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Michigan eLibrary Catalog (MeLCat)

Can't find it at the LCC Library? Try MeLCat.

The Michigan eLibrary Catalog (MeLCat) is a statewide library catalog and borrowing service. Using MeLCat you can search for and borrow over 7 millionbooks;books on tape, CDs and DVDs; music; and much more from over 270 participating Michigan libraries.

Search MelCat for materials not available at LCC LibraryLook for the Michigan eLibrary Search Button in the LCC Library catalog

About Melcat

From anywhere and at anytime you can request materials through MeLCat when you are unable to find them at the LCC Library. Once you submit a request a paging slip is generated at an owning library (the library that owns the material you are requesting). Next, the item is pulled from the shelf of the owning library and packaged for delivery.

Once the item is received at the LCC Library you will be notified by email that the item is available for pick-up and that it will be held for 10 days at the Checkout Desk. Notices are sent to your official LCC email account.  You may identify this address  by logging into your library account at: http://fish.lcc.edu/patroninfo/

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Requesting MeLCat Items

There are two ways to search MeLCat. One way is Pass-through searching from the LCC Library Catalog or you may also search MeLCat directly at: http://elibrary.mel.org/search.

Note: Off campus students may elect to have their MeLCat requests delivered to an off-campus learning site. See steps 8-11 below for additional information.

Pass-through Searching

Note: When the requested title is a multivolume work, you will be prompted for a specific volume. Each volume must be requested separately.

  1. Perform a search in the LCC Library catalog.
  2. If the item is not owned, click on the Michigan eLibrary icon at the top of the catalog results page or from a specific item record. 

LCC Library Catalog screen shot

  1. Click on the Get this for me! link near the middle of the page to request the item if the item is listed as available in MeLCat.

MeLCat search screen

  1. Select Lansing Community Coll from the drop-down menu of participating libraries and then click the Submit above information button.
  2. Enter your last name and TUID and click the Submit button.  If you have a long last name, the system may truncate your name.  If the system will not accept your information, please call 483-1665.
  3. Your request is placed! The Request Confirmation screen will display the requested title and the name of the lending library.
  4. You will be notified by email when your MeLCat request is available at the LCC Library.
    Note: Be sure that the LCC Library has your current email address by logging into your library account at: http://fish.lcc.edu/patroninfo

Delivery of MeLCat requests to off-campus learning sites

  1. Call the library Checkout Desk at 517.483.1626 and ask for a circulation supervisor. Explain that you have been notified that your MeLCat item has arrived and ask to have your item sent to one of these locations:
  1. The circulation supervisor will tell you when the item will arrive at the location you specify.
  2. Present your StarCard, Michigan driver's license, or Michigan ID card when you pick up the item.
  3. You may return your MeLCat item to that location, any of the other locations listed above, or to the library on LCC's downtown campus.

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MeLCat Borrowing Periods

The regular loan period for MeLCat items is 21 days. One 21 day renewal is allowed but must not be placed earlier than 7 days before the due date. Audiovisual media often is loaned out for only 7 days, with no renewal allowed.

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Viewing MeLCat Requests and Checkouts

You can view your MeLCat requests and checkouts by viewing your LCC Library account. The status of your MeLCat items is also shown in your LCC Library account (Requested, Re-Requested, In Transit, Received, or the due date).

You can cancel a MeLCat request from within your LCC Library account for any item with the status Requested or Re-Requested if you no longer want the item.

To view your LCC Library account visit the library catalog at: https://fish.lcc.edu/patroninfo

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Renewing MeLCat Items

MeLCat items can be renewed at the LCC Library Checkout Desk or online from your LCC Library account. MeLCat items are renewed for 3 weeks from the date of the renewal request and cannot be placed earlier than 7 days before the due date.

Note: If there are holds on the item at its owning site, you will not be able to renew the item.

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Returning MeLCat Items?

You may return MeLCat items as you would return other LCC Library materials; in person or at the main drop box that is near the building's front doors.

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Troubleshooting MeLCat Requests

When a When a MeLCat item record indicates No copies available it means all copies are either checked out, missing, non-circulating, or are available for local circulation only. You should check back another time to request the material.

Entering your name and TUID information incorrectly will prevent your request from going through.

If you do not choose Lansing Community College as your home library your request will not be accepted.

Holds on your student record, expired library accounts, duplicate patron records, or information missing from your LCC Library record may prevent your request from going through.

If you have difficulty requesting an item through MeLCat contact Anna Martinez at 517.483.1665 or martia16@lcc.edu@lcc.edu/a>

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