Frequently Asked Questions
You'll find many answers to FAQs elsewhere on our webpages, including how to find books and journals, what to do if you can't find a book you want and ebook FAQs. Here are some of the other questions you might want to know the answers to. If you need help at any stage, email us at library@napier.ac.uk.How can I return my Library books and laptops?
You can return your books and laptops to libraries during opening hours. You can return books to any of our libraries but you must return your laptop to the campus which it was borrowed from.
You can return books in all student accommodation using the return boxes. Please be aware that books returned to student accommodation may take up to a week to be removed from your Library record.
Further information on borrowing and returning laptops can be found in the IT Support section.
Returning via post
You can also post books back to our libraries.
Please don’t post laptops – contact library@napier.ac.uk.
Library addresses
- Craiglockhart Library, Edinburgh Napier University, 219 Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1DJ
- Merchiston Library, Edinburgh Napier University, 10 Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH10 5DT
- Sighthill Learning Resource Centre, Edinburgh Napier University, 9 Sighthill Court, Edinburgh, EH11 4BN
How do I clear my browser cache?
If you are having difficulty accessing Library eresources or University online services you may need to clear your browser cache.
Instructions for clearing the cache can be found within the relevant browser's help pages.
Find help on the Online Learning page - Under the Frequently Asked Question, I'm having difficulty accessing online services. What do I do?
How many books can I borrow?
You only have the print copy of a book, and I want an ebook? (or vice versa)
Subject librarians aim to buy online books where possible. A decision is usually made based on:
- Number of students on a module
- Location of students
- Availability of ebook (a book may be available on Kindle etc for individual use, but not to the academic library market)
- Cost of ebook versus print version
- Academic staff member request
If you feel that a particular format of a book would help you in your studies or research, please contact your subject librarian or use the Unidesk Student Book Purchase Suggestion form.
What do I do if I can't renew my books?
You need to return the item to any of our campus libraries as soon as possible. Items won't renew if they're requested by someone else or if they've reached the maximum loan period of 4 months for books. You can check the due dates of all items on loan to you by signing in to LibrarySearch and going into My Library Card.
For more information, see Automatic Renewals.
What do I do if I get a recall email?
The Library will send you a recall email if an item you have borrowed is requested by someone else. You need to return the item to any of our campus libraries by the due date. You can check the due date by signing in to LibrarySearch and going in to My Library Card.
For more information, see Automatic Renewals.
How do I get an Athens password?
You can find online books, journals, databases and more using LibrarySearch.
If you are looking for a particular resource, see the A-Z list of databases.
To login to LibrarySearch and access most databases and e-resources off campus, you will use your University login.
This is your student/registration number and password, or the same login you use to access University computers and email.
Health and social care workers
If you work in health and social care in Scotland, or in partnership or training with the NHS, you may also be eligible for an NHS Scotland OpenAthens username and access to the Knowledge Network. See the Knowledge Network.
How do I access the Times Higher Education?
Edinburgh Napier University has an institutional subscription to the Times Higher Education. This allows unrestricted access to the THE online. Register via the home page with your University email address and then you can log in both on and off campus.
Go to the A-Z list for the link to the Times Higher Education homepage and sign-up details. Availability of the print edition can be found on LibrarySearch.
Can I find past exam papers in the Library?
The libraries at Edinburgh Napier do not hold past university exam papers, or exam papers of any kind.
Sometimes past exam papers can be found on Moodle. If there is nothing on Moodle, please check with your module leader.
Exam information
See the Exam pages on MyNapier for information relating to exams.
Can I take my borrowed Library books abroad?
We request that you return all Library books before leaving the country. There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, while the items are loaned to you, they remain your responsibility. If your luggage is lost or stolen, you remain responsible for the return of the books and you will be charged the full replacement cost for them. In addition, all books are borrowed on the understanding that they may be recalled at any time, so you run the risk of another patron requesting your book while you are away. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to renew your books for the duration of your trip, and it is unfair on the person who has requested them to have to wait until you return.