookshop in Scotland, and later moved to Paris, where he lived until the end of his life in 2021. Professionally, he was a bookseller and magazine editor, but perhaps his key skill perhaps was connecting people together – his obituary here by James Campbell captures this well.

In more recent times, student theatre is often a source of new energy in drama in the city. Theatre Paradok, set up by Edinburgh University students but not limited to the institution, performs adapted work, and occasionally original writing by students. Peer Gynt by Henrik Ibsen was ambitiously staged upstairs in the old Forest Café on 3 Bristo Place, a social space, café and hub for all sorts of DIY arts endeavours; Grimm Tales (a dark adaptation of the famous children’s stories) was a promenade piece in the basement of McEwan Hall. Closer to home, our own Napier University Drama Society performs original work that ranges from plays to improvised comedy routines.

Kieran Curran

Read about Edinburgh Napier taking over the Fringe Festival last year

Photo by Hulki Okan Tabak Unspalsh

More Than A Library (A Personal Reflection)

01/04/2025 / mayagreen / 0 Comments

More Than A Library

(A Personal Reflection)

The past couple of months, Aristotelis has been working in the library as a student placement. We have been delighted to have him and before he leaves, he has left a reflective piece on his time at the library. Take it away Aristotelis:

The word library conjures a different image for different people. For some it is a place of refuge, for others a place of knowledge, and for students all of the above and many more.

For years, my experience with academic libraries was primarily as a student, meaning a quiet place to study, relax, and occasionally check out a book. I have been guilty of underutilising the very same sector I always knew I wanted to work. With a new deadline always on the horizon, a new project ready to take off, an idea ready to be conceived, as students we always need help, even if many times we are too proud, afraid, or anxious to ask for it.

While doing my placement at Napier’s University Library, I had the opportunity not only to work with some of the most amazing and passionate people, but also to peek behind the curtain of an academic library; and what I saw, was a place of wonder. From the lovely faces at the front desk, to cataloguing, acquisitions, collections, and troubleshooting to the more confusing but equally important finance and budgeting decisions, your librarians are working tirelessly and silently to accommodate and help you on your journey as students.

So yeah, it is not just a library, it is more than that. It is one of the few places that actively wants you to succeed, to grow, to learn, to have the necessary foundations to face your future and the challenges that come with it. It is not just a place to prepare you for your next (and for many of you the first) steps into the job market, but also a place to cultivate an array of skills that you can apply at every facet of your life. A safe space in which there are no stupid questions.

So, take advantage of your library, take advantage of what they offer, the advice, the workshops, the knowledge, the experience, the wisdom. Now that you are students and still have the opportunity to do so.

And always remember, for any and all questions you might have ask your friendly on duty librarian; they are here to help you!

by Aristotelis Sourlis

Interested in a student placement at Napier library, you can read about Rebbecca’s work with Heritage Collections

Or you can contact us

World Theatre Day 2025

27/03/2025 / mayagreen / 0 Comments

World Theatre Day 2025

As it is World Theatre Day today, it seems appropriate to write a little about Edinburgh’s illustrious history and continued tradition of dramatic performance.

Edinburgh And Theatre

Universities on World Theatre Day

Aside from the excellent collection of 20th-century dramatic texts by a range of international writers in our Merchiston Library, it is also the location of the archive of the aforementioned Jim Haynes, which he personally donated to the university. Haynes lived an intriguing, quixotic life – originally from the US, served in their air force, then settled in Scotland after being stationed in Kirknewton. He moved to Edinburgh, where he lived for over two decades, setting up the first paperback bookshop in Scotland, and later moved to Paris, where he lived until the end of his life in 2021. Professionally, he was a bookseller and magazine editor, but perhaps his key skill perhaps was connecting people together – his obituary here by James Campbell captures this well.

Kieran Curran

Read about Edinburgh Napier taking over the Fringe Festival last year

International Forest Day 2025

21/03/2025 / mayagreen / 0 Comments

International Forest Day 2025

Today is International Forest Day 2025. Learn about the wellbeing and healing effect our forests can have for us.

You may not have heard the phrase shinrin-yoku. However the concept behind it has long been recognised for its health benefits and contribution to disease prevention. The Japanese expression means “taking in the forest atmosphere” – or forest bathing to give it a more poetic translation. Physiological experiments in forest bathing measure central nervous and autonomic nervous activity. Allowing the five senses to immerse oneself in the forest experience has been shown to have a therapeutic effect on stress responses.

Given the importance of forests for the well-being of our bodies and of the planet, it’s concerning that we annually lose 10 million hectares of forest to deforestation and 70 million to fires. Protecting our forests is crucial, and to that end, the United Nations has declared the 21^st of March an annual International Day of Forests

Forests and Health 2025

The theme of this year’s celebration is “forests and food” to reflect the fact that more than five billion people rely on forests and forest products for food, medicine and livelihoods. In some countries, forests and trees provide around 20% of income for rural households.

Here in Scotland, we are forest-impoverished. According to Global Forest Watch, just over 3% of our land is covered in forests, in contrast to other European countries. Ireland, for example, has 7.3% tree cover, Poland 13%, Germany 16% and Sweden has a whopping 36%.

Edinburgh’s forests 2025

In Edinburgh, though, we’re lucky enough to be close to several beautiful green spaces, if not ancient woodlands. If you pine (no pun intended) for an immersive forest experience, you don’t even need to leave the city centre. Why not head out to Colinton Dell via the Water of Leith, the Hermitage of Braid nature reserve, or Corstorphine Hill, the most westerly of Edinburgh’s seven hills.

If you fancy going a bit further afield, why not visit Roslin Glen, Cardrona Forest near Peebles, or Butterdean Wood near Tranent which is being restored to native woodland.

While you’re there – stop, look around, smell the wood, listen to the call of the green woodpecker. And bathe in all that intoxicating fresh air. And may your visit be filled with shinrin-yoku.

By Lesley McRobb

Photo by Lukasz Szmigel

Read more about well-being and nature on a previous post

Spring Equinox 2025

20/03/2025 / mayagreen / 0 Comments

Spring Equinox 2025

Also known as the ‘vernal equinox’ (from the Latin root ‘ver’ meaning spring; related is the French word for green ‘vert’), the Spring Equinox falls on the 20th of March every year. Astronomically, it is the half-way point of the earth around the sun, commonly celebrated in different cultures as the beginning of Spring. At this time of year, the amount of daylight experienced in the northern and southern hemispheres is the same.

The spring equinox marked the beginning of the new year in ancient Persia, connected to their religion of Zoroastrianism. To this day, Iran, as well as many other Central Asian countries, celebrate the festival of Nowruz (meaning ‘New Day’ in Farsi) annually, where it is a time for family reunions, feasting and song. There are also rituals specific to the holiday: famously, Charshanbeh Suri (‘Scarlet Wednesday’) includes jumping over fire, fortune telling, and a form of trick-or-treating known as ‘spoon-banging’.

In poetry, countless poets have marked the coming of spring in myriad ways – the days grow longer, with more sunshine and better weather (for the most part anyway – here’s looking at you, Scotland). Frank O’Hara memorialised springtime in Paris – ‘it is Spring the ice has melted, the Ricard is being poured, we are all happy and young and toothless’. Even rain feels different, refreshing, emphasising the sense of a new start – in Kenneth Rexroth’s words, ‘a good rain knows its season, it comes at the edge of Spring’.

Leonard Cohen’s ‘Probably Spring’ offers a set of images for the season: ‘It is the passion of our Lord. It is the ladder through her hair. It is a lovely field which you cannot find in the city’.

So heed Mr Cohen’s advice. Take a walk when the sun is out, smell the freshly cut grass, admire the blossoming flora, and lean into the sense of hope that permeates the season.

By Kieran Curran – photos taken by the author in Queen’s Park, Glasgow in the spring of 2024

Photo by Arno Smit

Co-Working Collective

19/03/2025 / mayagreen / 0 Comments

Co-Working Collective

Our co-working collective is back.

Well done on making it this far. By now you’re no doubt up to your neck in work: all those pesky assignments, all that reading and note-taking, the class discussions, the late-nighters. It can be hard to stay organised and keep on top of it all. The Library is here to help you with all that.

We’re excited to bring back our Co-Working Collective, following on from our successful introduction last semester.

Working together has been shown to beat procrastination, help you stay motivated, work on individual goals, increase time efficiency and become more productive. “To summarise, this is a supportive space where people come together to get some work done”

We’ll be meeting every Wednesday, starting today between 2pm and 4pm in Study Room 7, Merchiston Library, and we’d love you to join us. You can also join on teams.

There is no need to book, just come along. All we ask you to do is bring some work materials and a commitment to spend the two hours with like-minded people who want to work quietly in a supported environment.

The sessions are open to all, regardless of which campus you’re based in or what level of study you’re at. If you’ve any questions, email us library@napier.ac.uk or disabilityinclusion@napier.ac.uk, and let the library be your study buddy.

More information on the library calendar.

By Lesley McRobb

Read our previous posts on study skills.

The Library for New Staff

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Celebrating Tartan Day and the Declaration of Arbroath: Scotland’s Legacy of Freedom

The Declaration of Arbroath: A Bold Statement of Freedom

The Lasting Impact of the Declaration of Arbroath

A History of Tartan

Kinds of Tartan

The Witches of Scotland Tartan

Tartan Day: A Modern Celebration

Why Tartan Day Matters

Resources

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Easter Egg Hunt: Napier Libraries

Easter Egg Hunt: The Challenge…

The Rules…

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International Children’s Book Day

Unlocking Imagination and Knowledge in Children

The Origins

Why Reading Matters

The Role of Illustrations

Famous Children’s Books

The Power of Reading

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World Theatre Day 2025

Edinburgh And Theatre

Universities on World Theatre Day

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More Than A Library

(A Personal Reflection)

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World Theatre Day 2025

Edinburgh And Theatre

Universities on World Theatre Day

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International Forest Day 2025

Forests and Health 2025

Edinburgh’s forests 2025

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Spring Equinox 2025

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Co-Working Collective

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