FAQ MeLCat
- MeLCat is a Michigan-based interlibrary loan system made up of participating Michigan libraries (compared to traditional ILL (ILLiad) that is nationwide).
- It is better than ILL in that it permits you to request materials we cannot get through ILL (e.g., videos, CDs, etc.).
- It is more limited than ILL since the pool of participating libraries is limited to Michigan libraries.
- Searched directly or as an extended search from the Library online catalog, MeL Cat permits ordering materials from anywhere in the world.
- Some MeL Cat libraries, such as our own, permits visiting patron check-out.
- This permits you to go to a library that offers that service and check out materials on your SVSU Library card (you can return them to either the lending library or our Circulation Desk)
- There are some limitations.
- At this point articles may not be requested on MeL Cat.
- Also requesting any portion of a multi-volume or multi-piece work can be challenging: each piece or volume you want can be requested only from one library at a time, and each piece or volume requires a separate MeL Cat request. P
- lease contact the Reference Desk for assistance.
Important Help Resources
- To track the progress of your MeLCat request use "My CardCat"
- Problems with MeL Cat validation: Circulation Desk (989.964.4240)
- Problems with MeL Cat requests: Interlibrary Loan (989.964.4249 or tzantow(at)svsu.edu)
- Problems finding materials on MeL Cat: Reference Desk (989.964.4242)
- Using MeL Cat
- You can search MeLCat directly or as an extended search from CardCat by clicking on the "Search MeLCat" button
- Once you finnd what you want you can request the item directly from the record by clicking on the “Get this for me” link
- There must be at least one copy of the desired item with status “Available” or “Status Unknown” to make a request
- Choose a home location (SVSU)
- You will be prompted for your name and Library barcode.
- If you have a problem being validated please contact the Reference Desk
- A hold is placed for that book with participating MeL Cat libraries
- If no other copy is available, or if the re-requesting process exceeds a maximum length of time, MeLCat cancels the request.
- MULTI-PART ITEMS (e.g., book with CD, music scores with parts, multi-volume works) : contact the Reference Desk Each part needs to be requested separately on MeLCat
- Single items are requested from multiple libraries, but multi-part items can only be requested from one library at a time.
- If it fails there you need to manually request the item again from another library
- A cancellation notice is sent if a MeL library is not able to fill the request.
- A request may be cancelled by the user only if the status of the request is “Requested” or “Re-Requested” (i.e., before the lending library processes the request)
- Eventually the user will have the option to have failed requests be routed to ILLiad
- When the item arrives at the Library you will be notified by email (check "My Library Record" to make sure your email address is correct).
- The book is automatically due 21 days from the day we receive it in the Library.
- One renewal for 21 days is permitted but must be submitted within 7 days of the due date. Go to My MeL to request the renewal.
- A renewal is automatic only if the lending library does not have a hold on the item
- Return the item to the Library Circulation Desk when finished
USEFUL LINKS
- About MeL http://www.mel.org/MeL--AboutMeL.php
- MeL help http://www.mel.org/MeL--HelpPage.php
- MeL participating libraries http://elibrary.mel.org/screens/participating.html
- Check out personal MeL Cat activity at "My CardCat" or MyMeL https://elibrary.mel.org/patroninfo
- MeL home http://www.mel.org/SPT--BrowseResourcesNewMeL.php