Loads of online resources to support students

In addition to the resources available through the John Cain Library, students can access quality free online resources to assist with study and research through the State Library of Victoria, Darebin Library Services and the National Library of Australia. All students will find these resources invaluable with a wealth of quality information they can use throughout their secondary education, not just in the present situation.

It only takes a few minutes to register for these services. Keep reading for more details.

State Library of Victoria (SLV) online resources

This is a highly recommended guide for all students. It provides clear step by step instructions suitable for all year levels.

Check out how the SLV can assist you with your research online, using the SLV Catalogue, Research Guides and Databases. VCE resources are highlighted as well as helpful search and referencing tips relevant to all year levels.

To join the SLV , fill in the online form, and an SMS will be sent to your mobile for you to activate your membership.

Another great online resource is the Darebin Libraries – Homework Help

Darebin Libraries are promoting their free online resources to all schools in the area. Please follow the links, if you are not a member it’s easy to join online.

Contacts for Darebin Library

Fiona Myers at Reservoir fiona.myers@darebinlibraries.vic.gov.au

Kate Griffiths at Preston kate.griffiths@darebinlibraries.vic.gov.au

Trudi Anderson at Northcote and Fairfield trudi.anderson@darebinlibraries.vic.gov.au

National Library of Australia – Using online resources

The National Library of Australia’s collection represents the largest source of information about Australia and its people in the world. Their collection consists of 10 million items of which 7 million are non-book items. You can explore the library catalogue, Trove or their eResources through the links on the web page

Sign up for a free library membership card online and it will be posted to you.

Membership will give you access to a select range of licensed and commercial resources that the library has subscribed to. The National Library of Australia is located in Canberra which means you will not be able to request resources to view onsite. You don’t need a library card to search the catalogue or to view freely available online resources, but if you wish to download some items or access databases you will need a membership card.

The library has put together a collection of articles, ebooks, journals, databases and websites that they have identified as being useful for research. You can find a helpful video tutorial on their web page to assist you to navigate the library catalogue, use reference tools, eResources and Trove.

Wellness Collection of eBooks for schools

The Wellness Collection of digital library resources for schools has been designed by Wheeler's ePlatform in consultation with school guidance counsellors, librarians, and wellbeing practitioners to support the mental health challenges youth face today. The collection covers a range of topics from bullying, anxiety and depression to resources that introduce the practice of mindfulness, self-compassion and gratitude. There are over 400 eBooks and Audiobooks to browse in the Wheeler’s eBook library database collection, which can be accessed through the John Cain Library webpage.

To open the eBook library select the link eBooks and Audiobooks or click on the image ‘Discover new worlds in eBooks’ on the John Cain Library home page (shown below).

Sign into the ePlatform using your Compass ID and password. If you have not already signed in with SSO when accessing the John Cain Library page.

Username: northcote\Your Compass ID (remember to use the \ backslash)

Password: Compass password

The complete Wheelers eBook and Audiobook collection is in one place. You can use the search box or browse by clicking on 'Wellness Resources' title located directly below the start browsing button.

Sort the collection by most popular, new releases, recently added or alphabetically, using the dropdown menu.

Don't forget the Ripples photography competition

Year 7 photo competition

photo by Sweeney Dean

House points for crazy hair!