MeLCat – A Statewide Resource Sharing System
The Traverse Area District Library (TADL) is a participating library of MeLCat, a statewide library catalog. Through MeLCat, TADL cardholders can search and request library materials from more than 400 libraries in the state of Michigan. This is great news! Why? Because in addition to the TADL network of six community libraries already offering quality collections to borrow from, TADL cardholders now have even more access to books, music, and videos through public, academic and school libraries as well as many specialized libraries throughout the state.
A link to MeLCat has been added to the TADL catalog. If an item is not available through TADL, you can simply click to search MeLCat. Materials you request on MeLCat will be delivered through the MeL delivery program free of charge. TADL patrons should expect materials to be delivered to the TADL location of their choice in 7-10 days. Most materials are borrowed for 21 days, audio visual items loan for 1 week. In order for MeLCat to work you must be a registered user in good standing (with an unexpired TADL card and below the fine threshold).
- A MeLCat ID is needed to search and request materials through MeLCat.
- Log in to “My Account” with your TADL username and password to access your MeLCat ID. Visit any TADL service desk at any TADL location to receive your online username and password.
- Titles published within the current year are not available through MeLCat.
- Did you know you can renew your own MeLCat items? Go to My MeLCat, choose the Traverse Area District Library (Home Library) from the list, click GO, type in your name and your MeLCat id and submit. This will take you to your MeLCat account where you can view your checked out items. If items can be renewed, you will be able to check their boxes to renew and renew selected. You will get a confirmation with a due date if the renewals went through. This system will automatically update the due dates in our library system. Please note: typically renewals are not accessible unless it is within 3 days of the due date. If the items are overdue, renewals are not available.
Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
In addition to MeLCat, TADL also offers a formal Interlibrary loan (ILL) service for registered TADL cardholders in good standing. Interlibrary loans can be requested at any service desk at any TADL location, via email at ill@tadl.org or by calling 231-932-8502. Non-residents of the TADL taxing district (GT County, Elmwood, Almira, Inland Townships) are assessed a non-refundable $5 fee. Should the lending institution assess a fee to TADL, this charge will be passed on to the borrower unless you have indicated that you do not wish us to borrow from institutions that charge a fee. Typically, academic libraries or those that make photocopies for us are the only institutions that charge a fee. Please contact us prior to placing your request if you have any questions or concerns. Click here for more information regarding TADL’s Interlibrary Loan Policies.