Library Learning Programs

The State Library offers a regular program of learning sessions to introduce users to the Library's resources and collections, and to enhance research skills. To make a booking phone 03 8664 7099, email bookings@slv.vic.gov.au or book online for free events through What's On.

New user's guide to the Library

Learn to become an efficient and independent user of the Library's spaces, collections and services, including the online catalogue.
Time: Call to book a one-hour session
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Free (bookings required)

Accessing Library information online

Learn how to find in-depth and up-to-date information via the Library's website from your computer. You can apply basic research skills to access journal articles, newspapers and e-books through a huge range of information databases. (This session is recommended as a prerequisite to the Genealogy, Newsworthy and Research Skills workshops.)
Time: Fri 14 August, 11 September, 13 November, 8 January, 12 February, 10.30–11.30am; Tues 6 October & 19 January, 4.30–5.30pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Free (bookings required)

Newsworthy workshop

Discover resources in the Newspaper Collection, including viewing newspapers in hard-copy, online and microfilm formats. Learn how to search databases to find current and historical articles from Australian and overseas newspapers.
Time: Tues 18 August, 15 September, 20 October, 10 November, 16 February, 9–11am
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Free (bookings required)

Finding Families: Genealogy workshop

Just getting into family history? Learn how to conduct effective, basic genealogy research online and in the Genealogy Centre. Discover valuable resources like Ancestry Library Edition, which contains some 3.5 million names!
Time: Wed 26 August, 23 September, 21 October, 25 November, 9 December, 24 February, 10.15am–12.30pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Free (bookings required)

Family history research with maps

Learn about the variety of map resources in the Library's collection, and how they can be used to support and enrich your family history research.
Time: Mon 31 August, 10.30–11.30am
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Free (bookings required)

Research skills workshop

Learn how to refine your research skills and use web tools to manage the array of information available. Topics include content management, sharing documents, citations and bibliographies.
Time: Wed 9 September, Fri 20 November, Mon 18 January, 10.30am–12.30pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Free (bookings required)

Learning programs for groups

In addition to the scheduled learning programs listed, the Library can provide programs for groups, customised to meet particular needs. Topics include:

• book reviews and author biographies
• researching artists
• Australian journal articles
• census and statistics
• medical and health information
• history of buildings
• company and business information.

For groups only.
Cost: $4 per person, per hour (bookings required at least a month in advance)