MacGuidwin online tutorial v.3

ACCESSING MATERIALS NOT FOUND IN YOUR

LIBRARYEmma MacGuidwinLIS 7880

November 3, 2013

If you cannot find the item you’re looking for after searching in your local library’s catalog, expand your search to include your library’s cooperative• The Printing Revolution in Early

Modern Europe, by Elizabeth L. Eisenstein Image: Lakeland Library

Cooperative (2013a).

Lakeland Library Cooperative (2013b).

Stop and Reflect

Why do you think libraries join cooperatives?

Possible answer: The Lakeland Library Cooperative “strengthens member libraries in eight west Michigan counties by providing the means to share resources, services and expertise for the benefit of individuals and communities.” Source: Lakeland Library Cooperative (2013c).

Still no luck? Try MeLCat• A network that makes titles held by

any participating library available to users of another MeL library

Michigan eLibrary (2013a).

Basics of MeLCat• Request a book

through your local library, using your library card ID.

• You can then have it delivered to your local library.

• Loan period is slightly shorter.

Your home library’s catalog should have a link to search MeLCat, or you can search directly at www.mel.org

Lakeland Library Cooperative (2013b).

Select the field, and enter search terms

Michigan eLibrary (2013b)

MeL results page: libraries that have the item

Michigan eLibrary (2013c)

Most academic and many public libraries in Michigan participate

Stop and reflect: What might be some of the benefits of MeL to library patrons?

Possible answer: Provides “easy-to-use interlibrary loan system to allow Michigan residents to borrow books and other library materials for free from participating Michigan libraries.” Source: Michigan eLibrary (2013d)

Test your knowledge!

True or False: A library cooperative often consists of libraries that are in close geographical proximity to one another.

• Answer: True (this allows the member libraries to easily share resources and services)

Test your knowledge!

Which of the following is not a benefit to borrowers when their libraries participate in MeL?A. They have access to many more titles than

their own library holds.B. They can borrow materials for the same length

of time as if they were in their local library.C. They can have materials delivered to their local

library.

• Answer: B. The loan period is not always as long as it would be if the item were checked out from the borrower’s local library.

Thanks for your attention!

Please evaluate this online tutorial by emailing to me your answer to the following question.I found this tutorial to be:A. Very helpful.B. Somewhat helpful.C. Not helpful at all.Please explain your choice, and email me your answer at [email protected].

References

• Eisenstein, E. L. (2005). The Printing Revolution in Early Modern Europe (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.

• Lakeland Library Cooperative (2013a). Home page: map of west Michigan counties [Online image]. Retrieved from http://www.lakeland.lib.mi.us/

• Lakeland Library Cooperative (2013b). Fact Sheet. Retrieved from http://www.lakeland.lib.mi.us/misc/facts2013.pdf

• Lakeland Library Cooperative (2013c). Advanced Keyword Search. Retrieved from http://lakenet.llcoop.org/search/

• Michigan eLibrary (2013a). Home page. Retrieved from www.mel.org

• Michigan eLibrary (2013b). Quick MeLCat Search. Retrieved from http://elibrary.mel.org/search

• Michigan eLibrary (2013c). Results page. Retrieved from http://elibrary.mel.org/search/a?searchtype=t&searcharg=the+printing+revolution+in+early+modern+europe&SORT=D&searchscope=15&submit.x=74&submit.y=9

• Michigan eLibrary (2013d). About MeL: Mission Statement. Retrieved from http://www.mel.org/index.php?P=MeL--AboutMeL