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MeLCat

MeLCat is the centralized union catalog and resource sharing service created to share materials among all types of libraries in Michigan, regardless of the local circulation system they use.

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To Apply To Be in MeLCat:

Submit a MeLCat Participation Application and agree to:

  • Load your bibliographic records and holdings into the union catalog,
  • Share your circulating collections and authorize your patrons to make requests,
  • Abide by MeLCat policies, and
  • Participate in the statewide delivery service.

If your library is a member of a shared library automation system, the shared system will need to agree to:

  • Provide your bibliographic and holdings records for loading, and
  • Provide links to your patron records, as needed for your library to participate in MeLCat.

Submit a MeLCat Pre-Implementation Survey, which is sent to you after the participation application is received

If your library needs to subscribe to the statewide delivery service, please go to Joining RIDES for instructions.

Participating In MeLCat

MeLCat implementation can take a few months or more depending on the complexity of the implementation. MeLCat staff take a variety of factors into scheduling implementations including local ILS, collections and quality of cataloging, patron record linking/loading requirements, complexity of implementation, and MeLCat readiness.
MeLCat Scheduling FactorsMeLCat Technical RequirementsImplementationMeLCat Costs

MeLCat Scheduling Factors

These factors will be considered by MeLCat staff when scheduling libraries for MeLCat implementation. Information will be collected on the MeLCat Participation: Pre-Implementation Scheduling Questionnaires. Libraries and shared systems will receive these questionnaires after they submit their applications.
  • Local automated system
  • Library collections and quality of cataloging
  • Patron record linking requirements
  • Geographical location and library type
  • MeLCat readiness of the library
  • Preferred implementation schedule of the library
  • Complexity of the implementation
  • Training needs
  • Participant applications received

Funding for MeL is provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan.

Contact melcathelp@mcls.org or 517-939-1385 for more information.