May 2008 - 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 efficient and independent user of the Library’s services and collections, including the online catalogue.
Time: Sessions available Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7554
Free

Introduction to the Newspaper Collection

A practical session to introduce you to the resources and services available in the Newspaper Reading Room, including viewing newspapers in hard-copy, online and microfilm formats.
Time: Tues 6 May, 9–10am
Venue: Meet at front entrance, 8.55am
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Finding families: Researching family history

Just getting into family history? New to the Library’s Genealogy Centre? This two-hour session will get you started. Learn research basics, meet Genealogy staff, answer quiz questions and discover valuable resources – such as Ancestry Library Edition, which contains some 3.5 million names!
Time: Wed 7 May, 10.15am–12.30pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Discover the law collection in Law Week

Did you know the Library’s law collection is one of the largest public-access law collections in Victoria? Find out how to access up-to-date legal information in print and electronic formats. (Visit the Law Week website for more information.)
Time: Mon 12–Fri 16 May, 12noon–1pm daily
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required
Free

Accessing Library online information from home

Learn how to find in-depth and up-to-date information via the Library’s website, from your home computer. You can access journal articles, newspapers, encyclopedias and other e-books through information databases.
Time: Tues 13 May, 2–3pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Finding medical and health information

Don’t just Google it – learn how to find the latest, authoritative health information in books and electronic resources. You can find out about: diseases and disorders; conventional and alternative treatments; medications and their side-effects; mental health and illness; and how to find good medical websites.
Time: Wed 21 May, 10.30am–12noon
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Finding Australian journal articles

The Informit database has hundreds of thousands of articles on Australian subjects, including agriculture, business, education, medicine, law, media and science. Learn search strategies and tips on locating the articles you need.
Time: Fri 23 May, 2–3pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

The history of buildings

Learn how to research the history of your house or a prominent Melbourne building using the Library’s extensive architectural collection, including maps, drawings and online tools. Ideal for architecture students, professionals and home owners.
Time: Wed 28 May, 2–3pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Programs for Schools

The Education Programs Unit offers tours, workshops and specialised learning activities on weekdays during Victorian school terms. View the full program. For bookings and inquiries, call 03 8664 7555 or email education@slv.vic.gov.au.

The Medieval Imagination: Free teachers’ preview

(Tues 6 May, 5.30–7.30pm)
Teachers are invited to enjoy a free guided tour of this magnificent exhibition and receive a free teacher resource kit. The evening will conclude with supper and wine. Book early, as places are limited.

The Medieval Imagination: Exhibition tour for school groups

Students will view a demonstration of how illuminated manuscripts were made and discuss what they tell us about medieval life, then be guided through this magnificent landmark exhibition.
All year levels, 1 hour, $4 per student

Medieval calligraphy workshop

Following a demonstration of manuscript production and a tour of the exhibition The Medieval Imagination, students will be introduced to the art of calligraphy and make their own ‘illuminated manuscript’ page to take home.
Years 5–8, 2 hours, $8 per student)

Library orientation tour

This popular tour is an ideal way for students to engage with the impressive spaces and history of the Library. 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, 45 minutes, $3 per student

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 discover unique Melbourne stories.
All year levels, 1 hour, $4 per student

Make your own book

In this inspiring workshop, students will see books of many sizes and formats displayed in the exhibition Mirror of the World: books and ideas, and will then create their own book in an accordion or pamphlet-stitch style, using templates provided.
Years 5–6, 2 hours, $8 per student

The Hoddle waddle

In this engaging program, students will encounter fascinating historical and cultural sites in Melbourne’s CBD and use teamwork skills to navigate the city, find clues and discover locations. They will then present an account of their journey, using Photo Story software and their own photographs.
Years 9–10, 5½ hours, $20 per student (subsidised price for regional Year 9 students through ArtsConnect9).

Research skills intensive

This practical workshop gives senior students the opportunity to consolidate essential research skills. They will be given a guided tour of the Library, learning how to access its collections and services, including registering as a Library user, using the online catalogue, requesting books and using newspaper microfilm readers and information databases.
Years 9–12, 1 hour, $4 per student