MeL

Accessing the Michigan eLibrary Catalog (MeLCat) - the system that allows you to request books from nearly every library across Michigan - can now be done directly through the Troy Library's Public Access Catalog (PAC). Library patrons can now place requests for MeLCat items, track their due dates, and renew them directly in our PAC as you would any Troy Library item.

MeLCat is not a traditional hold system, but a statewide request system. Instead of placing a hold on an item that is currently checked out, you can request an item currently available in any one the 375 participating Michigan libraries. Few titles are not immediately available. This system complements Troy's catalog and offers access to unusual and rare titles. Troy patrons can also request audio-visual materials.

A few things to keep in mind when doing a MeLCat search:

• Always check the Troy Library's PAC first to see if we own the item, and if it is available or has a short hold list. You will receive the item faster by placing the item on hold from Troy.
• If you cannot find what you are looking for, then choose MeLCat in the dropdown menu on the search screen. Remember to turn your search database back to Troy Public Library after you're done searching MeLCat.
• Use the Phrase search option when searching MeLCat.
• When using the Phrase searching option, use the Search by dropdown for either Title or Author to get the best results. Searching by other options, such as Subject, Genre, and Publisher will not produce the best results.

We are excited about this improvement to the library's service, and continue to look for ways to make searching more user-friendly. Your comments are welcome and your patience during the transition is appreciated!

MeLCat is the Michigan eLibrary Catalog -- a system maintained by the Library of Michigan, that allows Troy residents to borrow books from libraries throughout the State and have them delivered to the Troy Public Library for pick-up. Currently, the Troy Library staff is working to integrate MeLCat into our new Polaris Catalog to better serve our patrons.

What's ahead with MeLCat & Polaris? Frequently Asked Questions

• Will my MeLCat requests show up in Polaris?     YES!
• Can I view my MeLCat checkouts in my Polaris account?     YES!
• Can I renew my MeLCat items in Polaris?     YES!  
• Will I be able to search for materials in MeLCat easily?     YES!

Troy residents will be able to do all these great things as soon as MeLCat is integrated into Polaris. All MeLCat items will be checked out on your Troy library card. You will be able to see all the titles you have checked out in one place.

• You will no longer have to check your library account and then your MeLCat account.
• You will be able to search for Troy-owned items and then select a search for any titles you didn't find through MelCat.  
• All MeLCat requests and check outs will also show in one place in Polaris.
• You will also be able to see all the items you have on hold in one place.
• You can renew all Troy Library and MeLCat items in the same place.
• You can manage it all from your Polaris account 24/7.

It's a one stop shop!

The integration of MeLCat and Polaris is underway. We hope to complete it in the very near future. When it is completed, you will see all MeLCat requests within your Troy Polaris account. All MeLCat items will check out on your library account so you will be able to see all material you have checked out whether it is from the Troy Library or requested from MeLCat.

What About Right Now?

Until the integration is complete you will need to place MeLCat requests from the MeL site.

As a Troy resident, you may still borrow books from the other Suburban Library Cooperataive member libraries, as well as libraries throughout Michigan who participate in the MelCat system. Our staff will happily place MelCat requests for you, as well as show you how to place your own. If you would like to explore MeLCat on your own:

• Click on "MeLCat." You will see a search box with the opportunity to choose the type of search - author, title, etc.

• Click "find it."

• Go into the results of your search and click on any of the items listed.

• For each item you will see which libraries own it.

• As long as at least one of the libraries shows the item as "available" you may click on "get this for me."

• Choose Troy Public Library from the drop-down menu for which library you want to use and "submit." The library must match your place of residence.

• Type your last name only in the name box to guarantee an exact match.

• Type your complete Troy library card number in the next box with no spaces or punctuation.

• You will see results screen showing that the item has been requested and the library from which it is being sent.

• To check the state of your account in MeLCat, click on the MyMeL tab on the upper right part of the screen.

 Click here if you have questions about borrowing audiovisual materials, such as CDs, DVDs and audiobooks.