Borrowing from other Libraries

The library's Interlibrary Loan service enables patrons to obtain materials not held by the Van Pelt and Opie Library, including books and other physical materials, as well as electronic copies of journal articles and papers. The library offers two ways to borrow materials: MeLCat (Michigan eLibrary) and our ILL system.

MeLCat icon

Search MeLCat / Log Into Your MelCat Account

Use MeLCat (The Michigan eLibrary) to request books and media. MeLCat is recommended for borrowed items due to the shorter delivery time and longer loan periods. Patrons with an active HuskyCard or Courtesy Borrowing Card may use MeLCat. See MeLCat Help for details on how to use this service.


Interlibrary Loan icon

Log Into Your ILL Account

Use Interlibrary Loan or ILL to request PDFs of journal articles, conference papers, and book chapters. Books not available through MeLCat can also be requested. ILL is available for all Michigan Tech faculty, enrolled students, staff and emeriti.

Loan and Renewal Periods

HuskyCard Holders (Faculty, Students, Staff) Loan Period Renewals
MeLCat (Regular Loan) 3 weeks 1
MeLCat (Short Loan)

1 weeks

None

MeLCat (Extended)

90 days

1 (30 days)

ILL

3-6 weeks *

1 *

Courtesy Borrowing Card Holders (Community Patrons)

 

 

MeLCat (Regular Loan)

3 weeks

1

MeLCat (Short Loan)

1 week

None

ILL

Service not available

Service not available

* Estimated—actual renewal periods vary by institution.

Borrowed items kept beyond their due date are overdue. The library will send regular overdue notices to the patron via email. Please see the library's Borrowing Rules and Fees chart for details. 

Limitations

  • Library staff will make every effort to obtain requested items. However, we generally cannot obtain entire issues of journals, no-loan materials, textbooks, rare/unique items, or copies of standards.
  • Interlibrary loan materials may not be placed on course reserves.

    When items not owned by the library or instructor are needed for course reserve, the library may be able to purchase them. See Course Reserve for more information.