MeLCat FAQs

MeLCat is a state-wide catalog of books, videos, CDs, DVDs and more. Participating MeLCat libraries have agreed to share their materials, creating a resource sharing system for the entire state of Michigan. Some materials that are not generally available through traditional interlibrary loan are available through MeLCat. These include videos, DVDs and CDs.

The J. Robert Van Pelt Library also participates in MeLCat's Visiting Patron Reciprocal Borrowing program. Patrons who are visiting other libraries that participate in the program may check out materials in person instead of waiting for the materials to be delivered to their home library.

Holders of either a Tech Express card or a J. Robert Van Pelt Library Courtesy card may use the MeLCat resource sharing system. The patrons JRVP Library account must be in good standing with no outstanding fines and fees.

Users are responsible for the following:

• Keeping their contact information up-to-date with the JRVP Library.
• Returning MeLCat items to the library which obtained the material for them on or before the stated due date.
• Paying any late fees, damage or replacement reimbursement fees occurred while the material is in their possession.

All actions are performed on the MeLCat web page. Patrons can search, place requests, renew, review account status and cancel requests prior to the items shipping. (Patrons may not place holds or recalls on MeLCat items.) See the MeLCat help page for more assistance.

Books, movies, music, magazines and more are available through MeLCat.

At this time journal articles, conference papers and newspaper articles are not available. To order these, please use your ILLiad account. Also, any material that cannot be borrowed at the owning library is not available through MeLCat.

Users are allowed to have up to 50 active MeLCat requests at a time. A MeLCat request is active from the time the user places a request until the requested item has been returned to the lending library or until the request is cancelled.

There are two loan periods used in MeLCat resource sharing:

The standard loan period is three (3) weeks plus the option of one (1) three-week renewal (from the date renewed.)

The optional loan period is seven (7) days with no renewal. This loan period is used only for music audio formats, videos (VHS) and DVDs at the discretion of the lending library.

Renewals will not be granted until seven days before the due date. Renewals are not available for items that have been recalled by the lending library, items using the optional loan period, or by patrons who are no longer in good standing with the JRVP Library.

The average time for processing and shipping is five (5) to ten (10) working days. This time may vary and patrons are encouraged to check the status of their request at My MeL.

If a request has not been filled within 25 days, it will automatically be cancelled and the patron will be notified by email.

Patrons are notified by email when an item is available for pick-up. Material will be held for ten (10) days at the Circulation Desk located on the first floor of the JRVP Library. A valid Tech Express or JRVP Library Courtesy card is required for check-out.

The Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery office is located on the first floor of the Library in room 106. The office is open from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. Exceptions to normal hours may be made during holidays, breaks and summer semesters. Phone 487-3207 or email ill@mtu.edu.