Coastal Alabama Libraries play an integral role in the instructional objectives of the college by providing access to over 140,000 books and audiovisuals, approximately 275,000 e-books, and more than 70 databases. The librarians and library staff members are committed to providing quality instructional and reference assistance to all students. The goal of Coastal Alabama Libraries is to help shape students into independent, life-long learners who are successful in both educational and occupational settings. The six libraries and three learning resources centers also serve as informational and technical resource centers for students, faculty, and the community at large.
Services include the following:
- Academic journals and popular magazines, both in print and online
- Books and DVDs available for checkout and viewing
- Career resources
- Comfortable and functional study spaces
- Copier and scanner access
- Desktop computers
- Library instruction and reference services
- Research assistance
- Select equipment use, including laptops, webcams, and headphones
- Student IDs
- Wi-Fi access
Koha Online Catalog (https://coastalalabama.bywatersolutions.com)
Koha is the libraries’ online catalog system. This database allows users to browse and locate over 140,000 books and materials that are available in the nine library service locations. Students may request an account at any Coastal Alabama library location or online via the Virtual Library Services Canvas page. They may check out books using their Coastal Alabama student IDs. If materials are not available locally, students may place a hold on any available book at one of the Coastal Alabama libraries, and it will be sent to them at their home library. Items in Koha are classified and arranged by the Library of Congress Classification. Students may visit a Coastal Alabama library for full library policies. Please note: fines and fees may apply for overdue and damaged items.
Databases
Coastal Alabama Libraries provide students with access to over 70 databases, including those of the Alabama Virtual Library. The databases provide academic articles with scholarly research from credible and valid sources. Additionally, these articles can easily be cited using various styles, including APA and MLA. Some of the databases include Academic Search Premier, Associates Program Source Plus, Business Source Premier, CINAHL with Full Text, History Reference Center, Salem Press Online, Ovid Nursing Journals, Veterinary Education in Video, and many others. Additionally, the libraries provide access to full-text magazines and journals in Flipster, as well as academic and technical e-books in EBSCO’s Academic eBook Collection and Community College eBook Collection.
Virtual Library Services page in Canvas (https://coastalalabama.instructure.com/courses/7)
The Virtual Library Services page in Canvas is accessible from the Dashboard and provides 24/7 access to library resources. Library information, hours, and locations are provided as well as links to library databases and a form to request a Koha and/or AVL account.
Alabama Virtual Library (https://www.avl.lib.al.us/)
The Alabama Virtual Library (AVL) is a free service provided to all citizens of the State of Alabama, as well as to students attending college at public Alabama institutions. The AVL provides online access to over 50 databases and includes a wide range of academic and information resources. While AVL should automatically allow access to any computer within the state, students may request access via the form located on the Virtual Library Services page in Canvas.
Locations
Students are welcome to visit and contact any of the nine Coastal Alabama libraries and learning resources centers, and may submit questions from their student email at any time to Library@CoastalAlabama.edu .
• Atmore: Atmore Campus Learning Resources Center – 251-809-1584
• Bay Minette: Austin R. Meadows Library – 251-580-2145
• Brewton: Leigh Library – 251-809-1584
• Brookley Field: Alabama Aviation Center Learning Resources Center – 251-438-2816
• Fairhope: Fairhope Campus Learning Resources Center – 251-580-2159
• Gilbertown: H. Pat Lindsay Library – 251-843-5265
• Gulf Shores: Gulf Shores Campus Learning Resources Center – 251-580-2159
• Monroeville: John Dennis Forte Library – 251-575-8271
• Thomasville: Kathryn Tucker Windham Museum & Library – 334-637-3147