September 2008 - Learning

The Library manages bookings for its free events and programs using an online events management service. The information you provide to register will be stored on servers located in the United States. Find out more about the terms and conditions of this service.

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Adult Learning

First-time 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: Mon–Fri (call to book a time)
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7554
Free

Introduction to the Newspaper Collection

A practical introduction to resources and services in the Newspaper Reading Room, including viewing newspapers in hard-copy, online and microfilm formats.
Time: Tues 2 Sept, 9–10am
Venue: Meet at front entrance, 8.55am
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

More than Google

Learn how to refine your internet searches to quickly and effectively locate information, using popular search engines.
Time: Thurs 11 Sept, 10.30–11.30am
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Finding families: Researching family history

Just getting into family history? Learn research basics, meet staff in the Genealogy Centre and discover valuable resources – such as Ancestry Library Edition, which contains some 3.5 million names!
Time: Wed 17 September, 10.15am–12.30pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Internet training for beginners

This three-part course introduces beginners to internet basics. Part 1, Welcome to the Net, covers using Internet Explorer, following links and finding websites. Part 2: Find it On the Net, will show you how to search effectively for information. Part 3: Introduction to Email, covers setting up a free email account, and sending and receiving email.
Times: The course will run four times in September only: choose one of the courses listed below.

• Course 1: Wed 10 Sept, 10am–12.30pm & 1.30–4pm; Fri 12 Sept, 10am–12.30pm
• Course 2: Tues 16 Sept, 10am–12.30 & pm1.30–4pm; Wed 17 Sept, 10am–12.30pm
• Course 3: Thurs 25 Sept, 10am–12.30pm & 1.30–2pm; Fri 26 Sept, 10am–12.30pm
• Course 4: Mon 29 Sept, 10am–12.30pm & 1.30–2pm; Tues 30 Sept, 10am–12.30pm

Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Please book early, as places are strictly limited - 03 8664 7001
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.

Playful portraits with Leigh Hobbs

(Mon 1, Tues 2 & Thurs 4 September, 10–11.30am or 12.30–2pm. Years 3–6, 90 minutes, $6 per student)
Students will see 19th- and 20th-century portraits of famous Victorians in the Cowen Gallery and hear the stories behind some of these unique characters. They will then discover the art of portraiture in a hands-on workshop with popular children’s book illustrator and author Leigh Hobbs. Each student will create a framed portrait to take home. Students are encouraged to bring a photograph of a friend or relative to work from.

The changing face of Victoria: Free exhibition tour for teachers

(Tues 9 September, 5.30–7.30pm)
Enjoy a relaxed evening at the Library, one of Victoria’s oldest cultural institutions. Attendees will receive a snapshot of the education programs on offer, and a guided tour of the permanent exhibition The changing face of Victoria, including highlights such as Ned Kelly’s armour, Hoddle’s chain and John Batman’s treaty. Discover new ideas and resources to bring Victoria’s history to life in the classroom. The evening will conclude with refreshments and wine.

The changing face of Victoria: Exhibition tour for school groups

(All year levels, 1 hour, $4 per student )
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.

Mirror of the World: Exhibition tour for school groups

(All year levels, 1 hour, $4 per student)
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 the 19th-century Midget Library.

Sport and War: Exhibition tour for school groups

(All year levels, 30 minutes, $2 per student)
This tour will reveal how sport has played a key role in shaping Australia’s identity, particularly during wartime. Students will see unique artefacts from the Australian War Memorial and hear stories about sport during times of war.

Library orientation tour

(All year levels, 45 minutes, $3 per student)
This popular tour is an ideal way for students to engage with the impressive spaces and history of the Library. Students will learn how to register as Library users and use facilities including Experimedia and the Arts, Newspapers and Redmond Barry reading rooms. Highlights include the famous domed La Trobe Reading Room and the Cowen Gallery’s display of historic artworks.

Super-sleuthing workshop

(Years 5–6, 90 minutes, $6 per student)
Students will become history sleuths in this interactive workshop. In a guided tour of the Library, they will learn about key characters from Victoria’s early years and be given clues to the identity of a mystery character. Using the resources in the Library’s Genealogy Centre, including microfiche, databases and reference books, students will research their character while developing their information literacy skills. Students will come away with prizes, plus a taste for research and family history!

Contesting Kelly

(Years 9–10, 90 minutes, $6 per student)
Visiting the exhibition The changing face of Victoria, students will come face-to-face with Ned Kelly’s original armour and see documents, photographs and artefacts relating to Kelly’s story. They will watch a role-play duel and decide for themselves whether Ned Kelly was a hero or a villain.

Research skills workshop

(Years 9–12, 60/90 minutes, $4/$6 per student)
This practical workshop will help upper-secondary students to consolidate essential research skills. Students will tour the Library and learn how to use its collections and facilities, including newspaper microfilm readers, online catalogues and databases. Includes an introduction to ergo, the Library’s new research-based website for secondary students.