Transcript Introducing the Michigan eLibrary

Introducing the
Michigan eLibrary
What is MeL?
MeL is the Michigan
eLibrary, a huge online
collection of information
available to Michigan
residents.
The vision for MeL is that
all Michigan residents will
have access to the
information they need,
when they need it, and in
the format they desire.
MeL resources include the following:
MeL
Databases - commercial databases purchased by the
Library of Michigan for all Michigan residents.
A subset of the databases can be searched from the MeL Gateway.
 Different combinations of databases can be selected for searching
in MeL Advanced Search.
A complete list of the MeL Databases (with links to search each one
individually) is also available.

MeL
Catalog - a catalog of state-wide library resources, with an
interlibrary loan and delivery service. MeLCat is an ever-growing
collection with the goal of all the state’s libraries participating.
MeL
Internet - a collection of more than 25,000 Internet links
organized by subject and selected by librarians who are experts in
their topic areas.
Who can use MeL?
MeL may be used by all Michigan residents.
Some MeL resources require that you login if you are not
using the resource from a Michigan school or library.
Login requires a valid library card from
a participating MeLCat library
OR a Michigan driver's license
OR state identification card number.
Who funds MeL?
This service is funded in part by the State of Michigan through
the Library of Michigan.
and the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)
via the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Can I use MeL from home or work,
or only in a school or library?
MeL can be used from home or work. You will get a log-in
screen. The system does not permanently retain the
information you enter.
Note, though, that some MeL resources require that you
login if you are using the resource from home or work.
Login requires a valid library card from
a participating MeLCat library
OR a Michigan driver's license
OR state identification number.
If you have trouble logging in,
please contact JCC Atkinson Library.
Direct your browser to mel.org
From this opening gateway screen, you can search across
multiple MeL databases using the box labeled
Search MeL for, or, by clicking on the relevant link, you can
choose a specific MeL resource to explore in greater depth.
Enter your search term/s and hit Enter or click Find It!
Your search results
will display.
Note that you have
two scroll bars
to use in examining
your results.
The inner bar shows
the databases that
have been searched.
The outer bar shows
the full list of all
results.
You can build
some
additional
parameters into
your search by
selecting
Customize
Your Search.
The MeL Advanced Search screen allows you to select
the fields to search, combinations of resource types in
which to search, specify how to group the terms…
… select the fields to search, combinations of resource
types in which to search, specify how to group the terms,
and control the number of results per page or per source.
The results will display. Every database searched will
show the results for that database.
Scroll down the list to examine your results.
Note the databases
which had no results
for your search.
Click on the blue links to examine individual records.
Your selection will be displayed in a new window.
Maximize the new window and examine the result displayed.
It will show any full-text available, or will have links to getting
the material from JCC Atkinson Library, or borrowing from
other libraries world-wide. This example shows a book which
can be borrowed.
This example shows a full-text article.
Here is the example full-text article displayed as a PDF.
Print as usual if the article is relevant to your research.
MeL Catalog
MeL Cat is Michigan’s statewide online catalog
and resources sharing system.
MeL Cat contains holdings from many Michigan libraries.
Eventually, the catalog will have more than 48 million items.
Michigan library users with active
library cards can place requests for
items without help from library staff.
The items will then be shipped to the
user’s library of choice for pick-up.
Jackson Community College’s Atkinson Library has applied to
become a Mel Cat participating library.
New libraries are added every three months.
Check for the library
most convenient for
you.
Here is a sample search for materials in Michigan libraries.
Choose a search type.
Enter search term/s
Select pickup
area, if desired.
Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the options for
examining and using your results.
To look at an item, click on
any blue link.
Your selection will display.
Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the options at
the bottom of each item’s screen.
Each record will show how many Michigan libraries own it.
You will see the libraries’ names and where to find the item in
each library.
If JCC Atkinson Library does not own the item you want, then
you should consider using the InterLibrary Loan service.
There is an Advanced Keyword search option available for
more flexibility in searching.
Enter your term/s and apply any limits that will clarify your
search.
Take advantage of the Search Tips provided at the bottom of
the screen.
MeL
Databases
MeL Databases is a collection of
commercially-produced information resources.
Links to these same databases are also
provided on the Atkinson Library home page.
Scroll down the list to familiarize yourself with
the range of topics and options.
There are many databases to suit needs from young
children to professional-level resources.
If you are researching from home or work, you
will need the login passwords available from
the Reference Desk at Atkinson Library.
Visit the Library,
email [email protected]
or call 517-796-8622
Feel free to contact a Reference Librarian for
advice or guidance while researching using
the Michigan eLibrary:
email [email protected]
call 517-796-8622
fax 517-796-8623
visit the Library in Walker Hall
Michigan eLibrary