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. We are currently in the midst of our 1000 Books Campaign to help us remain the leading specialist ASD library in the country. We welcome your donations.
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?
You can search for any item in our library by using our online library catalogue.
In addition, we have two reading lists detailing the most useful and popular books and resources. 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.
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 (03 9657 1601 or 9657 1636), fax (03 9639 4955) or email (library@autismvictoria.org.au) or by visiting the Autism Victoria office. Members can also place a hold on items through the Catalogue. Please note that when placing the request through the online catalogue system or email, be sure to include your full name and the collection method. You can either have items posted, which incurs a postage fee, or you can elect to collect the items in person from our library in Carlton.
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 four-week loan period, which can be extended another week 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 and is opened 9am to 5pm.
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.
