MelCat and Interlibrary Loan
When the resources of the Mossey Library are not sufficient, Hillsdale College students, faculty and staff may borrow materials from other libraries via our MeLCat and Interlibrary Loan (ILL) services. Millions of specialized books and others materials are available from thousands of libraries throughout Michigan, the United States and many other countries.
Need Help?
You may phone Judy Leising (517-607-2407) or email her at judy.leising@hillsdale.edu. Also, feel free to stop at the ILL Office, located near the Reference Desk, Monday - Friday from 8:30 until 5 pm.
Frequently Asked Questions About MeLCat and ILL:
- What is MeLCat?
- What is ILL?
- How do I request materials?
- How do I renew these materials?
- How long does it take for materials to arrive?
- How will I know when materials arrive and where do I pick them up?
- How long may I keep the materials?
- Who may use these services?
- What kinds of materials may I request?
- Is there a limit on how many items I can order?
- How much do these services cost?
- What are the fines for overdue materials?
*******************************************************************
- What is MeLCat? Top
MeLCat is the state of Michigan's virtual library catalog. Many Michigan libraries have pooled their catalogs to create a statewide system where users of one library can request and borrow items from another. Participating libraries include University of Michigan-Dearborn, Michigan State University, Western Michigan University, many public libraries such as the Capital Area District Library system, and many more. For a list of the participating libraries, click here.
-
What is ILL? Top
Interlibrary Loan is a cooperative system similar to MeLCat among libraries nationwide. Items unavailable through Mossey Library or MeLCat may be obtained through this service. - How do I request materials? Top
Whereas MeL items can be requested directly from the catalog, ILL items must be requested by filling out a form (available at the circulation desk and online) and returning it to the ILL office by email or in person. -
How do I renew these materials? Top
In most cases you may renew MeL or ILL materials. To renew MeL items, simply log onto your library account through the library catalog, select the appropriate items, and click renew. For ILL items, call (ext. 2407), email, or stop by the ILL Office about one week before the due date and we will attempt to renew the items. -
How long does it take for materials to arrive? Top
MeL items generally arrive very quickly. Since we receive MeL delivery each business day, you might request a book Monday and receive it Thursday or Friday. ILL can take on average up to a week, and depending on the availability of the item, it may take longer. Using either MeL or ILL requires planning and conducting your research at least three weeks in advance. -
How will I know when materials arrive and where may I pick them up? Top
We will email or call you when your items arrive, and you may pick them up at the circulation desk. -
How long may I keep the materials? Top
MeL items usually check out for three weeks - some AV materials are restricted to one week. ILL items loan for about one month. When you pick up the book, a date due slip will be attached to the book. You can also check your library circulation record to keep track of books borrowed from other libraries. -
Who may use these services? Top
All Hillsdale College full-time faculty, staff, and students who are currently enrolled may use MeLCat and ILL services. Persons who have been blocked because of fines, overdue books, or other circumstances will be blocked from using MeLCat or ILL services until all accounts have been cleared. -
What kinds of materials may I request? Top
We will try to fill all of your requests, but many libraries will not send fragile and rare books, audiovisual items, microforms, dissertations, reference books, and books recently acquired. -
Is there a limit on how many items I can order? Top
You may have 50 MeL items on hold at one time. For ILL there is currently no limit; we do ask, however, that you use this service carefully and judiciously. -
How much do these services cost? Top
Thanks to tuition fees and other donations, the library does not charge directly for MeL or ILL and other library services. Because the library does incur borrowing costs however, we ask that you use these services carefully and judiciously. You are responsible for replacement costs for lost or damaged items and for overdue items. -
What are the fines for overdue materials? Top
Fines for MeL are 50c per day; fines for ILL are 20c per day.