MEL FAQ
If I use my driver's license to access a MeL database, will the Dept. of Motor Vehicles be able to locate me over some old parking tickets?
No. The database that MeL uses to verify Michigan residency does not link to your actual driving record or license information.
View a video to familiarize yourself with these databases
What does PDF mean after the name of a Web site entry or in a database results list?
PDF stands for Portable Document Format. This is a document type that requires Adobe Acrobat Reader software to be installed on your computer before you can read it. PDFs often take a long time to load and open so you may not want to click on an item marked PDF if you have a slow Internet connection.
Can I email articles to myself? How about other people?
Many of the databases allow you to mark articles for inclusion in an email. Please be aware that copyright restrictions do apply and you should never send copyrighted materials via email to another person or post copyrighted material to a Web site. You can, however, send someone a URL and, if they are a Michigan resident, they can read the article by clicking on the link.
How do you log in to LearningExpressLibrary? I keep trying from home, but it won't let me in.
The Driver's License or MeLCat library card logon for home users should allow home access, but home users need to be aware that some computer ssecurity settings might interfere with use of Learning Express Library. If you have difficulty creating an account at home, sometimes it is easier to create the account while at your local library. Then you can go home and log in as a returning user to take or review tests.
How do I know which database to use?
Some database titles are self-explanatory such as Health and Wellness Resource Center, but many databases cover more than one topic and use cryptic names. You can read through the column of topics covered at the MeL Databases page or ask your local librarian for help.
Why can't I get this eBook I found in MeLCat?
eBooks that appear in the MeLCat catalog are only accessible to patrons of that particular participating MeLCat Library. You will need to go to MeL Databases and choose NetLibrary to see the eBooks available to all Michigan residents.
Why don't I see my library in the drop-down list on MeLCat or in the list of MeLCat Participating Libraries?
Not all libraries in Michigan participate in MeLCat and the project is in a growth phase at this time. In time, many more of Michigan's libraries will participate in MeLCat.
How can I find out what the status is of items I requested through MeLCat?
Click on MyMeL at the top of any MeL page. Then choose your library.
I'm a librarian who wants to know more about MeL. Can you direct me to more technical information?
Please visit the MeL page at the Library of Michigan.
3255 Alpine Street