Request Materials
If we don’t have the materials you’re looking for, we have several alternative options to get materials to you. Please be sure to before placing your request.
How to Use MELCAT
17吃瓜 Library is part of MeLCat, a statewide library catalog. MeLCat makes it easy to borrow books and media from other Michigan libraries:
- and select "Get this from MeLCat"
- Select 17吃瓜 from the drop-down menu
- Enter your name and library card number
For students, your library card number is the fourteen-digit number on the back of your 17吃瓜 ID card. If you do not have a library card, or do not know the number, contact the library. - Wait 7–10 days for your item to arrive (you will be notified via email when the item is ready for pickup)
IMLS Funding News
MeLCat and the Michigan eLibrary are . Funding for the IMLS is in danger of being cut from the federal budget after September 2025.
If you would like to make your position on this issue known, here are the links to look up your elected representatives and their contact information:
In 2024, over one million books were loaned through MeLCat, providing patrons access to a wide range of materials not available at their local library. At 17吃瓜, this means:
- Students can fully explore any chosen topic by accessing rare, out-of-print and specialized resources from major university libraries
- Faculty can access advanced titles for developing curriculum
- Patrons can explore unique interests not represented in local collections
- Readers can continue reading a series we don’t have room to house on our shelves
- Staff can acquire multiple copies of professional development books for reading groups
- We can support students pursuing advanced degrees remotely with access to university collections
- We can easily and efficiently borrow and lend to neighboring libraries, like Traverse Area District Library
MeL also provides electronic database access to all Michigan residents, including:
- Academic database access for future 17吃瓜 students at Michigan high schools (without this resource, many students would not develop experience with academic research databases before college)
- EBSCO ebooks, which offer expert but accessible coverage of a wide range of topics across academic subject areas
- The , providing valuable resources for career readiness and test prep
- Resources for applied topics like small engine repair and automobile maintenance
What impact has MeLCat had on your life and learning?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does it cost anything to request books/articles?
This service is free of charge to all library users.
How long do requests usually take to arrive?
MeLCat (book/media) requests take an average of 7–10 days to arrive. You can check the status of your request by logging into .
Article requests can usually be fulfilled within one business day.
What if the book I want to request is showing as “no copies available” in MeLCat?
All copies at other libraries are either checked out, on hold or non-requestable. MeLCat does not keep wait lists, so if there are no available copies, you cannot place a request. Use our to request items that are unavailable through MeLCat.
Where/how do I pick up my item(s)?
Books and media requested through MeLCat are held at the library service desk for 10 days. Bring your ID/library card when you come to pick up.
Articles will be emailed to you directly.
How will I be notified when my item(s) are ready?
You will be notified by email when your request is available for pickup. If we don’t have an email address on file, we’ll call you.
How long can I keep my borrowed MeLCat items?
Most MeLCat items check out for four weeks, with an option of one renewal. Some media items have a shortened loan period of 14 days with an option of one renewal. Items must be within seven days of the due date to be eligible for renewal. To renew, log into or call the library.
MeLCat Users Say:
"I use MeLCat during the summers when I'm developing new curriculum and assignments for freshman composition classes and also for researching my own writing topics. I find it a highly valuable resource especially since we are in a more rural, remote location. Cutting this service would be a blow to the professional development and personal growth of patrons throughout our region."
–Judy C., 17吃瓜 Faculty
"Interlibrary loan is one of the modern wonders of the world. It is incredibly efficient–instead of every library striving to have every resource, libraries can economize by sharing their resources. Particularly for folks like myself who have niche interests, I know I can get pretty much any book in the world through interlibrary loan. Losing MeLCat would be a tremendous loss, and terribly short-sighted. People of all ages, persuasions, and political backgrounds gain tremendous value from this program."
–Kyle F., 17吃瓜 Staff
"MeLCat is a wonderful resource for students, community members, and lifelong learners who live in rural areas with smaller libraries. I have used MeLCat as a student and as a community member and hope that the funding for this worthwhile resource continues."
–Cathy B., 17吃瓜 Staff