October 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.

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

Researching artists

Discover a range of print and online resources at the Library that will help to answer all your questions about famous and lesser-known Australian artists and their work.
Time: Tues 7 October, 2–3pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7555 or email 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 8 October, 10.15am–12.30pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7555 or email 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 using 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: Thurs 9 October, 10.30am–12noon
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7555 or email learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Blogging for seniors

It’s never too late to discover new technology! Learn how you can communicate online through a blog (web log), an online journal on any topic. It’s a great way to share your interests and experiences with others.
Time: Fri 10 October, 10.30–11.30am
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7555 or email learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Beautiful botanical illustrations

The Library has one of the country’s richest collections of historical botanical illustrations, from early 16th-century herbals to exquisite 20th-century works. View a selection of fine examples, such as Ferdinand Bauer’s Illustrationes florae Novae Hollandiae, and visit the Library’s acclaimed exhibition Mirror of the World: books and ideas.
Time: Fri 10 October, 2–3pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7555 or email learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Finding newspapers online

Learn how to find current and historical articles from Australian and overseas newspapers, using the Library’s extensive range of newspaper databases.
Time: Tues 14 October, 2–3pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7555 or email learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Extracting Australian Census statistics

Learn how historical and current Australian Bureau of Statistics census information can illuminate Australian social history, or even help you with your next business venture.
Time: Wed 15 October, 10.30am–12noon
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7555 or email learning@slv.vic.gov.au
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 21 October 2–3pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7555 or email learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Building your research skills

Learn about the research process and how to sort through the array of information available to you. Bring your research question, if you have one.
Time: Wed 29 October; 10.30–12noon
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7555 or email learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Enrich your genealogy 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: Thurs 30 October, 2–3pm
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Book online, phone 03 8664 7555 or email 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 online. For bookings and inquiries, call 03 8664 7555 or email education@slv.vic.gov.au.

Library highlights and resources: A free introduction for teachers

(Tuesday 28 October, 5.30–7.30pm)
Discover how the Library can be an invaluable resource for your teaching. You’ll be introduced to the Library’s two permanent exhibitions, The changing face of Victoria and Mirror of the World: books and ideas, and receive an overview of the education programs and services on offer, plus free teaching resources.

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.

Making the Ned Kelly armour

(Years 5–10, 90 minutes, $6 per student)
Students will visit the exhibition The changing face of Victoria to view Ned Kelly’s original armour and learn how and why it was made. They will then work in groups to create a replica model in PVC-free foam, using safe heat-guns and simple tools. The armour can be taken back to school for display.

Make your own book

(Years 5–6, 120 minutes, $8 per student)
In this inspiring workshop, students will discover a variety of book forms on show in the exhibition Mirror of the World: books and ideas and then create their own book, in an accordion or pamphlet-stitch style.

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.