Using the Alabama Virtual Library

An Introduction to the databases and to searching techniques

The AVL is a collection of electronic databases provided to the citizens of Alabama by the state’s government.

A database is a collection of information previously published in print or electronic documents created specifically for the use of researchers.

The Alabama Virtual Library

Why use the AVL rather than Google or Bing?

The articles, web sites, and e-books within the databases are carefully selected to meet the research needs of academic users.

Most of the databases provide article summaries, citation support, individual files to gather and organize chosen materials, and e-mailing capabilities.

Advanced searching help allows users to find relevant information within one database; multiple searches are unnecessary.

The web address for the Alabama Virtual Library is www.avl.lib.al.us.

Geo-location makes it possible for you to access the AVL without an AVL card. The system verifies your location using your IP address. If you live on the state line or if you are traveling, you will still need a card.

Accessing the AVL

◦Providers featured on AVL include ◦ Gale ◦ EBSCO ◦ Britannica ◦ Oxford ◦ U.S. National Library of Medicine ◦ MasterFile ◦ Coin ◦ Serials Solution

Major Database Providers

If you select Student Resources, you will see that resources have been divided into four categories: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, and College and University.

Once you choose High School, click on the red “Go to High School Resources” link. The databases appropriate to your level will be displayed. College and University are accessed the same way.

Organization

Searching these databases is not like searching Google or Bing. Once you learn how to search, though, you will get much better results.

AVL provides search training under the TRAINING tab. Each database provider offers its own training material. We will look at a few examples later.

Searches that use as few words as possible will usually yield better results.

High School Databases

Natural Language

Keywords

Advanced Searching: Using multiple words and phrases

Boolean operators and punctuation are two ways to focus your search

Searching Tips

Boolean Operators

http://facstaff.gpc.edu/~shale/humanities/composition/writers_tools/boolean.html https://valems.wikispaces.com/-Research+%28for+all+subjects%29

http://www.searchingspot.com/index.htm

Feature Search Engine

Boolean operators Google [OR only under Advanced]

Full Boolean logic with parentheses, e.g., behavior and (cats or felines)

Usually available on the advanced search page

Implied Boolean Most search engines offer this option

Boolean logicusing search form terminology

Most advanced search pages offer this option

Where to Search: A Selected List

http://www.chiro.org/LINKS/Boolean_Logic.html

Quotation marks

Minus signs

Parentheses

Punctuation

Gale provides a wide range of sources as well as a targeted literary collection, Gale Literary Resources.

EBSCO provides 2 databases, which cover multiple topics:◦ Student Research Center◦ EBSCOhost Search

Training

Literary Research