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