ALABAMA VIRTUAL LIBRARY AN exceptional resource

WHAT IS THE ALABAMA VIRTUAL LIBRARY OR AVL?

The Alabama Virtual Library or AVL is a collection of digital resources available free to all citizens of the State of Alabama. The AVL contains over 50 online research databases. These online databases contain research articles from magazines, journals, and newspapers.

MANY OF THESE DATABASES HAVE A VARIETY OF IMAGES, PICTURES, PRIMARY SOURCES, VIDEOS, MAPS, FLAGS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND VARIOUS OTHER RESOURCES

Some of these databases contain a variety of tools such as citation creation, access to curriculum standards, Lexile leveling, and translation functions. These databases are well-known for being accurate and current. They can be searched individually or as a collection.

EXAMPLES OF AVL DATABASES THE BRITANNICA SCHOOL contains three separate encyclopedias. There is one for each educational level elementary, middle, and high school. This database contains up- to-date information research tools, videos, primary sources, and a variety of other tools and information. The articles can be linked to Alabama Standards.

EXAMPLES OF AVL DATABASES continued The Explora interface for EBSCO provides research documents such as reference books, photos, maps, flags, television and radio news transcripts for K-12 students. EBSCOhost is the EBSCO interface for other AVL users.

EXAMPLES OF AVL DATABASES continued Kids InfoBits database is designed for Elementary School students as a visually graphic interface. The material is age appropriate and curriculum based. The articles are full-text.

The AVL has a collection of E-books available. Britannica E-Books  Gale Virtual Reference Library  Oxford Digital Reference Shelf (via Oxford Reference)    

WHAT IS THE AGE LEVEL OF THE AVL? The AVL has multiple levels which direct users to the appropriate grade and/or level. These levels are elementary school, middle school, high school, college and university, and adult. You must be a resident or employee of the state of Alabama to access the AVL.

WHO CAN ACCESS THE AVL? The AVL is an excellent online resource that provides Alabama students, educators, and citizens access to research databases and e-books. If you travel out of state you must obtain a login from either the local public or school librarian to access the AVL.

USES OF THE AVL Students doing research for papers or projects are one of the major users of the AVL. Several databases allow students to create their own online folders where they can save their research materials and access it from any device. The AVL also has a citation tool; so they can correctly cite images, videos, articles, etc.

Educators can use information found on the AVL and link it to Alabama state standards to create or enhance lesson plans with images, videos, sound bites, maps, atlases, flags, primary documents, etc. They can have confidence the information they use will be up-to-date and accurate.

Students can learn how to research and cite sources Students can learn how to research and cite sources. They can level the readability of articles without any stigma being attached to them. They will be able to augment their projects with appropriate images, videos, etc. Several databases have the ability to translate text into different languages; thereby, allowing students who are English Language Learners to read informational text in their first language for optimal understanding.

Teachers can assign a single article to the entire class Teachers can assign a single article to the entire class. This material can be displayed on an electroni device such as, a smart board; so the teacher can lead the class through the material with instructional guidance.

AVL resources can be used for collaborative learning or group projects because of the versatility of being able to access the information from different locations and devices. However, remember if any user will be traveling outside the State of Alabama the media specialist must provide a login. Even Alabama educators who live out-of-state can be provided a login.

The variety of the AVL databases will allow for all users to find information to meet their research needs. These databases are useful to all citizens whether in school or out. Why google it when you can find current material from reliable sources for work and leisure. The AVL is commercial free and non-political. It is free to use and easy to access.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AVL WEB ADDRESS http://www.avl.lib.al.us/ AVL HELP DESK (800) 276-0370 AVL TRAINER Cindy Bates LMS Tanner High School cynthia.bates@lcsk12.org 256-233-6682