What is MeLCat?

The Michigan eLibrary Catalog, or MeLCat for short, is a statewide service available to all Michigan residents with an active library card. The MeLCat Catalog pulls together participating library's card catalogs and makes them available to search and request through one portal.

How Does It Work?

1. Click on the link above or type in mel.org in your browser.
2. Search for what you are looking for in the MeLCat Keyword Search box.
3. Use the side menu on the left to narrow down your search. Click on the item to find out more about it.
4. When you find what you are looking for, click the Get This Item From MeLCat button to the right of the listing. You will be prompted to select your home library and enter your name & library card number.
5. Once the item is requested, it will be shipped to your home library for pick up. Your library will notify you when the item is available.

What if I Run Into a Problem?

When requesting items through MeLCat, there are a few things to keep in mind-

• Not everything may be available. Make sure to note when an item has No Copies Currently Available in place of the request option.
• Take note of the format. Icons can be seen to the right of the item's title. These icons will tell you if an item is a book, CD, DVD, etc.
• Your home library may already have the item you want. If the system will not let you request an item, it may be because your library already has this item in its own catalog.
• Make sure you are selecting the correct library. MeL can only send requested items to your home library. If you participate in reciprocal borrowing service, you must have items sent to the library from which your card originates.
• For specific errors or issues, reach out to your home library. 

MeL is a statewide service of the Library of Michigan, an agency of the Michigan Department of Education. The Library of Michigan works with the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) to provide MeL services.