AUTISM VICTORIA LIBRARY
About the Autism Victoria Library
The Autism Victoria Library holds books, magazines, journals, videos and other materials specifically about Autism Spectrum Disorders. There are over 1300 items in the library. The materials in the library are selected for their relevance and value to parents, siblings and people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. We do not hold Specialist testing, curriculum and treatment materials as these require the user to have specific training.
We are very grateful to Footprint Books and book in hand who regularly donate materials to the Autism Victoria library. We are also grateful to the members and support groups who make donations from time to time. In 2004, Autism Victoria received a generous grant from Paul Newman's Own to provide multiple copies of many library items, as well as to update our library database facility.
Who can borrow books?
Only current financial members of Autism Victoria, and staff from our affiliates, or Organisational Members are able to borrow our library materials. Journals cannot be borrowed.
How do I know what is in the library?
The two reading lists detail the most useful and popular books and videos. One list focuses on books about Autism Spectrum Disorder - Autism, and the other on Autism Spectrum Disorder - Asperger Syndrome.
New items are added to the Autism Victoria library regularly, and details are published in The Spectrum. The reading lists on this web site are updated annually. A printed listing of our complete catalogue can be borrowed by Autism Victoria members or purchased for a fee of $10.00 from Our Shop.
Library items are organised in the following categories:
- General Reference (including specialist texts)
- Training Programs and Approaches
- Families, Personal Experiences, Children's books and Autobiographies
- Magazines, Newsletters, Special Articles and Papers of interest
How do I arrange to borrow a library item?
The Autism Victoria library uses a computerised Reservation and Loan database. Loan Requests can be made by phone, fax or email or by visiting the Autism Victoria office.
Loans can be collected and returned directly from the Autism Victoria office or we can post loan items to you. Borrowers are required to cover postage costs and an invoice is included with each loan.
The easiest payment method is to include postage stamps to the value of the invoice when the items are returned. This system is especially helpful for regional members. Unfortunately, Autism Victoria is unable to lend materials to overseas members.
If a requested item is already on loan, it will be reserved for you and the item forwarded as soon as it is available.
Materials are available for a three-week loan period, which can be extended by arrangement (on condition the item is not on reserve to another member). Regional members have a few days grace, due to longer delivery times.
Where is the Library?
The Library is situated at the Autism Victoria office in Glen Iris and is open between 9.30 and 4.30, Monday to Friday.
Most materials (except the very large ones) can be returned after hours through the mail chute in the High Street entrance door.
Unfortunately, items are frequently lost, damaged or simply not returned. The borrower is responsible for the safe return of all items borrowed within a reasonable time. Non-returned items will have to be replaced by the borrower.