MeLCat is Good to Go!

Those who are familiar with the Michigan eLibrary, or MeL, may be aware that we've been unable to directly connect new patrons to interlibrary loan services for some time, as we've been enduring the lengthy process of having our systems connected electronically.

Now, at long last, we have our systems coordinated so that as soon as a patron is registered into PDL's system, they will be automatically and without delay be connected to MeL!

🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉 Hooray!!! 🎉🎊🎉🎊🎉🎊🎊

Previously, we would have to manually send information from each and every patron who registered at our library to the folks at MeL, who would then have to upload that information into their system - a lengthy process prone to errors, and which would need to be repeated if a patron needed to replace their card.  This automatic registration will streamline that process, because it is automatic and instantaneous - a reward well worth the wait, even if some of us have been waiting for a long time!

Utilizing MeL services is simple and convenient - just go to MeL's website and search for the book or media you would like to borrow.  Once you've found it, you will simply need to select "Portland District Library" from the drop-down menu, enter your name as is listed on your PDL account, and type in the 5 digits of your library card number*.

(*Note: Our library cards usually have a format of P 17760 [for example]. You do not need to type in the P when entering your card number on MeL - just the numbers.)

Type the title or subject of the item you'd like to borrow in the search bar.

Scroll through the list of available materials - click the title to see more detailed info, or click the grey "Get this from MeLCat" button to request it.

When all is said and done, it should look something like this.

Click "Submit", and you're good to go!

After you have requested a book for the first time, you will then be able to log into MyMeLCat from the home page to view the status of your request, cancel unfulfilled requests, and renew books you are not finished with yet.  Materials checked out from MeL will also be visible through PDL's online portal, for your convenience!

Please note that MeL materials can only be renewed once, and can only be renewed through MyMeLCat.  If you try to renew them yourself through PDL's online portal, it will not renew the books through MeL!  We at the library are also able to help if you just can't sign in to renew your books.

To access MyMeLCat, just click on this link at the top of the page. Logging in is the same process as entering your card info above.

This is a lot of information, so if I've missed anything here or if it just plain doesn't make sense, be sure to call us up or stop by the desk for assistance.  We are always happy to help!