MeLCat, the Michigan eLibrary Catalog, is a catalog of the books, audios, and videos from approximately 250 Michigan libraries that you can request to be loaned to you and sent to the EMU Library for pick-up.

Search MeLCat for:

• Items not owned by EMU
• EMU-owned items checked out to another user

Do you have a public library card? You may choose your local public library on the MeLCat login screen (instead of EMU) and your request will be delivered to your local public library rather than the EMU Library.

NOTE: At the present time, journals and journal articles are NOT available for loan via MeLCat.

EXAMPLE: I performed a search in the EMU Library catalog for a book titled Detroit and the Problem of Order. The screen below reveals, first, that no items were found. Second, the screen offers a link that will allow you to search MeLCat.

On the MeLCat search screen below, I:

1. changed the default search from Keyword to Title,
2. typed the book title, detroit and the problem of order, and then
3. clicked the Find It! button.

The MeLCat results screen reveals that 12 Michigan libraries own the book.

Clicking the link that reads 12 Michigan eLibrary libraries have this item ...

...will bring up a screen showing which libraries own the title.

A number of libraries show the Status as Available.

To request the item (from a library determined by the MeLCat system), click Get this for me!

On the screen that appears, use the menu to select the library the MeLCat service should DELIVER the book to, either the EMU Halle Library or, if it is on the list, your local public library where you have a library card.

Then click the Submit button.

On the MeLCat login screen for the EMU Halle library you are presented with 3 elements to act upon:

1. Type you name
2. Type your EMU E-number, e.g., e00555555
3. Choose pickup location from the menu
• Halle Library
• Extended Ed Programs

Note to Extended Ed/Distance Ed students:
If you select Extended Ed Programs as the pickup location, the EMU Library will receive the item from the lending library and then will repackage it and send it to your home. You will incur the cost of shipping the item back to the EMU Library, which will then send it back to the lending library.

If your local public library participates in MeLCat, it would be to your advantage to request items from MeLCat using your local library account. You will get the material faster, because EMU does not have to ship it to you, and you will not incur the cost and inconvenience of shipping the material back to EMU.

After you submit your request, you will a see a MeLCat confirmation screen similar to that below.

If you selected Halle Library pickup on the MeLCat menu you will be notified via email when the item is ready for you to pickup at the Library Circulation Desk.

You can cancel your MeLCat request, or check the status of your request at any time, by clicking the MyMeL link at the top MeLCat page and logging in with your library card name and number.

MeLCat is funded in part by the State of Michigan through the Library of Michigan.

If you want more information about or assistance with MeLCat, please use one of the EMU Library's Ask-A-Librarian services.