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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exam support

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

Sighthill campus home of social sciences

Social Sciences Library Resources

17/02/2025 / / 0 Comments

Social Sciences Library Resources

Our university libraries provide many academic resources to help you through your studies. The most prominent of these will of course be the books.  Whether it be physically in the libraries or e-books available through library search. Alongside these, we also provide you with access to hundreds of online academic databases and journal collections. Through these, you can study academic articles and essays stretching back decades and covering a wide range of subject areas. Today, we will briefly introduce you to some of the resources available for studying Social Sciences.

Social Sciences Resources

Social Sciences at Napier falls under our School of Applied Sciences. As such the primary collection of Social Sciences books can be found in LRC 3 of the library in our Sighthill Campus,. But there are smaller collections found in the libraries of our Craiglockhart and Merchiston campuses. This collection is overseen by Catriona Robertson, the Subject Librarian for the School of Applied Sciences. And Cat is happy to provide you with any study support or advice when you’re carrying out social science research.

Through our library libguides portal, you can locate over thirty academic social science databases. These consist of access to academic journals and articles. Once you access any of these databases, you can login using your Napier student account via the Institutional Login option. Included in these databases is JSTOR, one of the internet’s most popular academic databases.  You can access thousands of journal articles, research reports, and even full e-books. JSTOR is not a specialised service, providing countless articles across all topics. So it can be a great way to begin research into whichever topic it is that you’re studying.

Similar to JSTOR is ProQuest, which has the added benefit of being able to search via specialised collections of subject matter. ProQuest includes its own premium Social Sciences collection.  This goes for an in-depth search into more specialised and niche topics in Social Sciences. The ProQuest Social Sciences Collection consists of a range of specialised collections such as the Criminology collection, Politics collection, and Sociology collection. But there is much more. This ensures that any searches you make will return results from relevant academic journals and e-books, instead of having to wade through irrelevant results that only lightly touch on the subject you are interested in.

An example of one of the more specialised resources we have available is Digimap, an online collection of digital maps. These include historical ordnance maps, demographic maps, or geological maps, with the format of the maps including traditional maps as well as aerial photography or 3d renderings. This could be a great resource for historical or sociological research, such as looking at how demographics have shifted over time or using older ordnance maps to track changes in city layouts. This can be useful for in-depth and niche study into specialised areas of social sciences. These are just a brief look into only a few of the social sciences resources available through the university library. Remember that if you’re interested in checking out more you can always have a read through what’s available on the university LibGuides page or contact Cat, the subject librarian for the School of Applied Sciences.

By Matthew Ferrie

Our databases cover a wide range of subjects, read our previous posts.

exam support

Celebrating the Anniversary of Decimalisation

15/02/2025 / / 0 Comments

Celebrating the Anniversary of Decimalisation

As a student it’s important to manage your money and make sure that your fees and bills are paid promptly, whilst also leaving yourself enough to buy food and, of course, do some socialising. You may rarely carry cash as card payments dominate for most purchases, but some people and businesses still prefer to use cash. In the UK at the beginning of the 1970’s using cash was the norm, but changes were about to be made to the existing currency. 15th February is the anniversary of the date the UK changed its currency, sterling, from the old pounds, shillings and pence to decimal currency (units related by powers of 10). Before this, the currency used was not as straightforward and consisted of a baffling array of coins. Using the decimal system made calculations much easier as you will see…

Background

Pre-decimalisation coinage was introduced by King Henry II of England and was based on the troy system of weighing precious metals. A penny was one pennyweight of silver. A pound sterling weighed 240 pennyweights or a pound of sterling silver. Pounds were divided into twenty shillings, shillings into twelve pennies, pennies into two halfpennies and four farthings.

All these amounts of money had corresponding coins and to make matters more complicated there were even more – 2 sixpences made a shilling, 5 shillings made a crown and there were half crowns, florins and groats. By 1971 many of these coins had been phased out.

Attempts to change

Proposals to decimalise sterling were first made in Parliament in 1824 and there were many more attempts to legislate for conversion throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The successful transition to decimal currency in South Africa led the UK government to set up the Committee of the Inquiry on Decimal Currency, known as the Halsbury Committee. In 1963 the Halsbury Committee published its findings. Lord Halsbury concluded that due to the pound’s importance as a global reserve currency it should remain the main unit of currency. A series of new decimal coins would be created, and all existing coins would either be replaced or phased out.

Change happens

It was in 1966 that decimalisation was finally debated and then legislated on in May 1969 with the approval of the Decimal Currency Act. On 15th February 1971 the switch over took place. February had been chosen because it was assessed to be the quietest time of the year for banks, shops and transport organisations. Banks were closed for 4 days before the changeover.

Public reaction to the prospect of a new currency was mixed. Many thought they would find it confusing. Others thought that shopkeepers would use the introduction as a way to put prices up. Shops often displayed prices in both currencies. Currency converters were available for the public, but most people didn’t have any difficulties. For a short time, the old and new currencies operated in unison – people could pay in pounds, shillings and pence and receive new decimal money as change. It was originally planned that old money would be phased out of circulation over a period of eighteen months, but as it turned out, the old penny, halfpenny and threepenny coins were officially taken out of circulation as early as August 1971.

Today

Although we still have decimal currency, card payments make up the majority of transactions, but some people still prefer to use cash. They feel it makes budgeting easier as they only spend the cash they have taken out from a bank or ATM. Whichever method of payment you prefer you will no doubt agree that the decimal currency is much easier to calculate.

You can use Library Search find books and articles on finance, banking and student finance.

In My Napier webpages there are articles providing information, guidance and support to a wide range of finance-specific information.

If you would like free advice on help with financial issues you can contact Citizens Advice who may be able to assist. Remember to take along any documents relevant to your query.

Read more on the library blog. Check out our article on: The Dewey Decimal Classification System

By Vivienne Hamilton

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

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