FAQs

The Alabama Virtual Library uses geolocation technology to authenticate Alabama residents. This technology allows most Alabama residents to access AVL resources without the need for a username and password.

If you were not automatically authenticated to access AVL resources, please click here to view additional authentication methods that you can try.

How do I create a shortcut to AVL on my device?

Follow these easy steps to create a shortcut to AVL on your desktop.

Windows Users

Open your browser and go to https://www.avl.lib.al.us.
Select a blank spot on the webpage (an area that does not contain any text or images), right click, and select Create Shortcut. Note: If you are using Chrome, right click and select Save As. If you are using Firefox, right click, and select Save Page As.
Click Yes when asked if you create a shortcut on your desktop.
You now have a shortcut for AVL on your desktop.

Android Users

Open Chrome and go to https://www.avl.lib.al.us.
Tap the menu button and then tap on Add to Home Screen.
You now have a shortcut for AVL on your home screen.

OS X Users

Open Safari and go to https://www.avl.lib.al.us.
Select the entire https://www.avl.lib.al.us URL that is in the web address bar.
Click and drag the URL onto your desktop and release the mouse button.
You now have a shortcut for AVL on your desktop.

iOS Users

Launch Safari and go to https://www.avl.lib.al.us.
Tap on the Share button on the browser's toolbar. Note: For iPad users the toolbar is located at the top of the screen. For iPhone users the toolbar is located at the bottom of the screen.
Tap on the Add to Home Screen button.
iOS will prompt you to name the shortcut before you can add it to the home screen. Once you name your shortcut tap the Add button.
You now have a shortcut for AVL on your home screen.

I reside in Alabama and AVL did not automatically authenticate me. How can I authenticate with AVL?

If you were not automatically authenticated, please try the authentication methods below.

If you are physically located in Alabama and you were not automatically authenticated, please click here to atempt to authenticate via your device's physical location. Please Note: You will see a pop up window asking you if you want to allow AVL to access your device's location. If you want AVL to authenticate you based on your device's location, you will need to click on Allow.
Click here to log in with an AVL account.
If you need immediate access to AVL resources, please call our 24/7 Help Desk at 256-971-7487 (direct) or 1-800-338-8320 (toll-free) to get a temporary username and password.

Where can I get an AVL account?

Please contact your local public library to obtain an AVL account. K-12 students/staff and Post-Secondary students/staff may obtain an AVL account by contacting their school's library.

Renewal - AVL accounts must be renewed every five years. To re-new your account, please contact your local public library. K-12 students/staff and Post-Secondary students/staff will need to contact their school's library. Note: Access may be denied at any time by AVL if access is abused.

I was recently issued an AVL account. How do I log in with my account?

Shortly after your account is issued, you should receive an e-mail that contains a one-time activation link. You will need to click on the one-time activation link in order to activate your AVL account and to set your password. The e-mail will be sent to the e-mail account that was used to request your AVL account. Once you have activated your account and set your password, you can log into AVL using your new AVL account. To log into AVL with your account, please follow these steps:

Click on the AVL login icon.
Enter your user ID into the User ID field. Your user ID is your full e-mail address.
Enter your password into the Password field.
Click on the Log In button.