[1] The database was founded upon the premise that educators find enjoyment and professional value in seeing and hearing authors talk about their work.
The database debuted at the American Library Association convention in San Francisco in June 2001 and was launched on the Internet September 1, 2001.
Educators can use the site to host virtual author visits so students can learn from professional writers via audio and video resources.
Audio excerpts are used by students, including English language learners, to independently learn the rhythm, pace, and sound of the books they are reading.
Users can also listen to poets read their work, get information for author/illustrator studies, and find book guides for fiction and non-fiction titles.