MeL Minute

A refresher on links and IP addresses

With the recent updates to MeL, we thought a refresher on links and IP addresses would be helpful.

ACCESS TO MeL

There are three ways to access MeL eResources.

1. Visit MeL.org. The links in use at MeL.org are geoIP links. These links make it possible for anyone, anywhere in Michigan to access these resources. If a Michigan resident is accessing these links from outside Michigan, they will be prompted to authenticate by using their MI Driver’s License/State ID or their MeLCat library barcode.

NOTE: There are times when users in Michigan will get an authentication page because they may be coming from an IP address that is seen as coming from outside Michigan. This is due to different ISP configurations and will often happen when someone is using their cell phone without being connected to Wi-Fi.

1. Use the geoIP links on your organization’s website. You can find these URLs by going to the eResources section of MeL (mel.org/eresources). GeoIP links allow anyone, anywhere in Michigan access to MeL eResources.
2. Use the Direct links on your organization’s website.  You can find these URLs by going to the Library Staff section of MeL. Look in the menu on the left side of the page, under Operations. Direct links will not allow immediate access to users outside of your library. To use Direct links, it is important to have an updated IP address. Visit mcls.org/upupdates for details.

Visit this link to access instructions that include screenshots. For additional information about MeL, please visit the FAQ located in the Library Staff section of MeL.org.

UPDATING LINKS

Some of the eResources that have been renewed also have new URLs so it is important to update your links.

Renewed resources with updated URLs:

• ALL Britannica eResources
• Gale’s Opposing Viewpoints in Context
• Gale’s DemographicsNow
• Previous EBSCO links for eBooks, eBooks K-8, NoveList K-8 Plus, and LearningExpress Library
• MSU Turfgrass

IP ADDRESSES

If your IP address has changed, or you need to add or delete an IP, please visit MCLS’ site and fill out the IP Reporting Form.

Questions about these aspects of the MeL eResources should be directed to MCLS via meldatabaseshelp@mcls.org.

Brought to you by the MeL Teams at the Library of Michigan and the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services.

Want more information on MeL?  Stay tuned for the next MeL Minute available on many Michigan library listservs,  visit http://mel.org, or sign up for the MeL Minute and other Library of Michigan e-mail lists via GovDelivery. We encourage you to share MeL Minutes with your colleagues and networks.

MeL databases are available to Michigan residents or Michigan library or school access only.

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