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Edinburgh Napier University Library blog. Filled with useful and fun blog articles on using the Library, the University, Edinburgh and many other fun topics.

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dog in st patricks day hat for blog post St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s Day

17/03/2026 / / 2 Comments

St. Patrick’s Day

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all our Irish students and staff.

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on 17th March. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, but there are parades and parties worldwide due to the large numbers of people with Irish heritage spread across the world.

Source

History of St.Patrick’s Day

Although there are no exact dates of his birth, it is believed that Patrick was born in the Roman-occupied north of England. and that he died on 17th March. His autobiographical work “Confessio” claims that when he was around 16, Patrick was taken from his home in Britain by Irish pirates who took him to Ireland as a slave. There he looked after animals for around six years and converted to Christianity. He fled captivity after hearing a voice telling him he would soon go home. He found passage on a ship and after several days walking he returned home. Following his return, Patrick studied Christianity in Europe-mostly in Auxerre, France and was ordained into the priesthood there. He later returned to Ireland as a missionary, and by the 7th century was already revered as the patron saint of Ireland.

The Irish Potato Famine

There are many people throughout the world with Irish ancestors due to the large numbers who emigrated because of the Irish Potato Famine. It started in 1845 when a fungus ruined around 75% of the annual potato crop, which most of the population relied on for food. Around one million Irish died before the end of the famine in 1852. Another million emigrated to countries such as Great Britain or the United States, and therefore you will find St. Patrick’s Day celebrated in many countries worldwide.

Celebrations

Today descendants of the immigrants celebrate their Irish heritage by dressing up in colourful clothing in green and gold (the colours of the Irish flag), joining parades of pipe bands, cheerleaders, and floats. One of the biggest parades outside Ireland is in New York which held its first parade in 1762. This was a time when the wearing of green was a sign of Irish pride but was banned in Ireland. The parade gave participants the freedom to speak Irish, wear green, sing Irish songs and play the pipes to Irish tunes that were meaningful to the Irish immigrants of that time.

Aside from parades, many pubs and restaurants host events with live music and singing, and you shouldn’t have to look too hard to find one in Edinburgh!

By Vivienne Hamilton

Read more on world festivals and traditions with our articles:

Chinese New Year

Scottish Traditions: Burn’s Night

The Ethiopia Timkat Festival,

New Year Traditions from Around the World

Also, don’t forget you can find out more about everything mentioned in this article at Librarysearch.napier.ac.uk

 

 

Women’s History Month 2026: Leading the Change Toward Sustainability image of 4 female scientists

Women’s History Month 2026: Leading the Change Toward Sustainability

01/03/2026 / / 0 Comments

Women’s History Month 2026: Leading the Change Toward Sustainability

March is Women’s History Month. Every year, we take time to celebrate the contributions of women. We also learn from their leadership, reflect on progress and the challenges still before us. This year’s official theme is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.”

Women Shaping a Sustainable Future

Sustainability means more than saving energy or planting trees. It reaches into economics, social justice, climate adaptation, technology, and culture. The National Women’s History Alliance chose this year’s theme — Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future — to highlight women whose work makes systems stronger, smarter, and fairer. Their leadership shows that people and the planet can thrive together.

Environmental Innovation and Renewable Energy

Women across the world are inventing new clean energy solutions that power homes and protect ecosystems. Inna Braverman, a co-founder of Eco Wave Power, built technology that generates electricity from ocean waves, expanding renewable energy options beyond wind and solar. Her company has installed grid-connected projects in ports and coastal regions.

Reyhan Jamalova started Rainergy while still a student. Her system harnesses rainwater to generate electricity for communities with limited power access, offering an affordable, low-emission alternative to traditional grids.

Work like this showcases how women take leadership far beyond advocacy — they create tangible technology that delivers sustainable power and expands energy access.

Engineering Resilience and Sustainable Infrastructure

Engineering for climate resilience means designing systems that withstand floods, heat, and storms. Women in fields from architecture to civil engineering are redefining resilient infrastructure.

The Society of Women Engineers highlights projects like Living Breakwaters in New York, which reinforce shorelines against storm damage while rebuilding ecosystems and community space.

Architect and sustainability consultant Chinwe Ohajuruka uses bio-climatic design and solar housing in Nigeria to build affordable homes adapted to local climates, making communities safer and more energy-efficient.

Landscape architect Kotchakorn Voraakhom integrates nature into cities so they handle climate risks more effectively. Her projects in Bangkok capture and reuse stormwater, reduce heat, and add public food-producing spaces, turning flood-vulnerable areas into productive urban ecology.

These real examples show how resilience is both a technical challenge and a creative one — requiring people who think beyond concrete into ecosystems and communities.

Economic Sustainability and Business Leadership

Sustainability also connects to business transformation and economic justice. Across industries, women executives drive corporate decisions that shift investment toward climate-friendly solutions.

One sustainability leader in finance, Marisa Drew, directs strategies that support renewable infrastructure investment and reduce emissions through large-scale financing commitments. This work brings needed capital to innovations around the world that fight climate change.

Female entrepreneurs like Susan Blanchet, whose company Origen Air creates plant-based rooftop systems to clean indoor air, show how sustainable products can reshape our built environment and reduce health risks from pollution.

These efforts prove that sustainability is not only technical but economic — building markets that reward environmental responsibility and enhance community wellbeing.

Education, Advocacy, and Inclusive Policy

Educators and advocates play a crucial role in preparing the next generation. Women climate scientists and climate policy experts educate global audiences and influence leaders to adopt equitable sustainability policies. A thought leader in sustainable development has helped bring systems-level climate thinking into mainstream conversations through books and global forums.

Advocates for equity ensure that climate policies include voices from historically underrepresented communities. Their work makes sustainability inclusive, emphasising that long-term environmental goals must align with social justice.

Health, Community, and Cultural Change

Social sustainability — including health, equity, and community resilience — receives increased attention thanks to women leaders pushing for better systems. Initiatives in public health and community organisation help ensure that climate impacts and economic shifts don’t disproportionately burden vulnerable groups.

Cultural influence amplifies sustainability goals. Artists, writers, and filmmakers use narrative to expand awareness about climate justice. These cultural tools help shape public values and encourage broader public participation in sustainability efforts.

Women of Edinburgh Napier University

Dr Emily Alder: Academic associated with the Centre for Conservation and Restoration Science; interests include education for sustainable development and environmental humanities (e.g., coasts/seas).

Dr Gráinne Barkess: Local lead for the Scotland Beyond Net Zero hub at Edinburgh Napier University and Head of Research Environment and Services, with involvement in net-zero/ sustainability research coordination.

Sophie Gerrard: Lecturer and documentary photographer focusing on environmental and social themes (environment-linked research and teaching).

Dr Carolina Costa Pereira: Her research interests lie in renewable energy, energy conversion systems, heat transfer problems and latent heat thermal energy storage for different applications.

Sustainability Beyond March

Women’s History Month offers a moment to recognise leadership, but the work continues year-round. Partnerships between sectors such as engineering, business, education, government, and community groups are essential.

Sustainable systems succeed when multiple voices shape how they evolve. Inclusion ensures that solutions are effective and just. Young innovators and seasoned leaders from all intersectionalities can collaborate, exchange knowledge, and scale impact together.

Toward a Balanced Future

Women leading sustainable change demonstrate that systems innovation and human wellbeing can coexist. Their achievements, whether through renewable energy technology, resilient design, economic leadership, or social advocacy, reflect a holistic approach to sustainability.

History and the present moment both show that sustainability isn’t a solo effort; it’s a collective challenge that requires creativity, courage, and collaboration. Women’s contributions, in every sector, strengthen our ability to face climate, social, and economic challenges with resilience and vision.

Women’s History Month 2026 invites everyone to participate in this work. Not just to celebrate progress, but to accelerate it.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read previous articles on Scottish women in Science here.

photo of card catalogue for blog post: From Ancient Scrolls to Digital Archives

From Ancient Scrolls to Digital Archives

22/02/2026 / / 0 Comments

From Ancient Scrolls to Digital Archives: Tracing the Evolution of Library Databases and Primary Sources

The Importance of Primary Sources

In the realm of historical research, primary sources play a vital role in uncovering the truth behind significant events and shaping our understanding of the past. These original documents, artefacts, and eyewitness accounts provide direct evidence of historical events. Furthermore, they offer unique perspectives that cannot be captured through secondary sources alone. From ancient scrolls to digital archives, the evolution of library databases has revolutionised the way we access and utilise primary sources, making historical research more accessible and comprehensive than ever before.

The Evolution of Library Databases: From Ancient Scrolls to the Digital Age

The history of library databases is deeply intertwined with the progression of human civilisation. In ancient times, before the advent of printed books, knowledge was stored in the form of scrolls and manuscripts. These precious primary sources were meticulously preserved in libraries, serving as the foundation of historical research for centuries.

Fast forward to the modern era, and we witness the transformation of library databases. From card catalogues to online repositories. In the past, researchers would spend countless hours sifting through card catalogues, manually searching for relevant sources. However, with the advent of computers and the internet, library databases became digitised, leading to a significant shift in the way we access and organise primary sources.

The History of Databases: From Card Catalogues to Online Repositories

Card catalogues contained index cards, each representing a specific book or document, arranged alphabetically by author, title, or subject. Researchers would physically search through these catalogues to identify relevant sources. This process could be time-consuming and tedious.

With the rise of computers, libraries began digitising their catalogues, creating online databases that transformed the way researchers accessed information. Instead of flipping through cards, users could now search for specific keywords or browse through virtual shelves. This transition not only made the research process more efficient but also allowed for the inclusion of more comprehensive metadata, further enhancing the accessibility and discoverability of primary sources.

Check out our article on Boolean Searching for tips!

Moreover, the digitisation of primary sources has also made it possible to preserve fragile and deteriorating documents. By creating high-quality digital copies, researchers can access and study these sources without risking further damage to the originals. This preservation effort ensures that future generations will have access to these valuable historical materials. Here at Edinburgh Napier University, we have our own online repository where we preserve the work of our University members.

The Role of National Archives in Preserving Historical Primary Sources

National archives play a crucial role in preserving historical primary sources. These institutions are responsible for collecting, cataloguing, and safeguarding a nation’s most important documents and artefacts. By ensuring the long-term preservation of these sources, national archives provide researchers with a wealth of primary materials to explore.

In the past, access to national archives was often limited to physical visits. Researchers had to travel long distances to access specific collections. However, the advent of online databases has democratized access to these valuable resources. Many national archives now offer digitised collections, allowing researchers from around the world to explore primary sources without leaving their desks.

The Best Databases for Historical Research:

When it comes to historical research, having access to reliable and comprehensive databases is essential. Fortunately, there are numerous online platforms that cater specifically to historians and researchers. Here are some of the best databases for historical primary sources:

JSTOR: JSTOR is a widely recognised and respected database that provides access to a vast collection of academic journals, books, and primary sources. It covers a wide range of disciplines, making it an invaluable resource for researchers in various fields.

ProQuest: ProQuest offers a comprehensive collection of historical newspapers, magazines, dissertations, and other primary sources. Its vast database allows users to search across multiple disciplines and time periods, making it a valuable tool for historical research.

Europeana: Europeana is a digital platform that provides access to millions of digitised cultural heritage items from European museums, libraries, and archives. It offers a rich collection of primary sources, including artworks, manuscripts, photographs, and more.

Library of Congress Digital Collections: The Library of Congress Digital Collections houses a vast array of primary sources, ranging from historical photographs and prints to maps, manuscripts, and sound recordings. It offers a treasure trove of resources for researchers interested in American history.

British Library: Discovering Literature: The British Library’s Discovering Literature database provides access to a wide range of primary sources related to British literature and history. It includes digitised manuscripts, letters, and rare books, offering valuable insights into the literary and cultural heritage of the United Kingdom. Sadly, it is currently unavailable. Hopefully, they will be able to restore it eventually.

These databases represent just a fraction of the available resources for historical research. It is important for researchers to explore various platforms and databases to find the ones that best suit their specific research interests and needs. Check out Librarysearch for a comprehensive list of all our current databases!

The Challenges and Limitations of Historical Databases

While historical databases have greatly enhanced the accessibility and efficiency of historical research, they are not without their challenges and limitations. One of the primary challenges is the sheer volume of information available. With millions of documents and sources at our fingertips, researchers must develop effective search strategies and critically evaluate the relevance and reliability of the sources they encounter.

Another challenge is the potential for bias and misinformation within databases. It is crucial for researchers to be aware of the biases that may be present in primary sources and to approach them with a critical mindset. Additionally, the digitization process itself may introduce errors or discrepancies, further emphasising the importance of careful evaluation and verification of primary sources.

Furthermore, not all primary sources are readily available online. Some materials may still be limited to physical archives, requiring researchers to visit specific locations to access them. Additionally, certain primary sources may be protected by copyright restrictions, making them inaccessible to the public.

Exploring Primary Historical Sources: Tips for Effective Research

When conducting research using primary historical sources, it is important to employ effective strategies to maximise the value of your findings. Here are some tips to help you navigate the vast landscape of historical databases and make the most of your research:

  1. Define your research question: Clearly define your research question or topic before diving into the databases. This will help you focus your search and narrow down the results to the most relevant sources.
  2. Utilise advanced search features: Take advantage of the advanced search features offered by databases to refine your search. Use Boolean operators, filters, and other tools to narrow down your results and find the most pertinent sources.
  3. Cross-reference multiple sources: To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information you find, cross-reference multiple sources whenever possible. This will help you identify any discrepancies or biases and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.
  4. Read beyond abstracts: While abstracts provide a brief overview of a source, they may not always accurately represent its content. Take the time to read the full text of an article or document to fully grasp its context and relevance to your research.
  5. Engage with the scholarly community: Participate in academic conferences, join online forums, and engage with fellow researchers to stay updated on the latest developments in your field. Collaborating and exchanging ideas with others can greatly enrich your research experience.

Online Resources for Accessing Primary Historical Sources

In addition to the databases mentioned earlier, there are numerous online resources that provide access to primary historical sources. Here are a few noteworthy platforms

  1. Internet Archive: The Internet Archive is a non-profit digital library that provides free access to millions of books, films, audio recordings, and other primary sources. It offers a vast collection of digitised materials spanning various disciplines and time periods.
  2. World Digital Library (WDL): The World Digital Library is a project by UNESCO in partnership with libraries and cultural institutions around the world. It provides free access to digitised primary sources from different countries and cultures, offering a global perspective on history.

Embracing the Digital Age While Valuing Traditional Research Methods

As we trace the evolution of library databases and primary sources, it becomes evident that the digital age has revolutionised historical research in unprecedented ways. The accessibility, efficiency, and comprehensiveness of online databases have transformed the way we explore and understand the past. However, it is crucial to strike a balance between embracing the digital age and valuing traditional research methods.

While online databases offer convenience and efficiency, they should not replace physical visits to archives and libraries. The experience of holding a centuries-old manuscript or examining an artefact firsthand provides a unique connection to the past that cannot be replicated digitally. By combining the benefits of digital accessibility with the value of traditional research methods, historians and researchers can uncover the most accurate and comprehensive understanding of history.

So, whether you are diving into the vast online databases or embarking on a physical journey to an archive, remember to embrace the digital age while valuing the richness of traditional research methods. The evolution of library databases and primary sources has opened up new horizons for historical research, allowing us to delve deeper into the past and gain a more nuanced understanding of our collective history.

To explore the vast world of primary historical sources and unlock the secrets of the past, start your research journey today. Harness the power of online databases, visit national archives, and discover the wealth of knowledge waiting to be uncovered.

Happy researching!

By Juliet Kinsey

Image Source: Photo by Jan Antonin Kolar on Unsplash

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

Check our A-Z databases list – unlock specialised resources

07/02/2026 / / 0 Comments

Check our A-Z databases list – unlock specialised resources

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

 

Why check the A-Z databases list?

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

 

Benefits of using databases:

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

 

How to use the A-Z databases list

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

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

By Patrycja Respondek

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

 

Caring and Studying: How Edinburgh Napier University Supports Student Carers image of person supporting a student

Caring and Studying: How Edinburgh Napier University Supports Student Carers

24/11/2025 / / 0 Comments

Caring and Studying: How Edinburgh Napier University Supports Student Carers

Balancing caring responsibilities with university life isn’t easy — and Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) recognises that. Whether you’re a young carer, an unpaid adult carer studying part-time, or a care-experienced student who needs extra support navigating higher education. Napier has a range of dedicated services, bursaries and staff who can help you get to, and stay in, your studies. Below, we break down what’s available, how to access help, and some practical tips for student carers making the campus work for them.

What support is offered

Edinburgh Napier’s webpages for care-experienced students, student carers and estranged students explains the tailored help available before and during study, from admissions support and evidence gathering for funding applications to named advisers who can guide you through practical barriers to participation. This is where to start if you want a single point of contact and personalised advice.

The university’s Wellbeing & Inclusion services (My Napier) provide mental health and disability support that dovetails with carer-specific help — for example, reasonable adjustments, exam or assessment concessions, and onward referrals for counselling or disability inclusion support. If caring duties affect attendance, coursework or placement availability, the Student Adviser and Disability Inclusion teams can work with you and your tutors to put supportive arrangements in place.

Financial support & bursaries

Money is often the biggest worry for student carers. ENU runs a dedicated Care-Experienced Bursary (a small one-off payment currently advertised at around £1,000) and offers help from the Student Funding team when you need documentation to evidence care experience or caring responsibilities for external funding bodies. These funds don’t replace statutory carer benefits, but they can help with immediate study costs like transport, equipment or laptop repairs. Make contact with the Student Funding or Awards team early — they can advise on eligibility and help you apply.

There is also national support that student carers may be eligible for (e.g., Social Security Scotland carer payments, Young Carer Grant etc.), and Napier staff can signpost you to that advice. Check out Scotland’s Hub for Success, which supports carers to get in, stay in or return to education.

Practical adjustments and day-to-day support

Napier’s support is practical: named Student Advisers can help with attendance concerns, timetable clashes, negotiating extensions, or organising placement alternatives if your caring role prevents you from undertaking a placement at short notice. The Disability Inclusion team can arrange adjustments such as flexible deadlines, alternative assessment arrangements or assistive technology access. The accommodation and campus teams can also advise on housing or privacy needs if you’re balancing care and study from halls or a private tenancy.

The university’s careers and employability services collaborate with Wellbeing & Inclusion to support students who disclose caring responsibilities — offering help with CVs, part-time job searches, and realistic career planning that reflects your caring role and timetable.

How to access support

  1. Reveal your circumstances early — contact the “care experienced / student carers” entry point on Napier’s site or email the Student Funding / Student Adviser teams. Early disclosure helps staff put measures in place before problems escalate.

  2. Get documentation in order — the Student Funding team can help gather evidence of care experience or caring responsibilities needed for bursaries or partner funding.

  3. Ask for reasonable adjustments — talk to Disability Inclusion or your course team about deadlines, extensions, or placement alternatives.

  4. Look into national entitlements — Napier advisers can signpost to Social Security Scotland and carer organisations for statutory benefits and grants.

Tips from student carers

  • Keep a short, dated log of caring hours and major incidents — this often helps with funding applications or negotiating adjustments.

  • Build a small “emergency plan” with your course team (who to call, how to postpone assessment if an unexpected caring crisis occurs).

  • Use the university’s mental health and counselling services proactively — juggling caring and study is emotionally draining and getting early support helps you stay on track.

Useful links & contacts

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more about student support on our blog in our article on Wider University Support

AI generated image of fireworks and Parliament for post Bonfire Night and The Gunpowder Plot

Bonfire Night and The Gunpowder Plot

05/11/2025 / / 1 Comment

Bonfire Night and The Gunpowder Plot

In 2018, UK consumers spent £316 million on Bonfire Night, also known as Fireworks Night or Guy Fawkes Night, according to market research company Mintel. Most of that money went up in smoke, spent on fireworks and bonfires. Fireworks displays remained the most popular way to celebrate, with 38% of the population attending an event.

The Gunpowder Plot

Bonfire Night traces back to a 17th-century religious and political plot. In 1605, English Catholics, led by Robert Catesby, planned to blow up King James and his government during Parliament’s State Opening on November 6. They aimed to install a Catholic head of state to end Catholic persecution, following years of religious strife with the Roman Church.

Guy Fawkes

Guy Fawkes, a minor conspirator, gained fame due to his role in guarding the explosives. After an anonymous tip-off, authorities searched the Palace of Westminster’s cellars and found him with 36 barrels of gunpowder. This discovery led to today’s ceremonial “search” of Parliament before each State Opening, carried out by the Yeoman of the Guard, who are rewarded with port.

The plot began in a pub, the Duck and Drake. Fawkes, a mercenary, was hired to ignite the gunpowder. The conspirators rented a cellar beneath the House of Lords and filled it with explosives, delaying their plan twice. Eventually, authorities discovered the plot, and Catesby was killed resisting arrest. Others were tortured, tried, and sentenced to be hung, drawn, and quartered. Fawkes escaped the full punishment by breaking his neck on his way to the scaffold.

Following news of the plot’s failure, Londoners celebrated spontaneously, lighting bonfires. A later Act of Parliament mandated annual commemorations with church services of thanksgiving, though it was repealed in 1859.

This ‘search’ continues today before every State Opening of Parliament, albeit ceremonially, with the searchers, the Yeoman of the Guard, rewarded with a glass of port.  

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Image of Craiglockhart campus from long ago for Ghost Stories: A spooky tale of haunted Campuses
Source

Ghost Stories: A spooky tale of haunted Campuses

30/10/2025 / / 6 Comments

Ghost Stories: A spooky tale of haunted Campuses

Creepy Campuses

Craiglockhart:

Many old buildings have ghost stories associated with them and Edinburgh Napier campuses are no exception. Of course, no one can prove if the sightings are genuine, but here are a few of the stories we have heard from staff….

From 1920 until 1986 Craiglockhart campus used to be a training college for Catholic teachers run by nuns. There have been many reports of a nun being seen around the old part of the campus and in the library which used to be a swimming pool. Apparently, she has been seen walking through a wall near the Rivers Suite and a joiner saw her on one of the upper floors. Many staff members claim to have had a feeling that someone is behind them when they are walking around the old building.

Cleaners say that taps in the toilets along from the library mysteriously switch themselves on and one of them has often spotted an old woman walking along the corridor towards the Hydra café early in the mornings before the campus is open for general access.

One morning library staff came in to find a bookshelf that had been hammered into place had been tipped up at one end and the books were in a heap on the floor. On another occasion, an interior glass panel was completely smashed when staff arrived for work. The panel had been intact when security had closed the campus the previous evening. When shelving books one evening a member of staff heard a thud behind them. A large book that had been lying flat on a shelf and not overhanging had mysteriously landed on the floor.

Craighouse

Our former campus at Craighouse is now a housing development, but it used to be the home of Edinburgh Napier from 1996 to 2011. It was built as a private residence around 1565. In the 1880s it was described as “a weird-looking mansion, alleged to be ghost-haunted” in Cassell’s Old and New Edinburgh. It was a psychiatric hospital from then until the early 1990s when it was sold to Edinburgh Napier. Some of the staff who used to work there claim to have smelled cigar smoke although smoking was prohibited in the building. There were also reports of a piano being played and a baby crying in an attic room. Cleaning staff caught a glimpse of a man wearing a long leather coat with slicked back long hair in the toilets. Furthermore, there were also rumours of underground tunnels leading from secret entrances.

Sighthill

Not to be outdone by Craiglockhart, Sighthill briefly had its own ghost in 2018

Click on the following link to view the full video:

https://twitter.com/i/status/1057546465587924992

We wish you all a Happy Halloween and hope we haven’t spooked you!

Have any ghost stories of your own? Share them in the comments or tag us through social media with Twitter: @ednaplib or Instagram @ENULibrary

By Vivienne Hamilton

Pride Month Picture

Celebrating Pride Month

01/06/2025 / / 0 Comments

Celebrating Pride Month

The start of June is upon us which means the start of Pride month. After all, June is the month of pride. Why June you may ask? Well…

The History of Pride 🏳‍🌈🌈🏳‍🌈

Celebrating Pride month in June is to commemorate the Stonewall riots that happened on the 28th of June 1969. New York Police raided the Stonewall Inn which was a prominent gay club in Greenwich Village, in the early hours of the morning. As police turned violent, and a build-up of social discrimination and continuous police harassment grew, the raid became a riot and a protest. Led by Marsha P. Johnson, it lasted for 6 days. It saw large media coverage and spilt out onto the streets of Greenwich.   This was the ‘catalyst for gay rights and activism in the United States and the world’ (Source)

Known as ‘Mother of Pride’, it was Brenda Howard who organised the first pride march to commemorate the one year anniversary of the Stonewall riots. This became America’s first ever Pride parade. It was not until the 1990s however that Pride Month became more popular (Source). Bill Clinton became the first President to acknowledge June as Pride Month.

Pride Month is not necessarily recognised internationally. However, it is increasingly becoming more recognised outside the United States.

Avoiding Tokenism 

Here at the Library, we love to celebrate Pride month, but we acknowledge that working towards equality is something that needs to happen all year round. We are working hard to promote and diversify our collections to be inclusive of all people, and to redress the imbalances we find in our collections to become more representative of everyone.

Library Resources

The Library has a wealth of books and articles on the subject. From the history of LGBTQ+ rights to current Legal information to keep you informed. Use LibrarySearch to find what you are looking for, or contact us for help with any of your research needs. 

Here are some items available through the Library to get you started: 

Same-sex, different politics: success and failure in the struggles over gay rights

Lgbt Activism and the Making of Europe A Rainbow Europe  

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people (LGBT) and the criminal justice system

University Support

If you are an LGBTQ+ student you can join Edinburgh Napier’s Queer Society or find out more about the student Queer community on the Queer Napier site.  

More Resources here on the Blog

Check out our Diversity Bookshelves to see some of our available books.

Or read more articles on Pride, LGBT+ History Month and Alan Turin.

By Maya Green & Juliet Kinsey

Image of R2D2 from Star Wars for May the Fourth be with you! Star Wars Day

May the Fourth be with you! Star Wars Day

04/05/2025 / / 1 Comment

May the Fourth be with you! Star Wars Day

May the fourth is commonly known around the world by Star Wars fans as Star Wars Day. This is because May the 4th sounds a bit like “May the fourth”. Part of a very famous quote from the film “May the force be with you”.

The History of Star Wars

The Star Wars film franchise is probably one of the biggest, if not the biggest in the world. Created by the founder, former chairman and CEO of Lucasfilm, George Lucas. The first film came out way back in 1977. It was widely expected to be a flop and in fact, Lucas made a bet with Steven Spielberg that ended up costing him £40 Million! He traded a percentage of the takings that turned out to be the best bet Spielberg ever made. Here’s Spielberg talking about it

“[He  said] All right, I’ll tell you what. I’ll trade some points with you. You want to trade some points? I’ll give you 2.5% of Star Wars if you give me 2.5% of Close Encounters.’ So I said, ‘Sure, I’ll gamble with that. Great.’”

The film and its franchise have gone on to become one of the most beloved cult classics of our time. It still continues to grow and expand. The biggest spin-off so far is The Mandalorian and its scene-stealing star”Baby Yoda” aka Grougru.

Fun fact, did you know The Last Jedi was called “Space Bears” during its filming?

Why not have a quick Google search will have you lost for hours in all the amazing facts associated with this movieverse.

Star Wars Day

Events are held all over the world every year to celebrate this beloved Universe. From large get-togethers to home-based movie marathons. Why not host your own celebration this year? Get on some costumes and maybe try out some Star Wars recipes.

Library Resources

Want to watch the films right now? We can help! If you are an Edinburgh Napier University student or staff member then log into Box of Broadcasts (BoB) and you will be able to watch many of the films for free.

Also, check out librarysearch.napier.ac.uk for loads of fascinating items relating to Star Wars! We have a wealth of books, scores and articles.

All that’s left to say is “May the Force/fourth be with you!”

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/star-wars-movie-log-support-r2d2-2172948/

Read more form our blog on Geeky fun with our post on the History of Lego

Statue of Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens’ Birthday

07/02/2025 / / 0 Comments

Charles Dickens’ Birthday

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

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

Childhood

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

Characters

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

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

Charles Dickens on LibrarySearch

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

In order of publication:

Pickwick Papers (1836-37)

A Christmas Carol (1843)

Oliver Twist (1837-9)

Nicholas Nickelby (1838-9)

The Old Curiosity Shop (1940-1)

Barnaby Rudge (1841)

Martin Chuzzlewit (1843-4)

Dombey and Son (1846-8)

David Copperfield (1849-50)

Bleak House (1852-3)

Hard Times (1854)

Little Dorritt (1855-7)

A Tale of Two Cities (1859)

Great Expectations (1860-1)

Our Mutual Friend (1864-5)

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

By Lesley McRobb

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

Sources

photo by Taha (Unsplash)

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