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Need some support?
- What resources are included in the statewide eResource collection?
- How are eResources chosen?
- How is the Michigan eLibrary funded, and how long will we have access to the current collection of eResources?
- Can my library have access to all eResources?
- How can my library sign up for access to the eResources?
- I see something on the form that asks for IP address. What's that all about?
- Is access by IP address recognition possible?
- Our library doesn’t have an IP range because we use dial-up for our Internet. Can we still participate?
- Which URLs do I embed on my library website, so my patrons have access to them?
- How can I find magazines with full-text articles?
- How do I keep current with information about the MeL eResources?
- What organizations support the MeL eResources?
- What about Training?
1. What resources are included in the statewide eResource collection?
There are over 70 eResources in the Michigan eLibrary (MeL). For the complete listing, visit the MeL eResources page.
Approximately one year prior to the expiration of a contract, the Library of Michigan issues a Request for Proposals (RFP). Vendors who are chosen to participate provide trial access to their products for a team of librarians across the state and from all types of libraries who test and evaluate the products. These evaluations are considered by the Library of Michigan staff who make the final determination, negotiate contracts and implement the projects.
The Michigan eLibrary is made possible through Library Services and Technology Act funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and through legislatively appropriated funds from the State of Michigan.
Our current collection of eResources is contracted through September 30, 2026.
4. Can my library have access to all MeL eResources?
Yes! All Michigan residents are eligible to access MeL eResources. Your library can play a vital role in connecting your community with MeL. Click here to learn more about how access is provided statewide.
5. How can my library sign up for access to the eResources?
If you would like to register for the MeL eResources, please fill out the this request form.
6. I see something on the form that asks for IP address. What's that all about?
Most eResource vendors use the Internet Protocol (IP) address assigned to your local area network when you were connected to the Internet. These numbers tell the vendor that you are authorized to have access to the eResources. Because the vendor authenticates users by IP address, you will not be asked for a password or account number when you access the eResources. This means that library patrons and staff can connect to the eResources by simply clicking on an icon or hyperlink on your library's home page. Please note: your library's IP must be static (does not change) and dedicated (is used only by your library, no other location in your community).
To report any addition or change in your library's IP address, please use the IP Reporting Form.
7. Is access by IP address recognition possible?
Yes. Any participating library can arrange for IP address access. To report any addition or change in your library's IP address, please use the IP Reporting Form.
Yes, you can. Your access will, however, be authenticated using passwords and not recognized by the IP address registered. To receive more detailed information, please email MeL eResources Support Staff. We encourage all libraries to have static, dedicated IP addresses to use the MeL eResources.
9. Which URLs can I embed on my library website, so my patrons have access to them?
These instructions will walk you through the different types of URLs you can use on your library website.
10. How can I find magazines with full-text articles?
View the list of publications offering full-text articles here. This list can also be found by going to www.mel.org and clicking on the eJournals link found at the very top of the home page.
The EBSCO website contains lists of all titles indexed in their collection. These lists also indicate which titles are available in full-text online. See the EBSCO title list for more information.
11. How do I keep current with information about the MeL eResources?
The best way to stay current is to visit the MeL website on a regular basis. You can also subscribe to the MeL eResources electronic mailing list for tips on making the most of this wonderful resource.
12. What organizations support the Michigan eLibrary?
The MeL team is comprised of staff from the Library of Michigan and the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services. Administration and marketing support staff are located at the Library of Michigan. The Library of Michigan contracts with the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services for library training and technical support.
The Library of Michigan contracts with the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services to offer free MeL training for library and K-12 staff members.
