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World Kindness Day

13/11/2022 / jemmalidgard / 0 Comments

Green background with white heart and hands

World Kindness Day

World Kindness Day was founded in 1998 and is an international holiday to spread kindness and compassion across the world. It is recognised by the United Nations and activities to celebrate World Kindness Day involve concerts, dances, and kindness cards.

The movement highlights good deeds, focuses on communities and small acts of kindness. An example could be an act of service, checking in on someone, complimenting or providing a creative gesture. Here are some examples of how you can spread and share kindness every day:

· Praise someone for their achievement

· Speak to someone you haven’t spoken to for a while

· Smile at someone to brighten up their day

· Express gratitude to inspire others

· Volunteer some time to help others, you can find opportunities under Get Involved at Edinburgh Napier

How can we celebrate World Kindness Day?

· Listen to a podcast https://www.goodgoodgood.co/podcast/orly-wahba-kindness-boomerang-empowerment-interview

· Promote kindness with t-shirt slogans

· Read resources! We have many books on Kindness and how it can help to build trust and strengthen relationships.

· Also be a little kinder to yourself, by investing in your own self-care. Through self-care, you can be there for people around you.

Remember that kindness is a ripple and improves physical and mental health.

Let’s make kindness contagious!

You can find out more about kindness in our LibrarySearch shown through the perspective of a nurse and understand the compassionate nature of nurses.

Other resources:

https://nationaltoday.com/world-kindness-day/

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/articles/random-acts-kindness

Poppy display at Craiglockhart campus — Play4Peace concert on Armistice Day November 2018. Visual display by Double Take Projections.

Remembrance Day

11/11/2022 / jemmalidgard / 0 Comments

The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month marks Armistice Day and 104 years since the end of the Great War. From that moment on, this day has become a day of Remembrance. Although particularly mindful of those affected during the First World War, this solemn day is dedicated to remembering all those who died in the line of duty in conflicts, old and new.

The oldest part of the buildings at the Craiglockhart campus played an important role during the First World War when it was requisitioned for use as a military hospital for the treatment of officers recovering from shell shock (or neurasthenia, as it was then officially called). During the hospital’s twenty-eight months of operation between 1916 and 1919, around 1,800 officers were assessed and treated at Craiglockhart, including the famous war poets Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen. To honour their memory, Edinburgh Napier University established the War Poets collection in 1988, and in 2005 a dedicated exhibition space opened in the entrance and foyer area of the former war hospital. The exhibition recounts the stories of those affected by war and remembering their lives plays a central role within that.

For Edinburgh Napier University, this Remembrance Day will also be inextricably linked to the memory of Catherine Walker MBE. Although not military personnel, Catherine was the face of the War Poets collection for many years, introducing audiences new and old to the (extra)ordinary stories behind each and every item in the collection. As part of her work, she contributed to preserving the memory of all the officers who passed through Craiglockhart War Hospital, many of whom – after having been discharged back into duty upon recovering at Craiglockhart – did not live to see the world rejoice the official end of the war at 11am on 11 November 1918. A beloved member of staff at Edinburgh Napier University, this month marks one year since Catherine passed. Her work and love for the collection will be remembered, and the new Special Collections team look forward to continuing – and building on – her legacy.

Catherine Walker in the War Poets Collections

In memory of Catherine Walker, curator of the War Poets Collection at Craiglockhart. Photographed for the relaunch event on 1st November 2016

By Laura Cooijmans-Keizer

International Games Month

02/11/2022 / jemmalidgard / 0 Comments

International Games Month

International Games Month is our biggest and best yet!

This year for International Games Month we’ve organised some exciting new activities for you!

You’ll find links to all our activities (and Terms & Conditions for the games) here LibCal.napier.ac.uk

Game-Based Searching Skills Support

Looking for a fun way to learn academic searching skills, join our Subject Librarians in this fun game-based searching activity. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask further questions! We’ve organised one session for each campus register by following the link below.

Craiglockhart

Friday 11th November, 12 noon – 1.00 pm

Merchiston

Monday 14th November , 1.00 pm – 2.00 pm

Sighthill

Monday 21st November, 1.00 pm – 2.00pm

Well-being Workshop-Video Games as Therapy-Online

Did you know that games can be good for your well-being?

In collaboration with our Well-being team, we’re really pleased to be able to offer this well-being workshop on video gaming and how it can be good for you. This is an online session run through Webex and is open to staff and students.

Wednesday 16th November, 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm

Win an Amazon voucher!

As in previous years, we’re giving students multiple opportunities to win an Amazon voucher!

Play online, send your completed puzzle/quiz from your University email address to library@napier.ac.uk with the subject line International Games Month and we’ll enter correct entries into the draw to win a voucher. Paper copies of the Word Search and our Plot Keywords Quiz are available at each campus library if you prefer to hand in a paper copy.

Complete the Logie the Lion Jigsaw

Library Words Word Search

New for 2023 our Plot Keywords Quiz ! Use the keywords provided to work out the title of the book which has been made into a film! Click on the link at LibCal.napier.ac.uk to access the quiz sheet.

Additional Games for you to play for fun!

Slide the tiles to create a picture of Craiglockhart Library Relaxation Space

Memory Game–match the library to the correct campus

Reading List

Feedback

We’d love to have your feedback on our International Games Month events. Click on the link above!

By Cathryn Buckham

Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)

31/10/2022 / jemmalidgard / 0 Comments

Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)

The Mexican Day of the Dead known as Día de los Muertos is a two-day holiday celebrated from the 31^st of October to the 2^nd of November to honour and reunite the living and dead together. It is a reunion where the spirits of children join on October the 31^st and the spirits of adults join on November the 2^nd.

Image of person in a flowered veil and face painting of a skull.

Day of the Dead face paint

The ritual originates from the Aztec and Nahua people who saw death as an eternal part of life. The Nahua rituals were held in August where food and water were to aid the deceased in the journey to the Land of the Dead and therefore contributed to the traditions of today.

It is a very colourful celebration and altars are decorated with marigolds, and photos of their loved ones, and food and drinks are consumed. The Marigolds are golden pathways to guide and attract the spirits. Families gather either at home or in the cemeteries at night to light candles and play music. There is no crying or grieving but to enjoy and appreciate all human associations and comforts on a spiritual journey.

Printmaker and cartoonist José Guadalupe Posada used the skeletal figures to mock politicians. La Calavera Catrina is the most iconic work that features a female skeleton in ornate clothing. Sugar skulls known as Calaveras are decorative skulls made from sugar or clay to symbolise that death is not all that bad. They are often embellished with jewels and face painting. In contemporary Day of the Dead, skulls masks are worn, and treats are consumed. Pan de Muerto is a simple sweet bread that is consumed all year round!

Pan de Muerto and Marigolds

You can find lots of articles on the Mexican Day of the Dead in our LibrarySearch

Other resources

https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/day-of-the-dead

https://dayofthedead.holiday/

Come visit our Library and see…

24/10/2022 / julietkinsey / 0 Comments

Come visit the libraries and see…

What delights lie behind the cover of an unopened book?

What adventures could you embark upon, and what new things you will learn, by simply turning the pages one by one?

Who’ll be hiding there amongst the pages, friend or foe you’ve never seen or met before, or someone that seems a little familiar to you, someone you know?

What places will your imagination create and visit? what other delights

and challenges will you overcome and experience?

OR will you just delve into something academic?

To learn and expand your understanding & knowledge of your subject area?

But this can be done in so many ways, by firing your imagination and taking the plunge outside of your comfort zone.

Working together in a group study area or having a quiet conversation, exchanging ideas whilst searching the web to cross-reference.

Will you delve into something new, or just dip in your toe?

There’s so much to choose from, drama, thriller, horror, fantasy or an autobiography and maybe even a little poetry, to mention a few.

Then there’s all the academic books and journals, shelf help and DVDs too. The list is pretty much endless I believe.

Will you find an interesting new genre to read, a new favourite writer, who knows?

Will you carry your books in your bag remembering to self-issue them?

Or choose to read them online instead?

Will you use the library catalogue with exact search terms to narrow and focus your search?

Or maybe not to broaden the results to see what else comes up or falls into that category of yours?

Will you ask for help if you’re unsure of what to do, to find what you’re looking for?

We promise we’ll do our best to assist.

Will you chop and change your study environment, find what suits you best, or choose to work from home?

I’ll leave that decision up to you.

But do come to visit the library and see what you could read to broaden your mind and how the environment has changed and is different from a long, long time ago.

Links

https://my.napier.ac.uk/library

Places to Visit in Lesser Known Edinburgh

17/10/2022 / julietkinsey / 0 Comments

Places to Visit in Lesser Known Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyrood and Greyfriar’s Bobby statue are some of the most popular attractions for visitors to Edinburgh. However, there are lots of other attractions which are less well-known but just as interesting and pleasant to visit. Here are a few of them:

Museum of Childhood

This can be found on the Royal Mile but is often overlooked by guidebooks. A treasure trove of old children’s toys, games, clothes and playthings.

The People’s Story

Housed in the Canongate Tolbooth at the bottom of the Royal Mile it houses collections which tell the stories of the working-class people of Edinburgh from the late 18^th century to the present day using oral history, reminiscence and written sources.

The Pentland Hills Regional Park

Just south of Edinburgh these hills are the highest points around the city and are often covered in snow in the winter. There are many walks over the hills with an abundance of wildlife. There is also a dry ski slope should you want to try out a new pastime. Easily accessible on public transport.

Dean Village

Situated five minutes away from Princes Street, visitors can find the Dean Village, a beautiful oasis right by the Water of Leith. In the past the village housed mills of various kinds, and the remnants of the industry can still be seen today. Look out for mill stones and carved stone plaques with baked bread and pies. Follow the walkway along the Water of Leith and you will come to the impressive Dean Bridge designed by Thomas Telford, and the classical temple of St Bernard’s Well.

Surgeon’s Hall Museums

Just a short walk from the Royal Mile, the Surgeon’s Hall Museums are a unique collection. Full of surgical tools, fascinating paintings and more than a few body parts in jars. Learn about the evolution of surgery throughout the ages and find how great Scottish minds brought us some of the medical breakthroughs we take for granted today. The present Surgeon’s Hall was designed by William Henry Playfair and completed in 1832. It is a category A listed building.

Gardens – Dr. Neil’s Garden

This is located beside Duddingston Kirk on the lower slopes of Arthur’s Seat. Created from a wilderness by Drs Nancy and Andrew Neil. Two features of particular interest are the physic garden, which grows medicinal plants, and Thomson’s Tower. It was constructed in 1825 and was originally built for the Duddingston Curling Society. This was back when frozen lochs were the grounds for curling and other winter sports.

Kyoto Friendship Garden

This Japanese garden can be found in the grounds of Lauriston Castle in the Edinburgh suburb of Cramond. With bamboo shelters to picnic in, breath-taking views over Cramond Island to the Firth of Forth, avenues of blossom trees and calming water features. It’s no surprise that it is rated one of the top three Japanese gardens in Britain. The garden was created to celebrate the twinning of the towns of Edinburgh and the prefecture of Kyoto in Japan. It was opened in 2002. Its official name is ‘Castle Garden to Water and Beyond’. Continue reading

Black History Month

11/10/2022 / julietkinsey / 0 Comments

Black History Month

October marks Black History Month in the United Kingdom.

Known as the ‘Father of Black History, Carter Godwin Woodson brought forward the celebration of Black History in 1926 in the United States. Initially, it was the second week of February, as Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass celebrated their birthdays. But in February 1969, at Kent State University, it was proposed that it should be a whole month and the first Black History Month was celebrated at Kent State a year later. President Gerald Ford became the first President to recognise Black History Month in 1976.

Black History Month in the United Kingdom

Black History Month was first celebrated in the United Kingdom in October 1987. That year marked the 150^th anniversary of Caribbean emancipation, the centenary birth of Jamaican political activist Marcus Garvey and the 25^th anniversary of the Organisation of African Unity. October also coincides with the start of the Academic year. It was seen as an opportunity to bring in mainstream education. As organiser Akyaaba Abdai-Sebo recalled

‘I was stirred up in the mid-1980s by the identity crisis that Black children faced. A crisis of identity faced us squarely despite the Race Awareness campaigns of the Greater London Council and the Inner London Education Authority. More had to be done and so I conceived an annual celebration of the contributions of Africa, Africans, and people of African descent to world civilisation’ Source Link

At first, there was a focus on Black American History, but the emphasis shifted to ‘recognise the contributions and achievements of those with African or Caribbean heritage in the UK (BBC)

Decolonising our Collections

Here at the Library, all our Librarians are working hard to decolonise and improve the diversity of our Library collections. We realise the importance and significance of the work we need to do here at the Library. Not just when celebrating Black History Month but all year round to make our Library inclusive to all.

You can see some newly added books on our BIPOC virtual bookshelf.

More Information

Remember to check out our library/book displays at each campus site.

You can find out more including details on all the events that are taking place across the country at:

https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/

Also, check out our Library catalogue for more information on Black history and to see new titles we have added.

By Maya Green

World Mental Health Day

10/10/2022 / jemmalidgard / 1 Comment

Our mental health has been challenged pre and post-pandemic, with rises in anxiety and depression, as well as other unrecognised disorders; we can strive to play a role in increasing awareness, signposting, listening to one another and having conversations.

The World Mental Health Day theme is to use spoken words about the different ways we can talk about our experiences. Getting the words out to describe how we feel can be tough at times Mind shows you can confide in advisors, and find online and local communities and other information.

At Edinburgh Napier University, not only are our library help desks here to support you with library-related enquiries, but we are also here to listen to your concerns and provide you with as much support as possible. Napier’s counselling service is here to help your well-being and mental health through practical tools and coping strategies such as CBT and meditation: https://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/student-life/counselling-and-mental-wellbeing

Our Shelf Help collection at Edinburgh Napier University Library is materials chosen by professionals to overcome uncomfortable or stressful thoughts, experiences, and feelings.

You can find the link to Shelf Help here.

Self-care, such as exercise, meeting friends and family, sleep and eating nutritiously have physical and emotional benefits to improving your well-being. You can check out resources on the library blog for further support and building resistance

https://blogs.napier.ac.uk/library/virtual-relaxation-space/

Edinburgh Napier University online support:

Counselling team 9am-5pm Mon-Fri

0131 455 2459

Edinburgh Napier University Disability and Inclusion Team

9am-5pm Mon-Fri counselling@napier.ac.uk disabilityandinclusion@napier.ac.uk

World Heart Day 2022: Defibrillators

29/09/2022 / julietkinsey / 0 Comments

World Heart Day 2022: Defibrillators

Awareness of the importance of defibrillators has become much more prevalent in our society. So much so that they have been placed around the country in useful places. The university has Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) available on all our campuses.

Why have AEDs?

Portable AEDs are lightweight devices that are relatively easy to operate and are intended for use in emergency situations. They can be used when a casualty has a serious cardiac rhythm disturbance causing unconsciousness, such as a heart attack. AEDs are not effective for all cardiac emergencies, but they are of benefit in a small proportion of acute emergencies.

An AED acts to correct abnormal heart rhythms by applying an electric shock to the chest. It detects the electrical activity of the heart and gives automated instructions to the operator on what to do. The automatic diagnostic sequence ensures that they will only operate under appropriate circumstances thus preventing their incorrect use. The quicker lifesaving first aid and a defibrillator are used on a casualty, the better the outlook for survival. The Resuscitation Council (UK) guidelines strongly promote the availability of AEDs and the fact they can be operated by any person is widely publicised.

Is an AED difficult to use?

The type of AED installed by the University has been chosen as a type that is suitable for any person to use. It will not apply an electric shock to a casualty unless it is appropriate. At every stage the equipment talks to the user, instructing them on what to do. Whilst many First Aiders have also received additional training in the use of AEDs, training is not a pre-requisite for use.

Do you know where they are situated?

AEDs are provided by the University at the following points:

Merchiston Campus: adjacent to disabled toilets – bottom of stairs
Sighthill Campus: left of reception outside lift
Craiglockhart Campus: left of the reception desk

In addition to the above locations, AEDs are also located in several other areas throughout the University.

[EN]GAGE, Sports Centre, Sighthill Campus – located behind the reception desk
School of Applied Sciences, Sighthill Campus – outside room 3.C.13
School of Applied Sciences, Sports Centre, Sighthill Campus – 0.F.07

Next steps

Should an emergency occur and you are using the AED, ask someone else to contact (0131) 455 4444 (Security Control available 24/7) giving precise details of the location – building, floor and room number and they will call for an ambulance. If you are alone with the casualty, you will need to do this yourself.

If you wish to familiarize yourself with some common first aid techniques, there are books available in the library for you to read:

First aid manual: the authorised manual of St John Ambulance, St Andrew’s First Aid and the British Red Cross.

Practical First Aid

New First Aid in English

Written By Vivienne Hamilton

Learn more about our Campuses below:

Merchiston

Craiglockhart

Sighthill

Libraries Week 2022

28/09/2022 / julietkinsey / 0 Comments

Libraries Week 2022

Libraries Week is an annual event held to celebrate the best that libraries have to offer. This year, Libraries Week takes place between the 3rd and 9th of October and will focus on the vital role libraries play in supporting individuals of all ages to access lifelong learning.

As part of Libraries Week, Edinburgh Napier Libraries and the University’s Special Collections are offering tours of the War Poets Collection led by our Special Collections Curator, Laura Cooijmans-Keizer.

War Poets Collection

It was at Craiglockhart War Hospital during the First World War, that Wilfred Owen (1893-1918) and Siegfried Sassoon (1886-1967) first met and where some of their greatest poetry was inspired and written. As a tribute to these and other WWI poets, the University established the War Poets Collection in 1988, on the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice. Since then, the collection has grown to include other histories, incorporating items from the building’s first establishment as a Hydropathic – the predecessor of a modern Spa – up to its current use as a campus of Edinburgh Napier University.

If you’d like to come along and learn more about this fascinating collection, Laura will be providing 30-minute tours of the War Poets Exhibition at Edinburgh Napier University’s Craiglockhart campus on the 6^th and 7^th of October. The exhibition provides a glimpse into the daily lives of the poets, patients, and medical staff at Craiglockhart during the time when the building was used as a war hospital. The collection features contemporary photographs, books, film, audio, and memorabilia, and offers visitors a unique insight into the important personal, social, and medical achievements that occurred within the walls of Craiglockhart War Hospital.

Book a tour

To book a place on one of the tours visit our Training and Events Calendar.

You can read previous blog articles on the War Poets Collection:

The Poet and the Doctor, Craiglockhart War Hospital 1917 (War Poets Collection)

War Poets Collection: Remembering Siegfried Sassoon

Visit our website to find out about all our Special Collections.

By Sarah Jeffcott

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Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)

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Come visit the libraries and see…

Links

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Places to Visit in Lesser Known Edinburgh

Museum of Childhood

The People’s Story

The Pentland Hills Regional Park

Dean Village

Surgeon’s Hall Museums

Gardens – Dr. Neil’s Garden

Kyoto Friendship Garden

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Black History Month

Black History Month in the United Kingdom

Decolonising our Collections

More Information

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World Heart Day 2022: Defibrillators

Why have AEDs?

Is an AED difficult to use?

Do you know where they are situated?

Next steps

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Libraries Week 2022

War Poets Collection

Book a tour

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