How to Use the School Library Association of Victoria (SLAV) as a Student?

The School Library Association of Victoria (SLAV) is an important organization for school students in Victoria, Australia. It is a not-for-profit professional association that aims to support and improve the quality of school libraries and library services in Victoria.

SLAV provides a range of services and resources for members, including:

• Professional development opportunities
• Excellence Awards for school libraries
• Research and publications
• School library resources and services guidelines
• Advocacy for school libraries and library staff

SLAV membership is open to all individuals with an interest in school libraries and library services, including librarians, teachers, parents, and community members. Student membership is free.

As a student member of SLAV, you can take advantage of the many benefits and resources the Association offers, including:

1. Free or discounted entry to SLAV events

SLAV events are a great way to meet other school library professionals and learn about the latest developments in the field. Student members receive discounted or free entry to many of these events.

Attending SLAV events as a student member is a great way to build your professional networks as well as your knowledge and understanding of the school library sector.

2. The opportunity to submit articles for publication in SLAV’s journal, Interface

The interface is the leading journal for the school library and information professionals in Victoria, Australia. As a student member, you can submit articles for publication in the journal.

Getting published in Interface is a great way to build your portfolio. It’s a reputed journal in the field, and having your work published there can be helpful when applying for jobs or further study opportunities.

3. Discounts on SLAV publications

SLAV produces a range of publications, including research reports, guidelines, and journals. As a student member, you are entitled to discounts on all SLAV publications.

Some of the SLAV publications students find useful are:

• The School Library Resource and Services Guidelines 

These guidelines provide advice on planning, developing, and evaluating school library resources and services. They are a valuable tool for anyone working in or interested in school libraries.

• Research reports 

SLAV produces regular research reports on topics relevant to the school library sector. These reports can be useful for students doing research projects or assignments in school libraries.

• Journals 

SLAV publishes two journals – Interface and InCite. Both journals are available online to members. The interface focuses on news and developments in the school library sector, while InCite contains articles on research and practice in information and libraries.

As a student member, you have full access to all the articles published in these journals.

4. Discounts on professional development courses

SLAV offers a range of professional development courses for members, covering topics such as:

• Library management: This course covers the essential skills and knowledge required to manage a school library effectively.
• Information literacy: This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to find, evaluate and use information effectively.
• Student leadership: This course is designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to be an effective student leader in your school library.
• Technology in libraries: This course covers the use of technology in school libraries, including how to effectively use library management systems and digital resources.
• School library advocacy: This course will teach you how to effectively advocate for school libraries and library services when it comes to issues like funding, staffing, and resources.
• Children’s literature: This course covers the essential skills and knowledge you need to select, store and promote children’s literature effectively in a school library setting.

and more.

Student members receive discounts on many of these courses.

Professional development courses are a great way to keep up with the latest developments in the library sector and to learn new skills that can be helpful in your studies or future career.

5. The opportunity to join special interest groups

SLAV has many special interest groups (SIGs), which provide members with the opportunity to network with others who share their interests. Student members are welcome to join any of the Association’s SIGs.

These SIGs include:

• Teacher Librarians in Secondary Schools SIG: This SIG is for teacher librarians working in secondary schools. It provides a forum for discussion and networking and runs professional development throughout the year. In secondary schools, teacher librarians face challenges like budget cuts and staffing shortages. This SIG provides support and information for teacher librarians working in these challenging environments.
• Primary School Teacher-Librarians SIG: This SIG is for teacher librarians working in primary schools. It provides a forum for discussion and networking and runs professional development events throughout the year. Primary school teacher-librarians often work with young children and have a particular focus on literacy and information literacy. This SIG provides support and information for teacher librarians working in these areas.
• Public Libraries SIG: This SIG is for public library staff and volunteers. It provides a forum for discussion and networking and runs professional development events throughout the year. Librarians working in public libraries have to handle a wide range of issues, from budget cuts to digital resources. This SIG provides support and information for public library staff and volunteers.
• School Library Management SIG: This SIG is for school library managers and those interested in school library management. It provides a forum for discussion and networking and runs professional development events throughout the year on topics like budgeting, staffing, and marketing.

and more.

Joining a SIG is a great way to meet other people with similar interests, and to keep up with developments in your area of interest.

6. Access to the Members’ Area of the SLAV website

This includes resources such as model policies, templates, and guidelines. Students can use these resources to help with their studies or when working on school library projects.

How to join SLAV as a student member?

Joining SLAV as a student member is easy – simply fill out the online application form and pay the membership fee. Student memberships are free of charge.

To join SLAV as a student member, simply fill out the online membership form. You will need to provide your contact details and some basic information about your studies or library work experience.

Once you have joined, you will receive a welcome pack, a confirmation email, and access to all of the members’ benefits and resources.

So if you’re a student interested in school libraries and library services, consider joining SLAV today! You can find out more about the benefits of membership by contacting our TutorHelp.Club experts any time you want.