AVL Home Access Frequently Asked Questions

The Alabama Virtual Library provides a statewide remote authentication program to accommodate residents who cannot access the Alabama Virtual Library (AVL) from a public library, K-12 classroom, or college campus. This program is supported by the Alabama Supercomputer Authority and by Alabama's public libraries. The state's public libraries will provide ongoing registration of public library patrons for remote access while ASA will provide technical support.

How can I access the AVL from home?

Visit your local public library to request a remote access card. This will allow you to access the AVL resources from your home, office, or other remote location.

Is there a fee to access this information?

No. AVL resources are provided to all Alabama citizens by funding from the Alabama Legislature.

Can my family share one AVL account?

We encourage each person to register for an individual card. The remote access system is designed to permit only one session at a time per user ID. If one family member is using the card at home, that session will be terminated when another family member attempts to use the same user ID from another location.

Can I change my password?

No. Your unique password is a security feature for the remote access system.

When does my password expire?

Each account is set to expire three years after initial set-up. The expiration date is reset each time the record is updated by the issuing library. A message will notify the patron 30 days before the card expires.

How do I renew my card?

To renew the card, contact the issuing library to request a renewal. The password will be reset to expire three years from the time the record is updated. Note: access can be denied at any time by the AVL system if access is abused.

How do I renew my card if I have moved away from the issuing library?

Visit the local Alabama library in your new community. A new card will be issued. The previous card will automatically expire on the preset date, and the old user ID will be purged from the system six months later.

How can I retrieve my password if I forget it or misplace my card?

The issuing library can search its records for your information and give you the new password.

How do I let someone know that a password has been compromised or shared with others who should not have access?

Contact your local Alabama library and provide as much information as possible including the user name of the compromised account. The AVL technical staff will review access records to verify the report. If the review indicates that the account has been shared with others, the password will be deactivated by the AVL technical staff.

What are the minimum browser requirements needed for remote access?

The remote access system relies on cookies to authenticate users. Acceptable browsers are Netscape 4.0 and higher and Internet Explorer 4.0 and higher.

Where do I log in?

After obtaining an AVL password, you can access AVL resources clicking on the AVL Home Access button at http://www.avl.lib.al.us.

Something isn't working. Who do I call?

Contact your local public library to verify that you have entered the correct password. If an error message or warning is displayed, copy the message exactly as you see it, including the URL showing in the location/address bar. Indicate the date and time, and forward this information, along with the browser version you used, to the staff at your local public library. The library staff will forward the information to the AVL technical staff.

Is there a time limit on my access to AVL during a single session?

The AVL session will expire two hours after the last recorded AVL activity. If the session has ended, the patron will be prompted to re-enter the user's last name and password.

What constitutes abuse of AVL access?

An AVL user may not sell, distribute or commercially exploit a product nor make an AVL database available on a network or through remote access technology. Misuse of services provided by AVL may result in denial of service.