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Find It Online with Michigan eLibraryThe Library of Michigan's resource makes it easy to locate books and moreBy Brian Warkoczeski, April 2007
Not too long ago, if you needed to find a book or magazine, you had drive
to the nearest library. Now, the
Library of Michigan
has made it easier to search for a book at a local library and other libraries around the state
by using the
Michigan eLibrary (MeL):
http://mel.org
From a web brower on a personal computer or at a participating Michigan library,
any Michigan resident can use the Michigan eLibrary Catalog (MeLCat) search engine to find magazines, newspaper and journal articles,
books and more at no charge, 24 hours a day.
The Michigan eLibrary also includes specialized resources, eBooks, and online courses.
MeLCat is a statewide catalog of items held at participating libraries in Michigan.
Login requires a valid library card from a participating MeLCat library, a Michigan
driver's license, or a state identification number.
The Library of Michigan contracts with the Michigan Library Consortium and
partners with a number of Michigan organizations and institutions to
provide the MeL service.
By utilizing MeL, libraries can share resources and
provide a greater selection of choices to their customers.
A user in the Lower Peninsula at Jackson District Library
can request an item from the Ishpeming Carnegie Public Library in the Upper Peninsula.
They can then pick up the book at their local library.
A benefit to Merit's Member libraries is that they can
connect to the Michigan eLibrary and their traffic will stay "on-net" when
users request information with MeLCat.
The Library of Michigan has also purchased commercial databases
that MeL users can peruse to find millions of articles from magazines, newspapers,
and journals. Plus, users can access test preparation materials, online lessons, eBooks,
multimedia clips, images, almanacs, and encyclopedia entries.
Resources for EducatorsThe Michigan eLibrary isn't only a resource for students and researchers.
The Michigan Teacher Network, a web site formerly hosted by Merit, is now part of a
new section of the Michigan eLibrary called "Michigan Educators' Resources".
Educational sites and resources previously listed in MTN can now be found at the following location:
http://mer.mel.org
Other Library of Michigan HappeningsWhile the Michigan eLibrary has been a major undertaking for the Library of Michigan,
the Library has also been busy with other projects to benefit Michigan's residents.
The State Librarian, Nancy Robertson, has been
conducting town meetings at library branches around the state,
sharing ideas and experiences with library employees and trustees.
You can read about her experiences on her
blog.
Also, the Law Library is moving into the third floor of the main Library of Michigan
building in Lansing. The relocation project is expected to be complete by July.
Finally, the "Learning More at the Library of Michigan" program was held
on March 31. The free seminar introduced researchers to
the wealth of genealogical material available on the Internet,
highlighted a number of free Web sites and subscription databases, and emphasized
specific genealogy resources available at the Library of Michigan.
More About Library of MichiganThe Library of Michigan was established in 1828 during Michigan's
territorial period. In 2001, the Library became part of the Michigan Department
of History, Arts and Libraries.
The Library is in the Michigan Library and Historical Center,
located at 702 W. Kalamazoo Street in Lansing.
Nancy R. Robertson has been serving as acting state librarian since February 2005.
The Library's collection includes 3 million hardcover books, bound periodical volumes and
government documents. Extensive files of newspapers and other items in microform raise
the collection total to more than 5.6 million items stored on more than 27 miles of shelving.
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