December 2007- Learning

Adult Learning

In addition to the programs listed below, the Library can provide customised learning programs for groups, designed to meet your needs. To find out more, call 03 8664 7554.

New User's Guide to the Library

Learn to become an independent user of the Library's services and collections (includes a catalogue demonstration).
Times: Mon 10.30–11.30am, Wed 3–4pm, weekly
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required
Free

Using the Newspaper Collection

Get to know the resources available in the Newspaper Reading Room, including viewing newspapers in hard-copy, online and microfilm formats.
Time: Tues 4 December, 9–10am
Venue: Meet at front entrance, 8.55am
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or email learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Finding Book Reviews

Learn how to find Australian and international reviews of contemporary and classic books, using literary guides, print indexes and electronic indexes and databases.
Time: Thurs 6 December, 10.30–11.30am
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7555
Free

Finding books to borrow or buy

Even the State Library doesn’t have every book! Learn how to find out which libraries hold the book you want, or where you can purchase a copy. (Bring along the book’s publication details.)
Time: Thurs 13 December, 10.30–11.30am
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7555
Free

Introduction to the Arts Reading Room

Discover the resources available in the Arts Reading Room, including how to listen to recorded music and view documentaries and performances.
Time: Wed 19 December, 2–3pm
Venue: Arts Reading Room
Bookings: 03 8664 7555
Free

Programs for Schools

The Education Programs Unit offers tours, workshops and specialised learning activities daily. The full program is available online. For bookings and inquiries, call 03 8664 7015 or email education@slv.vic.gov.au.

Victorians on Vacation: Free teachers’ preview

Teachers are invited to celebrate the end of the school year with a special viewing of Victorians on Vacation, followed by refreshments and a performance by comedian Josh Earl. Book early – places are limited to 100.
Time: Thurs 13 December, 5.30–7.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7015 or education@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Library orientation tour

This popular tour is an ideal way for students to engage with the impressive spaces and history of the Library, a Melbourne cultural icon. Highlights include the famous domed La Trobe Reading
Room and the superb Cowen Gallery, with its display of historic artworks. On a more practical level, the tour will introduce students to the Library’s extensive information resources.
All year levels, 30 minutes, $2 per student

Victorians on Vacation: School visits

School groups are welcome to visit the Library's new exhibition, Victorians on Vacation. Bookings are not required, but please call 03 8664 7015 in advance to arrange a suitable time for your visit.

Mirror of the World: Exhibition tour for school groups

In the exhibition Mirror of the World: books and ideas, students will discover the evolution of printing, book production and design. Highlights include Audubon’s magnificent Birds of America and superb rare books and literary classics from the 13th to the 21st centuries.
All year levels, 1 hour, $4 per student

The changing face of Victoria: Exhibition tour for school groups

Students will be guided in the exhibition to develop an understanding of the arrival of white settlers in Victoria, and of the land's earlier inhabitants. They will view Ned Kelly’s original armour and explore stories and personalities that have made Melbourne unique.
All year levels, 1 hour, $4 per student

Making Ned Kelly's armour

After viewing Ned Kelly’s original armour in The changing face of Victoria exhibition, students will learn about how and why it was made in this hands-on workshop where they create a replica model in PVC-free foam plastic, using safe heat guns and simple tools. The model can be taken back to school for display and as a classroom resource.
Years 5–10, 90 minutes, $6 per student

Make your own book

Students will visit the exhibition Mirror of the World: books and ideas to see inspiring books in many formats, including hand-made artist books, and then attend a creative workshop to make their own book in an accordion or pamphlet-stitch style, using templates provided.
Years 5–6, 2 hours, $8 per student