MeL and Online Learning Resources

What is MeL?
The Michigan eLibrary (MeL) is a statewide service of the Library of Michigan, an agency of the Michigan Department of Education. The Library of Michigan works with the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) to provide MeL services. The mission statement for MeL is:
"Administered by the Library of Michigan in partnership with Michigan's libraries of all types, the Michigan eLibrary will provide all Michigan residents with free access to online full-text articles, full-text books, digital images, and other valuable research information at any time via the Internet; and provide an easy-to-use interlibrary loan system to allow Michigan residents to borrow books and other library materials for free from participating Michigan libraries. For more information please click here.

Where do I go to search for a book that our library does not have?
If you have searched our library catalog and the book you want is not available in any of our cooperative's libraries you will search MeLCat using this link. For more advanced searches in other languages or to get tips on expanding or limiting your search like a professional try this MeLCat link.
Only books can be borrowed through MeL. It can take up to 6 weeks for the item to arrive at our library. Loaning libraries have the right to charge up to $100.01 for items that are damaged or lost through MeL. This does not mean you would be charged that much, just that libraries have the right to charge up to that amount.

If you pick up holds at our library but have a card number that starts with 2130900 you will need to choose Howard Miller Public Library as your library, even though your card says Herrick District Library.

What kind of Databases are available to adults?

There are over 75 databases (and many of these databases have dozens of journals, newspaper, or other such resources) for you to look through. Subjects include:

Academic Articles
Associate Programs
Auto Repair
Business
Early Literacy
eBooks
Educators and Library Staff
Family History
Health
Humanities
Jobs and Careers
Kids
Legal
Life Skills
Newspapers and Journals
Readers' Advisory
Reference
Spanish Language
STEM
Teens
Test Prep

Find the complete list of eResources here. This link also provides you with the option to watch a video or go directly to the database's Help webpage.

Most Popular eResources:

AtoZdatabases: The premier reference and marketing database marketed to Library, Academic, and Government institutions throughout the US. A useful reference product for library patrons such as: job seekers, small business owners, entrepreneurs, students, marketing researchers, career counselors, and so many more.

AutoMate: Repair information and schedules, diagrams, parts and labor estimates, service alerts, and recalls. Covers thousands of domestic and imported vehicles.

Britannica School: Nonfiction content geared for K-12 students. Includes over 132,000 encyclopedia, 103,000 images, 7,500 multimedia elements, more than 27,000 eBooks, and novels and essays. Tools include translation for 50+ languages and read-aloud functionality. Includes Lexile ranges and alignment with Michigan Department of Education Academic Standards across a variety of subjects.

Consumer Reports: Provides clear reviews of commonly purchased products. Consumer Reports uses careful research, consumer insights, journalism, and policy expertise to help you inform purchase decisions. Also works to improve the products and services that businesses deliver, and drive regulatory and fair competitive practices. You can search by year.

LearningExpress Library: Includes a resume builder you can save, edit, and print. Over 700 courses, practice tests, tutorials, eBooks, and flashcards. Practice tests include ACT, SAT, PSAT, and TOEFL, as well as trade certification, civil service, math and reading tests, and U.S. citizenship. Create a free account to access tools to help you do well on your college admissions tests and essay.

MasterFILE Complete: Broad collection of popular full-text magazines and reference books. Contains Consumer Reports. Covers subjects including: Business, health, education, fitness, sports and leisure, personal finance, general science, multicultural issues, DIY, and fashion. Also includes photos, maps, and flags.

MyHeritage Library Edition: Family history resource including more than 6 billion historical records from the United States, Europe, Latin America, and other regions. Includes the full USA federal census (1790-1940); census of England and Wales (1841-1901); U.S. World War II Army Enlistment as well as records of Union and Confederate Civil War soldiers. Over 2 billion family trees.

NoveList Plus: Contains information on over 260,000 fiction and readable nonfiction titles. Features lists of award-winning books, book discussion guides, Read-a-like recommendations, and complete series information. Also includes reader ratings and reviews. Create your own reading list.

Opposing Viewpoints in Context: Provides different views about issues that help students develop critical thinking skills. This resource brings balance and perspective to contemporary issues using arguments from experts.

Are there digital resources for children?

Absolutely! MeL offers a variety of resources for elementary and middle school students. Many of the sites require an account. Use your library card and email to sign up when necessary. To get to the MeL page dedicated to resources for children click here.

Databases and their descriptions:

Britannica Learning Zone: Pre K - 2nd grade. Play and read to learn letters, numbers, shapes, and more.

Britannica School Elementary: Grades 3-4. Find information on countries, animals, and people. Watch and learn with videos, games, and activities.

Britannica School Middle: Grades 5-7. Find maps, photos, articles, and famous people and places. Compare countries and tour the U.S.A. For homework help and your curiosity.

Early World of Learning: Grades PreK-3. Follow Trek and Taffy the cat around the world. Share their love of colors, numbers, and other fun things. Come inside for stories and pictures.

eBook K-8 Collection: Titles that support K-8 students across all subject areas. You may access the full text of these eBooks from your computer, or download titles to most popular portable devices. Some books are available in languages other than English.

Enciclopedia Estudiantil Hallazgos: Designed for young Spanish speaking students or those learning Spanish as a second language. Full text articles, maps, flags, and more. Dozens of the hands-on activities and links to Spanish language websites. Also includes a visual dictionary.

Explora for Primary Schools: For elementary school libraries. You can use your library card and PIN to sign into this. Content from children's magazines, easy-to-read encyclopedia entries, and images. Students can learn about animals, musicians, fitness, space exploration, and much more.

NoveList K-8 Plus: Find just the right book by subject, age, awards won, books made into movies, and much more. Read reviews and learn about the author. Create your own reading wish list.

School Center from LearningExpress Library: Grades 4 through 12 skills improvement in math, writing and grammar, reading comprehension, social studies, and vocabulary and spelling through tests, eBooks, and tutorials. Create a free account to access tools to help you do well in school.

World Book Kids: Grades Pre K-5. Easy-to-read content for elementary school learners. Hundreds of activities, science projects and experiments.

ABCya: Free and for pay options. Grade PreK-5. Games to improve reading, numbers, letters, spelling, and language skills. Features some Spanish games.

Bedtime Math: Resources are used to advance the mission of helping kids learn to love math. Daily math problems, a bedtime math book, Crazy 8s Club, Math on the Go printable games to use during car time, and short, fun videos for solving math problems.

Fun Brain: Strengthen your brain cells by playing math arcade games, reading popular ebooks such as, "Galactic Hot Dogs" and "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" and getting creative with MadLibs Junior. (Beginning Reader Friendly).

PBS Kids: Games and stories from your favorite PBS shows!

Starfall: Read beginning-reader books online. Don't know a word? No problem! You can click any word and have it read to you. Books are colorful and fun, featuring plays, nonfiction, and comics.

Storyline Online: Watch and listen to famous actors read popular children's picture books. Videos can be viewed on YouTube or SchoolTube. Activity guides featuring book summary, related activities, internet activities, and author biography are available in PDF.

MeL and Online Learning Resources

If you pick up holds at our library but have a card number that starts with 2130900 you will need to choose Howard Miller Public Library as your library, even though your card says Herrick District Library.

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