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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.
ImplementationMeLCat Technical RequirementsMeLCat Costs

MeLCat Costs

The Library of Michigan has a contract with the vendor who provides the MeLCat software that includes an initial license for up to 550 Michigan libraries to use the MeLCat software, with an additional license fee for each library after that up to 2,000 libraries.

The local library costs to participate in MeLCat:

Participation in the statewide delivery service, with a minimum of two days per week service, dependent upon the volume of materials

Software your local system might need to be able to:

  • Export bibliographic and holdings records
  • Export patron records
  • Implement NCIP, ILS vendors should use INN-Reach DCB Profile (Optional)

Staff workstations able to use Java client software, view the technical requirements

Staff time and expenses for training, testing, and upgrading records

Local publicity

Innovative local systems

  • Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) security protocol certificate for your local Innovative server
  • INN-Reach software, if your Innovative system was purchased after May, 2004

Unautomated libraries:

  • Barcode labels for library materials and for patron library cards

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.