Page 42 of 49

What the Librarians are reading: Books we recommend!

11/04/2022 / julietkinsey / 1 Comment

What the librarians are reading: Books we recommend! Part 1

Stumped for your next read? Curious what the book professionals are reading? Look no further! Here’s a peek into what the staff here at Edinburgh Napier University Library (ENULibrary) have been reading over the last year.

Check out recommended books from all genres and Interests (we are a diverse lot!) Some are available right here at the Library, but for the books we don’t have, why not try your local library? Edinburgh City Libraries have a huge selection of books and we love supporting them.

The Book Reviews

Malcolm

“Tiny Habits” by B.J. Fogg.

“Recommended at a financial health webinar, and I read it over Xmas. A great way to self-change behaviour is by breaking down desired changes in multiple areas into very tiny habits, which are much more easily achieved than big changes. Prompt such habits by linking them to existing parts of your life, and celebrate when you successfully do them…it all helps to rewire them effectively into your brain. Easy to read and to get started with. Recommended!”

“The Story of Tea: a cultural history and drinking guide” by M.L. Heiss and R.J. Heiss.

“All you need to know about teas of the world…production, history, and how to brew them. Lots of pictures. Say goodbye to teabags. Perfect for the Tea-head in your life!”

Emi

“Chernobyl: History of a Tragedy” by Serhii Plokhy

“A very interesting and detailed insight about the 1986 disaster and its aftermath. The events are recreated by Ukrainian Professor Serhii Plokhy with detail and accuracy. At the same time, it’s quite interesting to read because the author tells the stories of the firefighters, scientists, engineers, workers, soldiers, politicians, and policemen who found themselves caught there and shows a lot about the nature of the Soviet political system and the flaws of its nuclear industry. As some reviews say, you can read it ” like a good thriller” and I found its less upsetting and disturbing than the recent TV show.”

You can borrow this one from us! Check out LibrarySearch

“Pandora’s Jar: Women in the Greek Myths“ by Natalie Haynes.

“It’s a must for those who, like me, love Greek myths. An enlightening essay about how women have been hidden, belittled or directly condemned in those myths retold many times. The women’s narrative and its complexity have been misinterpreted through History and also Art, so I

enjoyed a lot reading about characters like Pandora, Medusa, and Medea and how they were not as virtuous or monstrous as they have been pictured (normally by men!).”

Maria

“Study with me: effective bullet journaling techniques, habits, and hacks to be successful, productive, and organized” Shao, Jasmin andJagan, Alyssa

“I enjoyed it because I have only recently started bullet journaling and this book gives a good overview of the practical/organisational aspects of how to do it, and also guidance on how to make your journal more creative and interesting.

For anyone who hasn’t heard of bullet journaling before it is a customisable diary/planner that be as simple or complex as you choose to make it!”

You can read this book here, through the Library.

We will have another instalment soon of “What the Librarians are reading” so check back to the blog regularly.

Want some more suggestions right now? Check out our earlier post of book recommendations here!

Stress Awareness Month: Exams

04/04/2022 / jemmalidgard / 0 Comments

Stress awareness month raises awareness of the causes, dangers and learning how to cope with stress. We want to highlight that exams can also be a challenging part of your time at university, but there are ways to help ease the stress and think positively!

Studying

Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, listening to music or perhaps drawing are ways of demonstrating creative revision and studying. Stretching is also a great way of relieving any tension and refocusing the brain!

You can find resources via the library Shelf-Help with books chosen to cope with exam stress and overcome uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

If you are a visual learner and trying to tackle complex topics, post-it notes are a colourful and creative way to organise your thoughts!

Post-it-notes

You could study with a friend or even talk to a family member! This can boost your mood, motivation, and confidence.

Try a new environment to study in; take your books and laptop to a coffee shop or head on down to the library! Libraries offer quiet, comfortable, safe spaces to support you with your studies and revision. For example, Edinburgh Napier University Libraries have study spaces and group study rooms equipped with plasma screens and a whiteboard to accommodate your study needs. You can book these at resourcebooker.napier.ac.uk

Each campus library has a relaxation zone for you to take time out and explore your creative side. If you are studying from home there is also a virtual relaxation space on our library blog!

Have plenty of breaks and refreshments in between your studies!

Relax and study at home

Remember that your best is good enough and think about how far you have come with your goals and achievements.

For additional support visit

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/your-stories/14-ways-to-beat-exam-stress/

https://www.stress.org.uk/national-stress-awareness-month/#:~:text=April%20marks%20the%20start%20of%20Stress%20Awareness%20Month!

Unusual Libraries from the UK

29/03/2022 / julietkinsey / 0 Comments

Image Source

University libraries tend to be large spaces with shelves with thousands of books, computers and study spaces. Students are used to and expect to have these facilities. You may also use public libraries which may not be as big, but still house a huge variety of books and other resources, but not all libraries are the same……

Here are two Unusual Libraries from the UK

Bethnal Green tube station library

Source

When war broke out in 1939 Bethnal Green Underground station was partly completed, and work was halted. In late 1940 it was decided that as the works were far enough ahead it could be used as a safe shelter for the public during air raids. Over a period of months, the station was transformed to house enough bunks to sleep up to 5000 people, a café, theatre and a nursery. This community 78 feet underground also gained a library in 1941-Britain’s only tube station library.

In September 1940 a bomb had fallen on the roof of Bethnal Green Public Library causing vast destruction to the adult learning library. Librarian George F. Vale and his deputy Stanley Snaith pulled a tarpaulin over the shattered glass dome roof and vowed to bring a library to the underground community. The council approved a grant of £50 and a library was created over the boarded-up tracks of the westbound tunnel. Stanley Snaith wrote “All last summer the caverns echoed to the din of hammers and saws. The result was a triumph.” Later in the Library Review 1942, he wrote “Libraries in converted shops, in village halls, in mobile vans are common enough. But libraries in tube shelters are something new under the sun.”

The tiny library measured 15 feet square and opened from 5.30-8pm every evening. It housed 4000 titles that had survived the bombing of the main library. Romances, classics, poetry and children’s books could be borrowed and help the residents to escape from the horrors happening above ground. Snaith wrote of his patrons, “Each dusk sees the first contingent making its way down to the bowels of the earth. The well and the ill, the old and the young, they come trooping down… In the library the youngsters are vocally busy with their book selection, but why should they not chatter to their heart’s content.” Now the “youngsters” are in their 90’s, but they still have fond memories of the tube station library. Pat Spicer, now 92 said, “You can’t imagine what that library represented to me as a place of safety. It sparked a lifelong love of reading.”

As the war dragged on many would have been anxious about what the future held, but in October Bethnal Green Library celebrates its centenary and tube trains still come and go from Bethnal Green station.

Phone box libraries

Source

Across the UK many redundant old red phone boxes have found a new use as micro libraries. This is often in rural areas which have been affected by cuts to spending on public libraries due to cuts in local council funding. The idea is simple-anyone can take a book home, but they are expected to bring it back or bring a replacement.

The first phone box library was set up in 2009 in Westbury-Sub-Mendip following cuts to the mobile library funding. The parish council purchased the box for £1 and locals put up wooden shelves and donated books.

These micro libraries operate on a system of trust and house a large range of titles from cookery books to classics and children’s books. In villages where everyone knows everyone, the system works well, but in some cities, micro libraries have been vandalised and the local community has had to fund and carry out repairs.

These are just 2 examples of libraries in unusual places. If you would like to find out about some other unusual libraries click on the links below:

The Worlds Oddest Libraries

Donkey Libraries of Columbia

ReadingClub2000

Also, check out our amazing article on

Wilderness Libraries of edamalakudi

By Vivienne Hamilton

AM Explorer Database: Millions of pages of primary sources spanning the 15th – 21st centuries

21/03/2022 / julietkinsey / 0 Comments

Trial Access to AM Explorer Database

We have trial access to AM Explorer from Adam Matthew Digital until 5 May 2022.

This fascinating resource will be of interest to staff and students in the School of Arts & Creative Industries and the School of Applied Science, but it is very wide-ranging and potentially useful to all.

AM Explorer brings together a range of the most popular database products from Adam Matthew Digital. These award-winning digital resources which cover the social sciences and humanities were developed in collaboration with leading libraries and archives. They comprise of digitised versions of documents of historical interest collected from public and private sources of the past, but may also include photographs and video content, depending on the topic.

Features include:

Millions of pages of primary sources spanning the 15th – 21st centuries, including a wealth of new content added every year.
Powerful digital collections that transform teaching and research on important themes such as: Borders and Migrations, Gender and Sexuality, Global History, and War and Conflict
Range of additional features to enhance student engagement including Handwritten Text Recognition, Data Visualisation, Video and Oral Histories

You can access AM Explorer from the A-Z Databases list by clicking on the Databases tab in LibrarySearch, or via the URL https://libguides.napier.ac.uk/AMExplorer

Feedback

If you have any questions or comments on this database, please contact Marian Kirton, Subject Librarian for the School of Arts & Creative Industries m.kirton@napier.ac.uk. We are grateful for your thoughts as they will influence future decisions to purchase this resource.

By Sarah Jeffcot

Learn more about our other databases, Nexis and IBISWorld.

World Sleep Day Friday 18th March

14/03/2022 / julietkinsey / 0 Comments

Image source

Wakey, wakey!

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

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

To sleep or not to sleep?

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

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

Source

World Sleep Day

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

and The National Sleep Helpline

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

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

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

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

Or why not check out our Virtual Relaxation Space!

By Lesley McRobb

Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day

08/03/2022 / julietkinsey / 0 Comments

“Imagine a gender equal world.

A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.

A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

A world where difference is valued and celebrated.

Together we can forge women’s equality.

Collectively we can all” #BreakTheBias.

(Source: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/)

women doing break the bias pose for International womens day

Source

History of International Women’s Day

It’s International Women’s Day! A global celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women. It took place officially for the first time on March 8, 1911 in Denmark, Austria, Germany and Switzerland (Source). Coinciding with the female suffragette movement at the time.

The United Nations started sponsoring International Women’s day in 1975 and the United Nations General Assembly stated it was…‘To recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security (Source)

March has since become the celebratory month of women’s contributions to history, science, culture and society. It started off as a week celebrated in California and eventually became a celebratory month recognised globally. The 1960s saw an increase in feminism movements which brought more attention to achievements and contributions made by women throughout history.

International womens day image of woman at work

source

Break the Bias

This year’s theme is “Break the Bias”. It is asking us to stand up to the bias we see in the world and to take action! Read more on International Women’s Day at www.internationalwomensday.com/

Here at Edinburgh Napier University, there will be a number of activities taking place to show our support. We have an event on Women Working in Films & TV, this is an opportunity to network and to hear from a panel of experts in this field. The event takes place on Tuesday 8 March 2022, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm in the Glassroom at our Merchiston campus. More info here.

The ENU Women’s Network is inviting colleagues, irrespective of gender identity, to join them as they build on the network over the coming months. You can learn more and get involved here.

SCONUL Access Scheme. Accessing University and Higher Education Libraries

28/02/2022 / julietkinsey / 0 Comments

The SCONUL Access Scheme: Accessing University and Higher Education Libraries

Overview of the Scheme

SCONUL (Society of Colleges, National and University Libraries) is a reciprocal scheme that allows staff and students of Edinburgh Napier University to access other participating higher education libraries within the UK and Republic of Ireland.

There are currently 182 SCONUL members(libraries) providing access to study space, borrowing or for reference only. Access to computers and online resources is generally not permitted. You will be able to login to the Eduroam network using your Edinburgh Napier University username and password.

Who can use this Scheme?

Eligible staff and students of Edinburgh Napier University can register for SCONUL Access. You must be in good standing with the university and have no outstanding library fees/fines or overdue items on their library account.

Students must be fully matriculated and possess a current matriculation card. Staff should possess a current staff card.

We ask that you always check the website of the library you wish to visit or call them directly for further information about the services available to you. Some libraries may have added requirements you need to be aware of before visiting them.

How many libraries can I join?

You need only apply for SCONUL Access once. After joining you will receive a confirmation email that will allow you to visit any of the participating libraries.

Please note that some libraries are not currently participating in the access scheme.

A full list of participating libraries and further information on how to join this scheme can be found on the SCONUL website www.sconul.ac.uk

If you have any further questions about SCONUL Access please contact: SCONULEnquiries@napier.ac.uk

Learn more about what your Library has to offer here

A gentle reminder that access granted under the access scheme is a privilege and not a right. Thank You.

By Carol Wilkie

Celebrating LGBT+ History Month: Alan Turing

21/02/2022 / julietkinsey / 0 Comments

Alan Turing

Source

To celebrate LGBT+ History Month, the library, in collaboration with Maths Plus, is looking at one of the many figures of the LGBT+ community who changed history. Alan Turing.

Alan Turing is one of the leading mathematicians of the 20th Century. He was a British mathematician and logician who has made major contributions to mathematics, cryptanalysis, logic, philosophy, and mathematical biology. He is responsible for breaking the Nazi Enigma code, helping win World War Two. Furthermore, his work would lead to the creation of the modern computer, and also creating visions for artificial intelligence. His most famous work is the paper published in1950 asking “can machines think?”.

In 1952, Turing was convicted of gross indecency under Section11 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1885. As homosexuality between men was still a criminal offence at this time. Subsequently, he sadly took his own life not long after in1954. It wasn’t until 2009 that the British Government apologised for his treatment with then Primer Minister Gordon Brown saying, “You deserved so much better”. He was pardoned in 2013.

Genius, heroism, self-sacrifice: Alan Turing lived up to some of life’s highest virtues in serving his country, only for the British government to throw him under the bus due to contemporary attitudes about who it was okay to love. Turing’s story is a reminder that “being on the right side of history is about more than just winning a war. It means living up to the values we claim to defend” Source: radicalteatowel.co.uk

Maths Resources

Maths Plus sessions are held at Merchiston Library Monday-Thursday 2pm-4pm in Zone 2

LGBT+ Resources

For more information on how the Library is supporting the LGBT+ community, and for links to resources check out this article.

By Maya Green

New student? Next Steps

18/02/2022 / jemmalidgard / 0 Comments

If you are a new student at Edinburgh Napier University, you will need to matriculate first and complete the steps below to begin.

1. Matriculation

This is where you officially register as a student, and it will take you to your student erecords where you can update personal and financial information. https://evision.napier.ac.uk/si/sits.urd/run/siw_lgn

2. Photo Manager

You will need to upload a photograph of yourself for your student ID card, remember to have a device (either mobile or webcam available) however before doing this you need to check that your address is up to date in the personal information section of step one. Once you have done this, take your photograph and upload it via the link below (you can do this from your phone or a computer/laptop): https://studentcard.napier.ac.uk/access/login

Please note that ID cards usually arrive within 5 working days.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding your ID cards you can call iPoint on 0131 455 2929 or email idcards@napier.ac.uk

3. Edinburgh Napier App The Edinburgh Napier App (also My Account https://i.napier.ac.uk/campusm/home#menu ) is essential for your studies and gives you tiles to access all of your course essentials, and even printing credit!

My Account

4. Introduction to Computers and Library

This is a short introduction to the campus Computers and Libraries via Moodle where you can see how to access your emails, find books, log in and even print: https://moodle.napier.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=16910

5. Health and Safety

All students are asked to read covid-19 return to campus life Student Health and safety guidance and complete the student safe return to campus covid-19 checklist. You can find further information on the webpage below: https://staff.napier.ac.uk/services/governance-compliance/healthandsafety/Pages/HealthSafety.aspx?utm_source=staff.napier.ac.uk&utm_medium=redirect&utm_campaign=has

6. Consent Matters

This is an online course to understand consent and positive change in the university community. It is encouraged to tackle sexual violence and misconduct: https://moodlecommunity.napier.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=296

7. Academic Integrity

Another online tutorial to demonstrate completing assessments with honesty and integrity. You will learn about referencing and plagiarism: https://napier.cloud.panopto.eu/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=c9a8f8ba-2e4f-4246-b508-ad90009b5692

You can find all the steps and information in the link below:

https://my.napier.ac.uk/new-students/next-steps

The library wishes you all the best with your studies!

Chinese New Year

07/02/2022 / jemmalidgard / 1 Comment

For Chinese New Year, it is the year of the Tiger and one of the most important celebrations!

It celebrates the beginning of a new year also known as the Lunar Year from the 1st of February to the 15th of February. The holiday is called the Lunar Year because the dates follow the phases of the moon. Chinese New Year originates from around 3,500 years ago. Legend has it a monster named Nian (meaning Year), would attack villagers, livestock, and crops on the eve of new year. However, it would be afraid of loud noises, lights, crackled bamboo and red (often associated with danger), which were used to chase the monster away!

As the year ends and a new one begins, it is said to bring luck and prosperity by celebrating with feasts, decorations, firecrackers, fireworks, dragons, and red envelopes. It is quite an elaborate display spent with friends and family. Other traditions include cleaning the home to rid of any bad luck or spirit.

Confectionery

The last event of Chinese New Year is the lantern festival where people hang or carry glowing lanterns during an evening parade. A vivid and decorative dragon associated with luck is usually carried by dancers through the streets.

Lanterns

12 zodiac animals represent each year in the repeated zodiac cycle of 12 years, such as the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. As it is the year of the Tiger, this animal symbolises bravery and strength! People born in the years of the Tiger are 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 and 2022.

The Year of the Tiger

You can find past news on Chinese New Year at Edinburgh Napier, like the year of the Ox in 2021:

https://www.napier.ac.uk/alumni/alumni-news/latest-news/lny-2021

There is also the travel guide below to find more information about Chinese New Year and the Tiger zodiac:

https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/special-report/chinese-new-year/

What the librarians are reading: Books we recommend! Part 1

The Book Reviews

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Bethnal Green tube station library

Phone box libraries

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

History of International Women’s Day

Break the Bias

Further Reading

Share this:

Like this:

The SCONUL Access Scheme: Accessing University and Higher Education Libraries

Overview of the Scheme

Who can use this Scheme?

How many libraries can I join?

Share this:

Like this:

Alan Turing

Maths Resources

LGBT+ Resources

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Recent Posts

Archives

Categories

Looking for something?

Contact Us