The Michigan eLibrary, or MeL, is a collection of books from libraries across the state of Michigan. If we don't have something you are looking for, you can get it through MeL, usually in just a few days! 

You can search for whatever you need in the GVSU Libraries Catalog. If we don't own the item, click the "Search Other Michigan Libraries" link to automatically search in MeL.

You can also search the MeL catalog directly:

1. Use their catalog to search for whatever you need
2. Once you find what you are looking for, click the title
3. Once on the item page, click "Get this for me!"
4. Select Grand Valley State University from the dropdown menu
5. Log in with your GVSU username and password
6. Choose the GVSU library location where you will pick up the item
7. Click submit

You will receive an email once your requested item has arrived at GVSU. This could take a few days, depending on weather and time of year. 

Once it arrives, go up to the service desk and let them know you have a MeL hold. They will get your item from behind the desk and can check it out for you as well.

MeL books can be renewed once, while MeL video materials can't be renewed. If you still need an item, but you can't renew it, let us know! We will help you find it from somewhere else.

While it may be tempting to hold onto the item, overdue charges can add up from both GVSU and the item's original library. For overdue MeL items, GVSU will charge $102.00 for each item not returned. This fee covers the replacement costs of the items. When you return the item, we will remove the replacement fee from your account. Fees from other libraries, however, are not removed from your account after the book is returned and must be paid before class registration or graduation. 

Need to borrow something MeL doesn't have?

If GVSU owns an item you can request it from us or you can borrow items from libraries around the world (through Document Delivery), all delivered to your favorite GVSU Library location.