FAQs

How can I access AVL from home?

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

  1. Open your browser and go to https://www.avl.lib.al.us.
  2. 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.
  3. Click Yes when asked if you create a shortcut on your desktop.
  4. You now have a shortcut for AVL on your desktop.

Android Users

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

OS X Users

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

iOS Users

  1. Launch Safari and go to https://www.avl.lib.al.us. 
  2. 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. 
  3. Tap on the Add to Home Screen button.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

How do I search the AVL website?

AVL has a site search that can be used to search the AVL website for information about AVL. The site search will search AVL for Contact Information, Help with AVL, AVL Archives, information on the AVL Council, Database Descriptions, and Usage Statistics just to name a few.

To access the AVL site search click on the green magnifying glass icon Image of the magnifying glass icon located in the top right corner of the AVL website. Once you have clicked on the magnifying glass icon the Search AVL window will open.

 

Image of the AVL Search window

 

The right side of the AVL Search window contains the Search for Information about AVL search box. 

 

Image of the Search the AVL Website search box

 

To utilize the search, enter your search criteria into the Search the AVL Website search box and click on the blue magnifying glass. You can also press the Enter key on your keyboard to start your search.

 

Image of the Search the AVL Website search box

 

Once your search has been initiated, you will be taken to the Search Results page. The Search Results page will have a list of links that matched your search criteria

 

Image of Search the AVL search results page

 

Clicking on these links will take you to the section of the AVL website that contains more information on your search criteria. For example if you searched for “Contact AVL”, your search results will display links for any part of the website that contains information on how you can contact the AVL Help Desk.

If you click on the link for “Contact AVL Helpdesk”, you will be taken to the Contact AVL Helpdesk section of the website. From here, you can obtain information on the various methods that are available for you to contact the AVL Helpdesk.

How do I search AVL databases/access the AVL Discovery Search?

To access the AVL Discovery Search select one of the categories under Resources for Alabama... at the top of the webpage. 

 

Image of the AVL resources menu

 

Alternatively, you can also access the AVL Discovery Search by clicking on the  green magnifying glass icon Image of the AVL magnifying glass that is located the top right corner of the AVL website. Once you have clicked on the magnifying glass icon the Search AVL window will open.

 

Image of the Search AVL window

 

The left side of the Search AVL window has links for accessing AVL databases (resources) for the various grade levels. Clicking on these links will take you to the resources page for that grade level. From the resources page, you will be able to access the resources and the AVL Discovery Search for that grade level.

 

Image of the Search AVL Resources (Databases) window

 

To begin your AVL Discovery Search enter your search criteria into the Discovery Search box and click on the magnifying glass icon. You can also press the Enter key on your keyboard to start your search.

 

Image of the AVL Elementary Discovery Search box

 

Once you have initiated your search, you will be taken to the AVL Discovery Search results page. This page will display matches based on your search criteria. 

 

Image of AVL Elementary Discovery Search results

 

Not all of the resources that AVL subscribes to are included in the AVL Discovery Search. To access resources that are not included in the AVL Discovery Search click on Search Additional Resources and then click on the resource that you want to access. 

Image of the Search Additional Resources page for Elementary Resources

 

Some AVL resources have integrated search boxes in their informational pop up window. To access this feature, click on the information icon Image of the information icon in the resource tile and then enter your search terms into the integrated search box. 

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:

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

If did not receive the e-mail containing the one-time activation link, or if you experience any issues setting your password, please contact the AVL Help Desk.

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