MeLCat Borrowing

What is MeLCat and how do I request an item through MeLCat?

MeLCat is Michigan's statewide library catalog and interlibrary loan system. Click on the purple "SEARCH MELCAT" button in CADL's catalog or go to mel.org to search. Click on the title in the format you want to borrow. In the upper right of the screen click on "Get this for me." You will be prompted for your library (Capital Area District Libraries), your name, and your library card number. Enter all 14 digits with no spaces. Click submit. The next page will ask for the CADL branch pickup location. Select your choice from the dropdown menu and click submit. 

Items that are available to borrow from CADL may not be requested through MeLCat. 

Still have questions or need help? Contact CADL MeLCat staff at melcat@cadl.org or (517) 367-6309 or any CADL branch.

I tried requesting an item that says it is available but got a message that I cannot request it. What did I do wrong?

If your account is in good standing you didn't do anything wrong. This happens when a member at another library has a frozen hold on a title or the library cannot fill the hold at that time for another reason.

How long does it take to get an item requested through MeLCat?

It usually takes about 10-14 days for items to be delivered. Sometimes it takes longer. If you wait more than 15 days please contact your home branch.

How long can I have a MeLCat item?

Most items check out for 28 days with one 28-day renewal. Some lending libraries use a shorter 14-day loan period for AV material with no renewals.

I remember returning a MeLCat item but it still shows on my account. What should I do?

Please contact your home branch with the approximate date of return. These items usually drop off your record when they are received back at the lending library. Please double check to make sure you don't have the item, just in case.

I damaged a MeLCat book. How much is it going to cost?

CADL bills for MeLCat items as similarly as possible to our own items. We can often reduce the default price. Please contact your home branch.