The Library Blog

Edinburgh Napier University

Tag: Library (Page 1 of 7)

Image of Scottish flag. A History of St Andrew's Day

A History of St Andrew’s Day

30/11/2023 / / 0 Comments

St Andrews Day 

Today is our patron saint’s day! St Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland. Although 30th November is not a national holiday, there will be various celebrations taking place in Scotland on and around that date, from ceilidhs to fun runs. 

The History of St. Andrew’s Day

St. Andrew is believed to have been born around 5AD and to have come from Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee. He became a fisherman like his brother Peter, who later became Saint Peter. At first, he was a disciple of St. John the Baptist, but later was one of the 12 apostles of Christ. It is thought that he travelled extensively preaching in Scythia, and Thrace, and The Chronicle of Nestor adds that he preached along the Black Sea and the Dnieper River as far as Kyiv, then Novgorod in Russia. He became a patron saint of Ukraine, Romania, and Russia as well as Scotland following his death.

A 4th-century account reports Andrew’s death by crucifixion. He is said to have been crucified on an X-shaped cross, or saltire, at his own request as he felt he was not worthy of being crucified on the same type of cross as Christ. Patras (modern Patrai) in Greece claims the death took place there.

St. Jerome records that Andrew’s relics were taken from Patras to Constantinople (modern Istanbul) by the command of the Roman emperor Constantius II in 357 AD. From there, the body was taken to Amalfi, Italy (church of Sant ’Andrea), in 1208, and in the 15th century, the head was taken to Rome (St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City). In September 1964 Pope Paul VI returned Andrew’s head to Patrai as a gesture of goodwill toward the Christians of Greece. 

In Scotland, the town of St Andrews lies in Fife and legends prevail regarding the naming of the town. One claims that it is where Andrew came to build a church that pilgrims from all over Britain visited to pray. Another story claims that after Andrew’s death it harboured the relics of St. Andrew, which were brought here by a bishop, St. Rule, from Patras. 

How he became Patron Saint of Scotland

How Andrew became Scotland’s patron saint is also steeped in legend. A 16th-century text claims that Oengus II, king of the Picts from 820-834, vowed to make Andrew Scotland’s patron saint after Andrew appeared to him in a vision before a battle with the Angles. Oengus was told to watch for the sign of the cross of Christ in the air. Having seen a cloud formation in the shape of a saltire in the sky, his army went on to win the battle despite being heavily outnumbered, and the Picts agreed to venerate Andrew.

Scotland’s Flag

Scotland’s flag, known as the Saltire, is easily recognisable as a white cross on a blue background and the design could symbolize the clouds against the sky as seen in Oegus’s vision. This design has been in use for centuries and in 1385 the Parliament of Scotland decreed that every Scottish and French soldier (fighting against the English under Richard II) “shall have a sign before and behind, namely a white St. Andrew’s Cross”. Whatever the truth, Scotland has long been associated with St Andrew and will continue to remember him each November 30th.

By Vivienne Hamilton

Read more Posts by Vivienne such as: The Bridges of scotland

Lego figure with moustache

Movember: Supporting Men’s Health

06/11/2023 / / 0 Comments

Movember: Supporting Men’s Health

Calling all our Mo Bros! It’s that time of year again. We want you to embrace your facial hair and grow a moustache for a month. Movember is the global phenomenon that has put men’s health firmly on the agenda and hair firmly on their faces.

History

It’s a movement that started 20 years ago in Australia when two mates met up for a beer and joked about reviving the out-of-fashion moustache. Why not combine their challenge with raising money for charity, they asked themselves. And why not make it a men’s health charity? After all, men are notoriously reticent in talking about their health – mental or physical.

The movement was born, and since then campaigns across the world have been fund-raised for prostate and testicular cancer research and treatment, poor mental health and physical inactivity. Perhaps more importantly, it has created a fundamental shift in the way we talk about men’s health and asks the questions that were previously unuttered. Why, for example, do Black men have twice the risk of prostate cancer diagnosis than other men? Why are first responders (emergency service workers and military veterans) at increased risk of poor mental health and suicide? Why do men find it more difficult than women to make social connections and how have the COVID-19 lockdowns affected that?

Get Involved this Movember in Supporting Men’s Health

There are all sorts of ways you can support Movember. You can grow a moustache, of course, but you can also host a mo-ment – an event that raises awareness. You can fundraise at work or among classmates and friends. Or maybe you’d like to buy some Mo merch.

However you do it, we’re sure you’ll mo your own way.

See here for details on this year’s happenings:

Movember – Changing the face of men’s health – Movember

By Lesley McRobb

Image Source: Photo by Alan Hardman on Unsplash

Read more articles on Mental Health such as World Mental Health Day.

Header image for Preserving the Past: My Journey Volunteering with the University Heritage Collections

Preserving the Past: My Journey Volunteering with the University Heritage Collections

03/11/2023 / / 0 Comments

Preserving the Past: My Journey Volunteering with the University Heritage Collections

Forewords

Delve into the captivating world of heritage preservation through the eyes of one talented high school volunteer. Join Charlie as he unveils his unique experiences and insights gained during his enriching half-term adventure with the Edinburgh Napier University Heritage Collections team. If you would like to consult our Collections please contact us via email

heritage@napier.ac.uk

Introduction

My name is Charlie and I am a student currently studying in my last year at Berwickshire High School. I aim to pursue history as a subject at university. Since an early age when I first began studying in high school, I have been fascinated with history and any surviving items and relics from the past. This passion was only heightened more as I studied History throughout school. This is why when I got the great opportunity to volunteer at the University Heritage Collections, I took it with no hesitation. I found many parts of my experience amazing and fascinating especially when I was working with real preserved books from as far back as the Middle Ages. This really struck my passion for history and made the whole experience worth it as the thought of holding the very same book as someone from the Middle Ages felt so strange and fascinating.

My Experience

My work while volunteering involved working with books from the Edward Clark Collection which illustrates the development of the book from the 15th century, concentrating on the development of typography, the techniques of printing illustrations, and fine bindings. My first task was to check out some of the book’s conditions and how they could be preserved better along with researching them and their origin. I also got the opportunity to spend a day of my volunteering experience doing work at the War poets’ collection which involved me getting to look at and organise real poems from soldiers who had suffered in the war. This really fascinated me as I felt like I was getting a unique chance to investigate the soldiers’ mental struggles and thoughts after their experiences on the front line. As part of my experience, I also got to complete a piece on the history of the poppy that we use for remembrance, which will support the development of a temporary exhibition. This involved looking at each type of poppy and what they mean along with the origins of the remembrance item and how it changed to become a symbol of the First World War. This really excited me as I have always found WWI to be insanely interesting and it was nice being able to research topics directly related to the war. I also got to complete tasks which involved looking at the Mehew collection, this collection is about Robert Louis Stevenson and his works which you may have heard of who’s works including books such as Treasure Island. This involved looking into the History of his works and checking up on the condition and safety of the valuable collection and implementing basic conservation measures to support delicate bindings. I also gained the chance to work with Napier’s expensive new collection scanner which I used to digitise fragile books from hundreds of years ago. Another one of my duties included Installing an exhibition about the history of Merchiston Tower and John Napier himself. Finally, my last task Included processing documentation for collection records. This taught me how to process documents and preserve important collection information for future curators and researchers to learn from.

Photo of Charlie volunteering at the special collections

Summary

I overall gained a lot from this experience which covered a wide range, this spanned from learning how to correctly handle historical records and valuable scanning equipment all the way to learning new information about historical time periods I had less knowledge on such as the Middle Ages and much more. I also was able to see just how fascinating it was to investigate the lives of those who came before us and how they lived their lives.

My experience in this volunteer position has further inspired me to study history at university and reinforced my love of the subject. It has also made me find a new interest in books and how they can be used to study the past.

As a whole, I loved my time volunteering, and it has given me tons of new experiences that will help me as I move forward to university next year.

By Charlie

Check out our Special Collection pages here.

Read more work experiences from other wonderful volunteers on the blog:

Part one Uncovering Hidden Histories: Provenance research internships in the Edward Clark Collection

Part two Uncovering Hidden Histories: Provenance research internships in the Edward Clark Collection

Library You Said We Did

Library You Said We Did

16/10/2023 / / 0 Comments

Library You Said We Did

Here at the Library, we work hard to listen to your needs. We gather your thoughts from feedback, focus groups, stats and comments. This allows us to make our service bespoke to you! Check out the list below of You Said We Did actions:

  • LapSafe laptops were made accessible 
  • ID on mobile phones can now be used instead of a card to borrow laptops from LapSafe  
  • You need to scan only once 
  • The number of laptops increased (24) +12 Merchiston   
  • We have  purchased Over 100 Power with 300 additional sockets and USBs, to allow easier access to power in libraries 
  • 10 double screens now available at Craiglockhart
  • Craiglockhart All-in-one computers installed (34)  
  • Provided adjustable desk risers 
  • Provided ergonomic equipment 
  • Craiglockhart Macs in the silent room 
  • International power adaptors supplied 
  • Family room Craiglockhart initiated 
  • Book stock hours for Merchiston moved to be the same as Craiglockhart & Sighthill
  • Increased number of loans – 30 for students and staff 
  • Took away fines except for any recalled items 
  • Standardised the replacement cost of items 
  • Simplified language used if notifications 
  • Streamlined the Wellbeing LibGuide and renamed the collection making it more relevant to students 
  • Study room booking time increased 
  • Digitized requests are now OCR-readable 
  • Furthermore, All library web page links were checked for accessibility and amended as needed 

Check out everything the Library has to offer on our Webpages.

In addition, leave us more feedback here! We love hearing from you. Select a rating and then leave your comments.

Furthermore, read more on why we want feedback in this blog article.

Library Relaxation Spaces banner for a virtual relaxation zone

Library Relaxation Spaces

11/09/2023 / / 0 Comments

Library Relaxation Spaces

Physical relaxation Spaces

We know University life is devoted to study and learning, but we also want you to feel relaxed and comfortable every time you enter our libraries.  It’s essential to take time out, de-stress, and give yourself a break from your studies. Looking after your mental and physical well-being is crucial to your success at university.

With that in mind, we hope you’ll feel welcome in our relaxation spaces. These are small colourful areas we’ve designed for you to sit back, and enjoy the benefits of natural light and soft seating.

Each of our three campus libraries has its own dedicated space, ask the helpdesk for directions. In these spaces, we’ve provided puzzles, jigsaws, craft materials and colouring books and pens to help you feel relaxed and explore your creativity,  But maybe you just want to sit and do nothing for a while. That’s fine too – pull up a beanbag, talk to the plants, or just sit, put the notes down and let your mind wander. You’ll feel all the better for a break and ready to tackle your next assignment.

For more information on our relaxation spaces, please see here: Relaxation Spaces (napier.ac.uk)

Online Relaxation Space

Not only do we have physical spaces, but we also have an online relaxation space! Right here on the blog, we have an area dedicated to helping you take time out to relax from studying. Check out our online relaxation space at the top of this page. There is something for everyone, with links to breathing exercises, art therapy and relaxing music. To name just a few.

By Lesley McRobb

Image of students studying for Blog post for Welcome to the library

Welcome to the library

01/09/2023 / / 0 Comments

Welcome to the library

We would like to welcome all our new students to the library and, of course, the library blog. This is a place to keep you informed about the library, such as changes to opening hours, equipment for loan and our library spaces.  Furthermore, we will also post lots of fun items too (check out our Lego and Barbie posts), informative posts (Out and about in Scotland and International Moon Day) and posts raising awareness (World Ocean Day and Stress Awareness Month).

Opening hours

Opening hours are listed on our webpage. Hours will change during trimester 3 and at holiday periods.

Library Search

Library Search is our catalogue which lets you search for books and articles and gives you access to thousands of ebooks and articles.

Book loans

Books can be borrowed from the self-service kiosks using your student card. Loans are for up to 4 months, provided the book is not requested by another user. You will receive a borrowing activity letter each week which will let you know whether your loans have been renewed or if they should be returned.

Click and Collect Service

You can make requests for books using our Click and Collect service. You can request books from any campus library and you can collect them from whichever campus suits you best.

Study spaces

All campus libraries have group study rooms bookable through Resource Booker. Additionally, We also have individual study spaces and collaborative desks which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Laptops

All campus libraries have laptops for loan from our Lapsafes. Loans are for 2 weeks and the safes are self-service, operated using your student card.

Special events

Not only do we help you with all your studying needs, but in addition, we also run events throughout the year so keep a look out for posters and social media posts to see if booking is required. Previous events include an Easter Egg Hunt and Therapets visits.

Library tours

Want to learn about all things Library and get a head start on your studies? You can book a library tour to get all the information you need for your studies!

Get Connected

IT is offering Get Connected sessions at the beginning of term to help with connecting to university Wi-Fi, using the Napier app, multi-factor authentication and any other IT issues you may have. These are drop-in sessions at the times and places listed in the link.

Printing

Printers are available in all campus libraries-make sure that you have enough print credit to complete your job.

Relaxation Spaces

If you need to take some time out from your studies head to our Relaxation Spaces – there’s one on each campus. We have books, games, colouring sheets and suggestions to help you de-stress.

By Vivienne Hamilton

International Dog Day Bertie

International Dog Day

26/08/2023 / / 0 Comments

International Dog Day

Everyone knows Librarians love cats, but we are an open-minded and inclusive lot here at Edinburgh Napier and our homes are open to not just fluffy felines but delightful dogs too! Here we showcase some of our Librarian’s gorgeous pups.

So come meet a few of our Staff’s Dogs!

Continue reading

A photo of 2 Bridges of Scotland at Queensferry

Bridges of Scotland

14/08/2023 / / 0 Comments

Bridges of Scotland

On the 30th of August, it will be 6 years since the Queensferry Crossing opened. If you have ever travelled to Fife and beyond by car then you will have crossed it! This lifeline artery was built as a replacement for the old Forth Road Bridge which was beginning to suffer from corrosion in the suspension cables. This resulted in a loss of strength with weakening calculated to accelerate. This would result in traffic restrictions to limit loading and would impact heavily on tourism, logistics and commuting from Fife, Perth, Aberdeen, Dundee and the Highlands. In 2007 Transport Scotland decided to proceed with a replacement bridge. Known as the Forth Replacement Crossing, the bridge was finally named in 2013 following a public vote with Queensferry Crossing receiving the most votes. Scotland has many interesting and attractive bridges and here are a few you may be interested in:

Sluggan Bridge

Remote from a town or village this tall bridge over the River Dulnain seems quite out of place to modern eyes, but at one point this was part of General Wade’s military road and a vital crossing. Originally the crossing was merely a ford, but a two-arch bridge was built in the 1760s. This was swept away in a flood in 1829 and was replaced in the 1830s with the single-span bridge you can see now. Major repairs were carried out to the bridge in 2001/02 by Sustrans as part of the National Cycle Network Route 7. Sluggan Bridge is category A listed and a scheduled monument. The Wade Road is an ancient right of way.

Craigellachie Bridge

This elegant bridge spanning the River Spey is the oldest surviving iron bridge in Scotland. Built between 1812 and 1815 it was designed by the world-famous engineer Thomas Telford. Telford allowed for floods and the bridge withstood a major flood in 1829 when the Spey rose by 4.7 meters. The spandrels are formed of diamond lattice to form a delicate design. The castellated towers that decorate the abutments are hollow with false arrow slits. The bridge, with minor modifications, continued in use until 1963–64 and was bypassed and closed to vehicles in 1972 when its pre-stressed concrete replacement just downstream, was opened. Craigellachie Bridge is now an outstanding historical and scenic amenity used by pedestrians and cyclists.

Forth Bridge

This iconic bridge is sometimes referred to as the Forth Rail Bridge, but that’s not its official name. It spans the Forth estuary carrying the railway lines connecting the north and south of Scotland, and when it opened it was the world’s longest single-span cantilever bridge. The first design to be approved for a rail bridge across the Forth was by Thomas Bouch. This design was abandoned following the Tay Bridge disaster because that bridge had also been designed by Bouch. In the end, the design by John Fowler and Benjamin Baker was chosen and the bridge opened in 1890. At the busiest point in construction, 4000 men were employed; unfortunately, 57 men died. The bridge carries 200 trains each day and 3 million passengers each year. In 2015 the bridge was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in its 125th anniversary year.

Skye Bridge

The short 500m crossing between Skye and the Scottish mainland was made by ferry until the Skye Bridge opened in 1995. The bridge is a concrete arch supported by 2 piers and it is 2.4 km long with the main arch being 35m high. Although the bridge is free to cross now, this was not always the case. The bridge was built with private rather than government funding. This meant that the private company that owned the completed bridge could charge a toll to cross it. This charge applied to locals and tourists alike which meant that whenever an islander needed to access services or visit family on the mainland, they had to pay the toll. A campaign group SKAT (Skye and Kyle Against Tolls) was set up and in 2004 the Scottish Government purchased the bridge and abolished the tolls. The bridge has made Skye much more accessible and in recent years this has caused a large increase in tourism due to exposure on tv programmes promoting the outdoors and the historical fantasy series Outlander. Islanders now complain of rubbish being dumped, busy roads and erosion of paths due to the large numbers visiting Skye.

Scotland’s newest bridge-Lossiemouth East Beach Bridge

The town of Lossiemouth in Moray relied heavily on fishing and when the industry fell into decline in the 1970s the town began to rely on tourism. There are many lovely walks and interesting attractions to visit in the area, but the town’s biggest asset is the several miles long sandy East Beach. With pristine sands and a large dune system, the beach was well used by tourists and in recent years supported a surf school. But in order to get to the beach, the estuary of the River Lossie had to be crossed. Access was by an old wooden bridge and in 2019 a member of the public reported hearing a loud crack as they crossed it. The bridge was surveyed, and it was decided it was a risk to the public, so it was permanently closed. This was devastating to local tourism with shops and hospitality businesses reporting large falls in trade and cancellations of bookings. The estimated collective annual cost of closure was £1.5 million. However, help was to come from an unexpected source. When the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020, the UK government put financial help packages in place for hotels, restaurants and shops across the country. This ensured that Lossiemouth’s businesses were protected not only from the effects of the pandemic but from the loss of its biggest tourist attraction.

Meanwhile a tendering process was carried out and eventually, preparation works for a new bridge began in November 2021. The new bridge was completed in April 2022 and was officially opened in May. If you would like to see the bridge, beach and do some people watching, then click here.

 

You can use Library Search to find books and articles on more bridges of Scotland, bridge construction and tourism pressures.

By Vivienne Hamilton

Barbie doll photo for blog post Barbie: From Iconic Fashionista to Cultural Phenomenon

Barbie: From Iconic Fashionista to Cultural Phenomenon

07/08/2023 / / 0 Comments

Barbie: From Iconic Fashionista to Cultural Phenomenon

Exploring the Fascinating History of the Doll

No one can be unaware of the new Barbie movie that was recently released and the new conversations it is bringing up. So why not read a bit about her history and Barbie’s place in the cultural Zeitgeist.

Barbie and her Impact on Popular Culture

The Barbie doll is an iconic figure that has had a profound impact on popular culture since her introduction in 1959. Created by Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, Barbie quickly became a beloved toy for children around the world. With her stylish outfits, glamorous lifestyle, and ever-evolving persona, Barbie captured the imaginations of generations and became a symbol of beauty, fashion, and empowerment.

The Early Years: The Birth of Barbie and her First Appearances

Barbie made her debut at the New York Toy Fair in 1959, where she instantly caught the attention of buyers and the media. With her blonde hair, blue eyes, and hourglass figure, Barbie represented a departure from the baby dolls that were popular at the time. She was marketed as a teenage fashion model, and her wardrobe consisted of stylish outfits that reflected the latest trends.

During her early years, Barbie faced some criticism for promoting unrealistic beauty standards and perpetuating gender stereotypes. However, her popularity continued to soar, and she soon became a staple in toy stores and households across the globe. Barbie’s success paved the way for a new era of dolls and toys that focused on fashion, glamour, and self-expression.

The Evolution of Barbie’s Appearance and Fashion Choices

One of the most fascinating aspects of Barbie’s history is the evolution of her appearance and fashion choices. Over the years, Barbie has undergone numerous transformations to reflect changing beauty standards and societal preferences. From her iconic blonde hair to her signature pink outfits, Barbie has always been at the forefront of fashion trends.

In the 1960s, Barbie embraced the mod look with her stylish mini-skirts, go-go boots, and bold prints. In the 1970s, she sported a more natural look with her sun-kissed tan and bohemian-inspired outfits. The 1980s saw Barbie embrace the glitz and glamour of the era with her big hair, shoulder pads, and sparkling accessories. In recent years, Barbie has embraced diversity and inclusivity by introducing dolls with different body types, skin tones, and hairstyles.

Barbie’s fashion choices have always been a reflection of the times, and her ability to stay relevant and adapt to changing trends has played a significant role in her enduring popularity.

Barbie’s Cultural Impact and Controversies

As a cultural phenomenon, Barbie has had a significant impact on society and has sparked numerous controversies throughout her history. On one hand, Barbie has been praised for encouraging imagination, creativity, and self-expression in children. Many young girls have looked up to Barbie as a role model and have been inspired by her glamorous lifestyle and career choices.

However, Barbie has also faced criticism for promoting unrealistic beauty standards and reinforcing harmful stereotypes. Some argue that Barbie’s unrealistic proportions and emphasis on physical appearance can negatively impact body image and self-esteem, especially in young girls. Additionally, Barbie has been accused of perpetuating gender stereotypes by portraying women primarily in roles related to fashion and beauty.

Despite these controversies, Barbie has remained a beloved and influential figure in popular culture, inspiring countless children and adults alike.

Read more on Barbie in the book: Barbie Culture by Mary F Rodgers, available at Merchiston Library

The Iconic Barbie Cut-out Box and its Significance

One of the most recognizable aspects of Barbie’s packaging is the iconic cut-out box. Introduced in the early years, the Barbie cut-out box allowed children to play with Barbie and her accessories in a miniature world. The box featured a cardboard backdrop, furniture, and clothing that could be cut out and assembled to create various scenes.

The Barbie cut-out box not only provided an interactive and imaginative play experience but also served as a marketing tool. The box showcased Barbie’s extensive wardrobe and accessories, enticing children to collect and play with different outfits. The cut-out box became a symbol of Barbie’s fashion-forward image and added to the overall allure of the doll.

Why not head upstairs in Merchiston Library and check out some of the books on packaging design?

Barbie’s Role in Promoting Diversity and Inclusivity

In recent years, Barbie has made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusivity. Recognizing the need for representation, Mattel introduced dolls with different body types, skin tones, and hairstyles. Barbie now comes in a range of sizes, including petite, tall, and curvy, allowing children to see themselves reflected in their toys.

Barbie has also partnered with influential figures and organizations to promote inclusivity and empower young girls. Collaborations with the likes of Olympic athletes, scientists, and artists have showcased the endless possibilities and potential that girls have. By expanding the range of dolls and highlighting diverse role models, Barbie has sought to inspire and empower children of all backgrounds.

Barbie’s Influence on Fashion and Style Trends

Barbie has long been a fashion icon, inspiring countless trends and styles over the years. Her ever-changing wardrobe, from glamorous gowns to casual chic ensembles, has captivated the imaginations of fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Barbie’s influence extends beyond the toy industry, with her fashion choices often making their way onto runways, magazines, and even real-life wardrobes.

Barbie’s impact on fashion trends can be seen in her collaborations with fashion designers and brands. From high-end designers to fast-fashion labels, Barbie has partnered with renowned names to create limited-edition collections that bring her iconic style to life. These collaborations have not only elevated Barbie’s fashion status but have also cemented her position as a cultural icon with a lasting influence on the fashion industry.

Barbie’s Collaborations and Partnerships

Barbie’s collaborations and partnerships have played a significant role in shaping her image and expanding her influence. Over the years, Barbie has teamed up with various brands, celebrities, and organizations to create special editions and collections that reflect current trends and interests.

Whether collaborating with iconic fashion houses to featuring pop culture icons, Barbie has stayed relevant. By aligning herself with influential figures and brands. These collaborations have not only increased Barbie’s appeal but have also allowed her to connect with diverse audiences and expand her reach beyond the toy aisle.

The Future of Barbie: Innovations and Changes Over the Years

As Barbie celebrates over six decades of success, the future looks bright for this iconic doll. Over the years, Barbie has continued to innovate and adapt to changing times. From embracing diversity to incorporating technology into play experiences, Barbie has shown that she is not afraid to evolve and stay relevant.

In recent years, Barbie has embraced digital play experiences, allowing children to interact with her through online games, apps, and social media. This digital integration has opened up new avenues for storytelling and imaginative play, keeping Barbie at the forefront of children’s playtime.

Looking ahead, it is clear that Barbie will continue to evolve and adapt to meet the needs and desires of future generations. The enduring legacy of this fashionista doll will continue to inspire and empower children around the world.

Barbie’s Enduring Legacy and its Impact on Society

In conclusion, the Barbie doll has had a fascinating history and has left an indelible mark on popular culture. From her early appearances as a teenage fashion model to her current role as a champion of diversity and inclusivity, Barbie has continuously evolved to reflect changing times and societal values.

Despite facing controversies and criticism, Barbie’s enduring popularity is a testament to her ability to capture the imaginations of millions. Her influence on fashion, style trends, and popular culture cannot be overstated. Barbie has not only entertained generations of children but has also inspired them to dream big and embrace their individuality.

Furthermore, as we look to the future, it will be interesting to see how Barbie continues to evolve and adapt. With her rich history and enduring legacy, Barbie will undoubtedly remain a cultural phenomenon for years to come.

By Juliet Kinsey

Barbie: From Iconic Fashionista to Cultural Phenomenon. What do you think about Barbie? Let us know in the comments below. Is she new feminist Icon or a simple doll?

Loving our toy theme? Read about the History of Lego on our Blog too.

Image Source: Pezibear on PixaBay

photo of people outside during The Edinburgh Festival

The Edinburgh Festival

10/07/2023 / / 0 Comments

The Edinburgh Festival

Everything you should know about The Edinburgh Festival

The Edinburgh Festival is one of the most famous and internationally loved festivals in the world. It boasts multiple festivals within the festival, as well as art shows and street performances around every corner.

Here’s a list of the main festivals:

There is something for everyone no matter your interest. Us Librarians of course get very excited by the Book festival and a chance to hear our favourite authors read from their work is a rare privilege. All the big names appear in our tiny city and the excitement and energy on the streets is invigorating.

History

Incredibly The first ‘International Festival of Music and Drama’ took place between 22 August and 11 September 1947 (Wikipedia). The ethos behind the creation of the festival was  “provide a platform for the flowering of the human spirit” (Source) after the horrors of the Second World War.

Beginning with the high arts of Ballet, Opera, Classical music and the Visual Arts. It has grown to encompass so much more. The Edinburgh Fringe is a place to hear some of the greatest up-and-coming comedians, as well as standard favourites from around the Globe. The Jazz and Blues festival boasts some of the best musicians in the world. Not to mention the street performances that are free for everyone. Although you will need plenty of time to get between shows as it’s hard to resist stopping constantly to see them all.

Library Resources for Edinburgh Napier members

Whether it’s Jazz musicians or film criticism you are interested in, check out librarysearch.napier.ac.uk for all our resources

Read more about different festivals here on our blog. Check out: The Cherry Festival 

By Juliet Kinsey

« Older posts

Contact Us

Email: library@napier.ac.uk

Telephone: 0131 455 3500

Twitter: @EdNapLib

Instagram: @ENU_Library​

 

© 2023 The Library Blog

Theme by Anders Norén — Up ↑

%d bloggers like this: